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
2025/2026
Programme description
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

Master's degree in engineering science or related fields. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of the various phases of planning and implementing a research project and the academic writing process, including literature reviews, and analysing and reporting data

Required preliminary courses

None.

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 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

The students will acquire a broad and concrete theoretical and practical perspective on the production and consumption of empirical research across the fields that compose engineering science. applied mathematics and physics in the broad sense, engineering and technology. They will be familiarised with how practical problems from these areas are translated into research questions and with how research problems can be defined in order to answer those research questions. The students will be introduced to a spectrum of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method approaches, building on their exising expert knowledge, and learn how quantitative and qualitative analytical methods can provide insight into contemporary research issues in engineering science.

Teaching and learning methods

This course can feature lectures and practical work to provide both theoretical and hands-on content. The students will supplement the lectures and group work with their own reading.

Course requirements

80% obligatory attendance.

Assessment

Students have to write an individual report or portfolio.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All aids are permitted.

Grading scale

Pass or fail.

Examiners

One internal examiner. External examiner is used periodically.