SYKP2000B Theory of Science and Research Methods Course description

The course builds on SYKP/SYKK1060 Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in Health Care. This course teaches students how to work in a scientific manner. They should be able to read research articles and gain insight into methodical strengths and weaknesses of said articles. Qualitative and quantitative methods, or a combination of these are part of the course. Students will study the research process and basic scientific methods through practical exercises. The course contributes to understanding how scientific methods lay the basis for research results.

All aids are permitted.

Admission to the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student is capable of

• explaining the stages of the research process
• describing the connection between the theory of science and research methods
• understanding the interpretation of and the background for key effect estimates and dispersion measures used in scientific studies

Skills

The student is capable of

• describing methods for the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
• reflecting on the concept of quality in qualitative versus quantitative methods such as validity, reliability, soundness and trustworthiness
• describing differences between the humanistic and natural sciences research traditions

Competence

The student is capable of

• reflecting on how research results are influenced by choices of method and interpretation during the research process
• assessing research ethical aspects

Lectures, group work, seminars with presentations and self-study.

The project assignment deals with complex engineering issues within the field of structural engineering and building technology. The special topics of the assignment are customised in accordance with the focus research area (PhD subject area) of the PhD students. The selected project gives the students experience in applying the theoretical knowledge, scientific methods and suitable simulation, analysis and design tools for solving complex engineering problems.

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.

Students who complete the course are expected to have the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

On successful completion of the course, the student:

• is at the forefront of knowledge within the topic of his/her engineering project.
• has a profound understanding of the state-of-the-art and the latest developments in the professional engineering field relevant to his/her doctoral thesis.
• can apply the theories, methods and processes in scholarly projects as well as in professional engineering projects specific to his/her field of engineering.

Skills:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• apply theoretical knowledge, scientific methods and simulation tools suitable for solving complex civil engineering problems.
• deal with complex professional issues with an academic approach and reflect critically on established knowledge and practice within the research field of the project.
• plan and conduct scholarly work within the topic of his/her the engineering project.
• analyse existing theories, methods and standardised solutions on practical and theoretical engineering problems.

General competence:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• apply his/her knowledge and skills to carrying out advanced tasks and projects.
• communicate issues, analyses and solutions to both specialists and non-specialists.
• assess the need for, and initiate innovation in his/her field of expertise.

Seminars, project assignment (scholarly work), scientific report and oral presentation.

None.

A project assignment and an oral presentation.

Both exams must be passed in order to pass the course.

The oral exam cannot be appealed.

Pass or fail.