Course syllabus - Scientific Manuscript in Energy and Environmental Engineering - Process, Method and Implementation

Objectives

This course provides knowledge on how scientific problems and their following results in energy systems, energy efficiency, energy and/or environmental technical problems which are related to research and development in the Future Energy research profile should be described in a scientific publication. The course will give a deepened understanding of, and practical experience on how, the scientific work should be described in a stringent manner, in order to increase possibilities for having the results accepted in a scientific publication.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course students will be able to:
1. Describe the structure in a scientific publication and present its motives
2. Describe a number of working methods that together provides a systematic approach for scientific writing
3. Explain the publication process for a scientific work
4. Write a scientific manuscript with the proper structure and flow that highlights the scientific results in a stringent manner in order to justify them in a review process.
5. Review scientific articles in structure and writing techniques
6. Evaluate and relate to other scientific publications in a  writing technique perspective

Course content

This course increases the understanding for scientific writing, and it will conducted parallel with an individual work where results from a project are included in a manuscript. In the course train the skills to write a scientific publication for a scientific journal or conference.  The participants will obtain a deepened understanding of the main components in a scientific work, and the importance to describe/understand how knowledge gaps that are addressed. Based on this a clear research question, suitable methodologies, and the scientific result be presented. Finally, the course addresses various strategies on how to use discussions and conclusion parts to conclude the scientific publication.

Tuition

Project work with supervision. The course uses a pedagogical (web based) platform for communication, discussion and presentation of course material.

Specific requirements

180 credits completed courses related to the research profile Future Energy (e.g. intelligent energy systems, renewable energy, power engineering, energy storage, energy markets, energy efficiency, efficient and smart buildings, biological processes related to renewable energy, simulation and optimisation of process industry). Alternative, completed the Project course in Energy and Environmental engineering (30 ECTS). In addition, Swedish course B/3 and English course B/6 are required. In cases where the course is offered in English, exemption from the Swedish course B/3 is given.

Examination

Project (PRO1), 23 credits, marks Passed (G), (Course goals: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6)
Assignment (INL1), 2 credits, marks Passed (G), (Critical review of at least two scientific works and presentation; Course goals: 3, 5, 6)
Seminar (SEM1), 1 credit, marks Passed (G), (Discussion on research questions and methodologies; Course goals: 1, 4, 5)
Seminar (SEM2), 1 credit, marks Passed (G), (Discussion on result, discussion and conclusion; Course goals: 1, 4, 5, 6)
Seminar (SEM3), 1 credit, marks Passed (G), (Discussion on the importance on figures and tables; Course goals: 4, 5)
Presence (NÄR1), 2 credits, marks Passed (G),  (Active participation in the writing groups;  Course goals : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Written report are included in the examination PRO1 and INL1. Oral presentations and discussions during seminars.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass, Fail