EPN

MGVM4100 Philosophy of Science and Research Methods Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Vitenskapsteori og metode
Study programme
Masterstudium i digitalt læringsdesign / Grunnskolelærerutdanning for trinn 1-7 / Lærerutdanning i praktiske og estetiske fag for trinn 1–13, kroppsøving og idrettsfag / Grunnskolelærerutdanning for trinn 5-10 / Masterstudium i skolerettet utdanningsvitenskap med fordypning i skolefag, pedagogikk eller utdanningsledelse
Weight
15.0 ECTS
Year of study
2022/2023
Curriculum
SPRING 2023
FALL 2022
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

Philosophy of science is a tool for students’ development of their thesis. The course provides an overview of important scientific traditions and positions and on different theoretical approaches. Research methods should be seen in the context of both the philosophy of science and future work with the Master thesis and a career as a teacher.  

The tuition is in English if English speaking students attend the course. 

Recommended preliminary courses

No prerequisites required. 

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student will have acquired the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and general competence. 

Knowledge 

The student 

  • has advanced knowledge of scientific thinking 
  • has in-depth knowledge of different methodological approaches to collection, processing and analysis of research data 
  • has in-depth knowledge of research ethics 

Skills 

The student 

  • can use knowledge of philosophy of science and scientific methods to analyse and relate critically to national and international research 
  • can use relevant methods for research and development work in an independent manner 

General competence 

The student 

  • has a theoretical and methodical basis for planning and evaluating research and development work that contributes to innovation in school 
  • can apply academic standards in research connected to principles such as credibility, validity and realibility 
  • can use ethical judgment in relation to one's own role as researcher  

Content

Although the sub themes of Philosophy of Science and Research Methods are presented separately below, they should be seen in connection so that the students can understand relationship between forms of knowledge and approaches. 

Philosophy of Science includes (among other themes): 

  • an introduction to different positions in philosophy of science and their place in educational research 
  • issues related to teaching, professional development and learning in light of various positions in philosophy of science 
  • research ethics 

Research Methods include, among outher things: 

  • joint scientific methodological concepts, including general reliability and validity issues 
  • different research methods with particular relevance to educational contexts  
  • knowledge of research design and application of research methodology in masters work 

Teaching and learning methods

The working methods are lectures, seminars, and work tasks. Central concepts are discussed in lectures and seminars, in addition the students must carefully read the course literature to become familiar with the relevant theories and methods. 

Course requirements

No obligatory assignments. 

Assessment

The exam is an individual written exam with the duration of six hours.  

New/postponed exam 

The new/postponed exam will be conducted in the same way as the ordinary exam. 

Permitted exam materials and equipment

No assistance is allowed.

Grading scale

Grades scaled from A-F, with E being the lowest pass grade. 

Examiners

The examination is assessed by two internal examiners. 

An external programme supervisor is used according to OsloMet’s guidelines to appointing and use of examiners.