MSL4200 Research Methods and Theory of Science Course description

The students must acquire the knowledge and skills required to plan and execute the empirical part of the master's thesis in public management. The course provides an overview of the different phases of a research process and raises fundamental issues relating to theory of science. Students should also be able to relate to international research. 

Language of instruction is Norwegian.

Pass/fail.

None

Language of instruction: Norwegian and English

This course covers the research process from the planning phase until completion of the master’s thesis, including literary searches and referencing, formulation of research questions/hypotheses/issues, choice of research method and development of a project description, as well as ethical assessments relating to the student’s own work. Formal requirements for the project description are also covered to enable the student to complete the project description for their master’s thesis by the end of the course.

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: The first coursework requirement is an oral presentation of a theory of science text chosen in consultation with the lecturer. If the student is not able to give an oral presentation, a written presentation can be submitted and approved by the lecturer instead.
• Coursework 2: The second coursework is twofold: One section is related to qualitative research method; the second section is related to quantitative research method. Within each of the sections, students will deliver a paper with the scope of 5-6 pages. The total scope of the coursework requirement is therefore 10-12 pages. The assignment can be written individually or in pairs on agreement with the lecturer. 

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If one or more coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given the opportunity to submit an improved version by the given deadline.

The exam in the course is a supervised written exam of four hours. 

No aids are permitted.

Grade scale A-F

A project examination in the form of a project description for the student's master’s thesis, individual or in groups, depending on whether the thesis will be written individually or in a group. Scope: 3,000 words (+/- 20%). For group assignments, one overall grade is awarded for the whole group.

Resit examination: If the student fails the assignment, he/she will be given opportunity to submit a reworked version.

If the course is taught in English, students can also choose to write/conduct the examination in a Scandinavian language (Norwegian, Swedish or Danish).

Per Arne Tufte