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 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 existing expert knowledge, and learn how quantitative and qualitative analytical methods can provide insight into contemporary research issues in engineering science.

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 language of instruction will be English.

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

None.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

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

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.

80% obligatory attendance.

Students have to write an individual report or portfolio - as decided by the course manager. The specific requirements will be detailed in the actual assignment.

The exam can be appealed.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Pass or fail.

One internal examiner. External examiner is used periodically.

Pietro Murano.