EPN-V2

MAVIT4050 Theory of Science and Research Methods Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Vitenskapsteori og forskningsmetode
Study programme
Interdisciplinary Advanced Programme in Mental Health and Addiction - Full Time
Suplementary Education in Cardiological Nursing
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Physiotherapy for Children and Adolescents
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Physiotherapy for the older adult
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Empowerment and Health Promotion
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Nutrition Competencies for Health Professionals
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Nutrition Competencies for Health Professionals
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Rehabilitation and Habilitation
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Public Health Nursing
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Nursing; Clinical Research and Professional Development
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Cancer Nursing
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Health
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Psychomotor Physiotherapy
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Public Health Nutrition
Master’s Programme in Health Sciences – Interdisciplinary Specialisation in Mental Health and Addiction, part-time
Master's Programme in Health Sciences
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Occupational Therapy
Interdisciplinary Advanced Programme in Mental Health and Addiction - Part Time
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Curriculum
FALL 2025
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

The work and teaching methods used in the course are characterised by lectures and dialogue and discussions, to which the students bring their own different practical experience and academic backgrounds. See the general programme description for further details.

Recommended preliminary courses

Required preliminary courses

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

  • One group-work assignment to prepare a presentation about prescribed reading(s) of 5-10 minutes (the mode may vary - e.g. a podcast, seminar presentation, an equivalent written text of 700-1000 words).
  • 80 % attendance requirement (see the programme description for more information).

The purpose of the coursework requirement 1 is to contribute to students’ academic formation in the analysis of published academic work and presentation of results. Requirement 3 is designed to ensure high levels of participation in the coursework and program, to support students’ academic formation.

Learning outcomes

The assessment consists of an individual six-hour written examination with invigilation.

Resit/rescheduled exam:

The resit/rescheduled exam is organised in the same way as the ordinary exam.

Teaching and learning methods

Bilingual dictionary (book, not digital)

Course requirements

A grade scale with A being the highest grade and E the poorest pass grade is used. The grade F means that the student has failed the exam.

Assessment

All submitted papers will be assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

The academic content of this course is centred on the concept of knowledge production, with particular reference to the Global South. It consists of some ‘philosophy of science’ covering core paradigms about knowledge production and how we can know about the world. This is extended to consideration of Global South / North dynamics in the production and dissemination of knowledge, including in formal education, and their relationship to models of and approaches to (sustainable) development. Decolonial challenges to European universalism are addressed, including questions of the use and place of languages in education and knowledge production, differential economic and political power, and associated histories of development.

Grading scale

Grade scale A-F.

Examiners

Two examiners control the exam questions and answers.An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

Overlapping courses

The course overlaps 100% with MAABI4050, MASYK4050, MASYD4050, MAPO4050, MAPSD4050, ABIO6050, KREFT6050, KREFT6200, KARD6050, PSY6050, VPSYD6050, PSYD6050, HEL6050, and BIT6000.

10 ECTS overlap with MASY4050.