MAPD4000 Philosophy of Science and Design Research Course description

Design has evolved into a discipline that aims to make a positive impact on various aspects of nature and society. Consequently, 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 develop the ability to conduct scientific design research and gain an understanding of its relevance to practice.

Admission to the Master's 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 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 coherence in practice based and creative research

General competence

The student

• has a developed understanding of academic and practical design research and its relevance to practice
• -can contribute to collaboration for the sustainability goals

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

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

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)

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 after discussion with course leader, in Norwegian

The examination result can be appealed.

All aids allowed

Grade scale A-F

Two internal. External examiner is used periodically.