EPN-V2

PENG9200 Scientific Research Methods and Data Analysis in Engineering Science Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Scientific Research Methods and Data Analysis in Engineering Science
Study programme
PhD Programme in Engineering Science
Weight
5.0 ECTS
Year of study
2021/2022
Course history

Introduction

This course covers two central areas of scientific research: the construction and justification of a research plan, and the subsequent analysis and interpretation of its implementation and of the resulting data.

The course will be offered once a year, provided 3 or more students sign up for the course. If less than 3 students sign up for a course, the course will be cancelled for that year.

Recommended preliminary courses

The lecturer based on the recommendation of the practical training supervisor.

Required preliminary courses

In this course, students will integrate knowledge from previous courses and apply the social educator work model in practice. The students are to familiarise themselves with the framework for service provision and ensure user participation/provide decision-making support. Students gain experience of the importance of multidisciplinary and interprofessional cooperation in relation to complex issues. The main focus is on participant observation, assessment and testing to identify the need to facilitate change. The students are expected to actively participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of training, health and care work. The target group is disabled persons and/or complex assistance needs.

The course VERPRA21 comprises a total of 12 weeks, wereof a seminar day on campus, with a total workload of 10 weeks (300 hours) of user oriented practical training in authentic work situations.

Learning outcomes

The student is expected to have the following outcomes on completion of the course:

Knowledge:

On successful completion of the course, the student:

  • has advanced knowledge of the research process.
  • has advanced knowledge of data collection techniques relative to his/her field of study within engineering sciences
  • can critically assess the usefulness of using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies in the engineering sciences.
  • has a high-level command of qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis relative to his/her field of study.

Skills:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

  • construct a problem statement or research question and evaluate its soundness.
  • create technically and scientifically sound research proposals.
  • select a methodology to address a research problem.

General competence:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

  • distinguish and formulate research problems.
  • develop and critically assess the components of a research proposal.
  • critically reflect on the nature of research, scientific practice and knowledge

Content

15 ECTS overlap with VERPRA20 (full overlap with the practical placement in VERPRA20).

Teaching and learning methods

This course will feature lectures and practical work to provide both theoretical and hands-on content. The students will work in groups and complete various assignments related to the practical and theoretical aspects of the course. The students will supplement the lectures and group work with their own reading.

Course requirements

The teaching and learning methods include external practical training and a seminarday on campus before the practice placement. The supervised practical training requires active participation in work at the practice placement.

Assessment

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can receive a final assessment:

  • Attentance at the seminar day at campus before practice
  • participation in work at the practice placement, minimum attendance of 90%
  • submission of completed and signed practical training documents in accordance with given criteria
  • assessment in relation to the suitability criteria cf. the Regulations concerning Suitability Assessment in Higher Education

Permitted exam materials and equipment

Assessment of supervised practical training. The minimum attendance requirement for the practical training period is 90%.

The following applies to all practical training courses in the programme

The supervised practical training is assessed as passed or failed. Three elements must be passed in order for students to pass a period of practical training:

  • Compulsory attendance
  • Learning outcomes
  • Suitability

To pass the supervised practical training, the student must have met the compulsory attendance requirement. A minimum attendance requirement of 90% applies to practical training courses. If the maximum limit for absence is exceeded, the student can make up for the practical training/teaching activities missed if practically possible. If it is not possible to compensate for the absence, the whole period of supervised practical training must be retaken. This will result in delayed progress in the programme.

Grading scale

Not relevant

Examiners

Pass-Fail