EPN

MAPD4000 Philosophy of Science and Design Research Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Philosophy of Science and Design Research
Study programme
Masterstudium i produktdesign – design for kompleksitet
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2022/2023
Curriculum
FALL 2022
Schedule
Course history

Introduction

Design has evolved into a discipline that aims to make a positive impact in many different aspects of nature and society. As a result, designers find themselves in increasingly cross-disciplinary and multimodal environments, where they need to discover, investigate, define problems, and support claims based on evidence gained through universal scientific and academic practices. In this course, students will gain the ability to conduct scientific design research and develop an understanding of its relevance to practice.    

Required preliminary courses

Admission to the Master's 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 philosophical underpinnings of scientific research 
  • various theories and methods in science and design research  
  • ethical implications of scientific and professional work 

Skills 

The student is able to  

  • plan and complete their own research projects 
  • identify, discuss and evaluate relevant research theories and methods 
  • integrate academic scientific methods and rigor in practice based and creative research 
  • write articles according to universal academic standards 

General competence 

The student 

  • has a developed understanding of academic and practical design research and its relevance to practice 

Content

  • History and philosophy of science 
  • Scientific research methods 
  • Ethics in research and professional work 
  • Research by design 
  • Studio workshop experiments 

Teaching and learning methods

The most important teaching and learning methods for this course are lectures, seminars, group work, self-study, studio work and tutoring.

Course requirements

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

  • Attendance of minimum 80% 
  • 2 milestone deliverables (oral presentation and/or written) 
  • One written assignment (2500 - 4000 words) 

Assessment

Individual or group assignment, consisting of: 

  • Individual written home examination, 2500 - 4000 words long, or in accordance with specifications set by a publication channel of the student's choice 
  • Students can choose to work in groups, but must submit 1 (one) written assignment per student 
  • Language: English or Norwegian

The examination result can be appealed.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All aids allowed

Grading scale

Grade scale A-F

Examiners

Two internal. External examiner is used periodically.