EPN-V2

ACIT4100 Understanding and Communicating Research Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Understanding and Communicating Research
Study programme
Master's Programme in Applied Computer and Information Technology
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Curriculum
FALL 2025
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

This course offers an introduction to the practice of writing and reading academic literature. Communicating properly, both in written and oral form, is a cornerstone of research. This course therefore also contains an element of rhetoric and writing techniques. The course will cover common concepts from research methods, such as qualitative and quantitative methods. A brief introduction of the philosophy of science helps us put the vast variations of research in context. Finally, the course introduces research and professional ethics.

Required preliminary courses

Basic knowledge of the structure and functions of the body, and the interaction between them is vital to working as a paramedic. This provides a basis for studying the structures and functions of and injuries to different organs. The course also provides knowledge about the body's normal physiological processes at rest, at work and during different types of physical and mental strain and loads.

Learning outcomes

Admission to the programme.

Content

The course will guide the student through a series of topics related to research and how research is communicated. The topics range from debate and rhetoric, philosophy of science, writing genres, narrative templates to professional ethics and plagiarism.

Throughout the course, the student will also search for and collect research literature on a topic of their own chosing. This literature will be organized and categorized in such a way that it allows the students to look for patterns and commonalities. The literature will also form the backbone of a popular science essay, which the student works on throughout the course.

The weeks are organized so that the students own search for material is combined with relevant topics and training on how to read, understand and summarize it. Towards the end of the course, more emphasis will be on writing and communication, where the students will look for ways to best communicate their findings. Each student will record a video presentation of their chosen topic in order to test the outline of their essay.

The role of the expert, either as a professional expert or a researcher in academia, will be discussed at several points in the course. In addition, we look at the interplay between the public and the impact technology has on society.

Teaching and learning methods

All modules will be taught as lectures / seminars with assignments for students. Throughout the course, students will work on an individual essay from their own specialization topic. The essay will contain:

  • a literature survey
  • a discussion on the methods applied by the researchers in the material reviewed in their survey
  • a discussion on the ethical challenges related their topic both with regard to the research applied and relative to uses in society

The essay will give the opportunity for the student to tie together all modules in this course into a cohesive document.

Course requirements

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

  • minimum attendance of 90% at simulation and skills training
  • minimum attendance of 80% in study groups and seminars

Assessment

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Supervised individual written exam, 6 hours

Examiners: All papers are assessed by two examiners. A minimum of twenty per cent of the exam papers will be assessed by an external examiner. The external examiner's assessment shall benefit all the students.

Assessment: Grade scale A'F

Permitted exam materials and equipment

None.

Grading scale

Gradert skala A-F

Examiners

Alle besvarelser vurderes av to sensorer. Ekstern sensor vurderer minimum 20 prosent av besvarelsene. Ekstern sensors vurdering skal komme alle studentene til gode.

Course contact person

Associate Professor Kyrre Begnum