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Course syllabus - Science, research methods and scientific papers, with focus on computer science

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

DVA470

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

Second cycle

Progressive Specialisation

A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Computer Science

Organisation

Department of Computer Science & Engineering

Ratified

2018-02-01

Revised

2025-11-03

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

    • Ratified date: 2020-06-30
    • Latest update: 2025-05-27

    Litteraturen består av material som delas ut under kursen och finns på Canvas.

Objectives

The course aims to give students an introduction to the concepts and issues of science theory, as well as a basic knowledge of research methods in science and technology, especially computer science. Students become acquainted with the scientific language by reading and summarizing a number of scientific papers. Information retrieval and a source-critical attitude are practiced when writing the scientific article that is written and presented during the course. The students develop their analytical skills and critical thinking as they review and oppose others’ articles.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:

  1. know and use central concepts and issues in science theory
  2. know the criteria for pseudoscience
  3. be familiar with reading, summarizing and reviewing scientific papers
  4. know some important research methods in computer science
  5. write a scientific paper (based on own work or information found in scientific papers or similar), relate the paper to science theory and research methods, and present the paper
  6. oppose others' presentations
  7. practice a critical approach to knowledge, science and research

Course content

Course modules:

  1. Science theory. What is science and what is not? The scientific method for creating knowledge.
  2. Research methodology in science and technology. Research methodology for computer science.
  3. Scientific writing. Reading and summarizing scientific papers. Searching scientific papers. Writing and presentation of a scientific paper. Reviewing and opposition of scientific papers.

Specific requirements

120 credits of which at least 60 credits in technology or informatics, including at least 30 credits in programming or software development. In addition Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3 and English course 6 or English level 2 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3.

Examination

Written assignment (INL1), study questions and assignments based on the video material in the course, 5,5 credits, (examines the learning objectives 1-4), marks Fail (U), 3, 4 or 5.
Seminar (SEM1), writing an own paper, reviewing others' papers, presenting own paper, and oppose others' papers, 2 credits, (examines the learning objectives 3 and 5-7), marks Fail (U), 3, 4 or 5

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Grading scale: 5, 4, 3

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course overlaps with 5 credits towards DVA450 Scientific theory and research methods and DVA459 Scientific theory and research methods and also completely with CDT403 Research Methods in the Natural Sciences and Engineering.