PINS9100 Philosophy of Science in Sustainability Course description

The course will give the PhD candidates an ontological and epistemological basis for sustainability studies. Sustainability studies is a field devoted to studying - and ultimately transforming - the ways in which human societies interact with and depend upon the natural environment. It is now a vast field of research, concerning many disciplines and diverse areas of production, both material and immaterial. The aim of the course is to give candidates a scientific theoretical foundation that will enable them to proceed with research on sustainability in their own area of study. The course will address basic theories and philosophy concerning the underlying discourses, structures, values and norms that shape how sustainability is understood and acted upon. This includes inquiries into the dynamics and logics of various sustainability approaches and discourses, including their limitations and potentials, and the wider implications for both science and practical decision making. It also includes the role of transformation and social change, and the roles that sustainability science could play in their promotion. The syllabus may be abbreviated and adapted to fit the interest of the participants of the course in cooperation with the supervisors.

This course is primarily aimed at PhD candidates admitted to the PhD Programme in Health Sciences but is also open to other applicants. Admission requirements are a completed major, master's degree (120 credits) or equivalent qualification.

The course can also be offered to students who have been admitted to the "Health Science Research Programme, 60 ECTS", by prior approval from the supervisor and based on given guidelines for the research programme.

On completion of the course, the PhD candidate has achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The PhD candidate

• is at the forefront of knowledge of conceptual understanding and theories of user involvement and professional input
• can critically assess how different perspectives of user involvement and professional coordination can be applied in health science research

Skills

The PhD candidate can

• critically reflect on the knowledge base for user involvement and coordination
• articulate problems that address the complex relationships between individuals, service provision, and society in health science research
• design a plan for including users in research design

General competence

The PhD candidate can

• discuss user involvement and coordination as concepts and practices based on critical thinking of empowerment, goal-setting, and relationships between professionals and users
• communicate and discuss topics from research about user involvement and coordination in the field of the health sciences
• demonstrate how critical insight generated from studies of user involvement and coordination can be applied in innovation processes

Work and teaching methods consist of lectures, seminars, and self-study. The outcomes of the seminars are presented and discussed in plenary sessions.

None

Candidates must write an essay on user involvement and coordination, based on empirical data and a theory of their choice. The essay must consist of up to 5,000 words and must be submitted no more than 2 weeks after the end of the course.

All

Grades are awarded on the basis of pass or fail.

One internal examiner

This course is primarily aimed at PhD candidates admitted to the PhD Programme in Health Sciences but is also open to other applicants. Admission requirements are a completed hovedfag, master's degree (120 credits) or equivalent qualification.

The course can also be offered to students who have been admitted to the "Health Science Research Programme, 60 ECTS", by prior approval from the supervisor and based on given guidelines for the research programme.