MAEN5300 Research Methods and Ethics Course description

The course will serve as a preparation for the planning and implementation of the Master's thesis. Particular emphasis is placed on elucidating research methods and research ethical issues that are relevant to the engineering students' planning and implementation of a master's thesis.

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements for the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has:

• in-depth knowledge of the research process for the Master’s thesis

• knowledge of induction, deduction and abduction as scientific approaches

• knowledge of the structure and content of scientific articles and dissertations

• knowledge for assessing research ethical issues related to one’s own project

• knowledge of the characteristics of situations that can be considered plagiarism and corruption

• knowledge of the organization and funding of research in Norway and in Europe

• knowledge of common problems and possible solutions in connection with the completion of a master's thesis

Skills

The student is capable of:

• applying relevant methods for research or development work in one’s own work

• using online search technology to find relevant information

• applying relevant resources for clarifying and finding solutions to ethical issues

• using relevant technological knowledge and scientific methods and principles when planning and conducting the Master's thesis

General competance

The student is capable of:

• conducting an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in line with current research ethics norms

• evaluating research ethical issues in connection with the planning and implementation of a master's thesis

• analyzing complex technological issues and contributing to innovative and sustainable solutions

The teaching will consist of participation in lectures and project work.

The following work requirements must be approved in order to be qualified for the exam:

Written concise project description of the student's master's thesis, approximately one A4-page. Must be used for selection of master's theses and must therefore be available for the teachers after submission.

One individual written project report of approx. 10-15 pages.

Students can appeal against the grade awarded for the report.

Anything.

Graded scale A to F.

One internal examiner. External examiners are used regularly.