EPN-V2

MAEN5300 Research Methods and Ethics Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Forskningsmetoder og etikk
Study programme
Master’s Programme in Civil Engineering
Master's Degree Programme in Energy and Environment in Buildings - part-time
Master's Degree Programme in Energy and Environment in Buildings
Weight
5.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Curriculum
FALL 2025
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

This course will provide an opportunity for students to establish their understanding of research through critical exploration of research language, ethics, and approaches. Particular emphasis is placed on elucidating research methods and research ethical issues that are relevant to engineering students.

Required preliminary courses

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

Learning outcomes

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:

  • Knowledge of the concept of "scientific knowledge" and the various methods for producing knowledge such as experimenting, modeling, and statistical methods.
  • 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 scientific misconduct.

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 research

General competence

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
  • searching online scientific databases to find relevant information

Teaching and learning methods

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

Course requirements

The following coursework requirements must be approved to be eligible for the exam:

The students must have individual reflection notes from the sessions they participated (approx. 2-3 pages per note) approved and linked to 80% of the total lectures.

Assessment

Group work, written project report of 20 pages.

Each group should be between 3 - 4 students.

Students can appeal against the grade awarded for the report.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All aids allowed.

Grading scale

Graded scale A to F.

Examiners

One internal examiner. External examiners are used regularly.

Course contact person

Allen Tadayon