EPN-V2

MJ4800 Work as a Research Assistant Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Vitenskapelig assistent
Study programme
Master's Programme in Media Development
Master's Programme in Media Development, part-time
Master Programme in Journalism
Master Programme in Journalism
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • has advanced knowledge of how science is put to use and how it shapes and is shaped by society
  • has thorough knowledge of how the media represents science, scientific uncertainty and risks

Skills

The student

  • is able to critically analyze practical journalistic work and science writing which covers scientific issues or uses scientists as expert sources
  • is able to critically use this knowledge to explore other ways of representing science and science related issues in journalistic work and science writing
  • has developed and perfected his/her science journalism and/or science writing
  • can apply relevant methods to explore this area of journalism and science writing
  • can inspire colleagues and students to reflect on the role of science in society and journalism/science writing
  • is able to communicate key issues in the research area Science and the media

General competence

The student

  • is able to analyze professional and occupational issues as well as questions in research ethics
  • is well qualified to present academic scientific work as well as analysis of journalistic and science writing material and is able to give and receive constructive criticism and response
  • is able to discuss ethical issues in science
  • has acquired journalistic and/or science writing skills through practice and increased knowledge of the scientific processes and science reporting

Required preliminary courses

Ingen forkunnskapskrav.

Learning outcomes

Individuell mappevurdering. 10 innleveringer (læringsnotater, video)

Ny og utsatt eksamen, eller dersom studenten har levert til stryk, må studenten levere læringsnotater og videoer inn på nytt innen frist for ny/utsatt eksamen.

Eksamensresultat kan påklages.

Content

The most important content of the course is the pedagogical interaction between the staff's academic personnel and the student. The student will conduct a scientific work more closely agreed upon under the supervision of an academic member of staff. Through empirical studies and critical reflection the student will acquire insight and skills to carry out an academic work that maintains a good scientific standard. The course will provide the student with both practical skills, which are useful for later work on the master's thesis, and provide theoretical and practical competence that is useful for ongoing research in the expert community at the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.

Teaching and learning methods

Emnet består av forelesninger, seminarer, pensumstudier, eget skrivearbeid og veiledning i grupper og individuelt.

Undervisningen foregår fysisk, på campus.

Course requirements

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Assessment

Alle hjelpemidler er tillatt så lenge regler for kildehenvisning følges.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

Ragnhild Kristine Olsen

Grading scale

Pass/non-pass

Examiners

The report will be evaluated by an internal and an external examiner.

Course contact person

Harald Hornmoen