PENG9200 Vitenskapelige forskningsmetoder og dataanalyse i ingeniørvitenskap Emneplan

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.

The presentation will be assessed by the course leader, whereas the reflection document will be assessed by the course leader together with an additional examiner. External examiner is used periodically.

None.

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

Admission requirements.

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.

Knowledge:

On successful completion of the course, the student:

• can account for the terminology and models related to ethics in engineering science
• has thorough knowledge of the requirements and standards for registration, processing, and storage of information about of participants in scientific research
• has a deep understanding of the role of scientific, societal and ethical values on their research.

Skills:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• present arguments and viewpoints relevant to ethical dilemmas prevalent in engineering science
• analyse and assess arguments relevant to ethics in engineering science in relation to their relevance and validity
• argue for solutions to ethical problems using theories and techniques relevant to engineering science
• deal with complex professional issues with an academic approach and reflect critically on established knowledge and practice in his/her own field in relation to sustainability, ethics and to other engineering disciplines
• reflect deeply on the nature of their research and its contribution to the production of knowledge

General competence:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• identify, discuss and reflect upon ethical and societal implications of his/her own research as well as of the applications they enable,
• reflect over values and ethical boundaries within engineering science

Module 1 will take the form of lectures. Module 2 will take the form of seminars.

Practical training

The student will write a 4-5 page reflection document on ethical and sustainability issues related to their doctoral thesis or the research project to which he/she is assigned. This document should be self-contained, and should form a basis for inclusion as a section on ethical reflection in the student's final doctoral thesis. The students will also present a case study to the other students at the course.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

The student must write four reflection notes each of maximum 1500 words on topics that will be announced during the course. Each student must also present two papers in class, one on a paper related to the eithics in their own project and one paper from the general reading list.

Attendance is compulsory with a minimum requirement of 80%.

All work requirements need to be approved in order to pass the course.

All support material is allowed. The reflection document as well as the presentation of a case in Module 2 will be subject of assessment. There will be no written or oral exam.

Pass or fail.