Course syllabus - Scientific theory and method
Scope
7.5 credits
Course code
PPU415
Valid from
Autumn semester 2017
Education level
Second cycle
Progressive Specialisation
A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements).
Main area(s)
Product and Process Development
School
School of Innovation, Design and Engineering
Ratified
2016-01-27
Revised
2017-01-31
Literature lists
Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.
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Books
Research methods for students, academics and professionals : information management and systems
2. ed. : Wagga Wagga, N.S.W. : Centre for Information Studies, Charles Sturt University, 2002 - xvii, 352 s.
ISBN: 1-876938-42-0 LIBRIS-ID: 9865027
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Books
Research methods for business students
7. ed. : Harlow : Pearson Education, cop. 2016 - xxvi, 741 s.
ISBN: 9781292016627 LIBRIS-ID: 18291653
Objectives
- Introduce basic scientific theoretical concepts and methods, with focus on engineering science
- Introduce basic scientific methods in engineering sciences
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student shall:
1. demonstrate knowledge of theory and research foundation within engineering science
2. demonstrate the ability to plan a scientific investigation containing the problem, objectives, approach and design
3. demonstrate knowledge of different methods of data collection
4. demonstrate knowledge of searching and assessment of literature sources
5. be aware of the interpretive and measurability problems
6. demonstrate the ability to assess the relevance of investigations, from formulated goals and applied methods
7. demonstrate the ability to identify, build and critically assess the validity of the formulated causality
8. demonstrate ability to present findings in writing
Course content
- Theory and methodology of engineering research
- Scientific methods in engineering research
- Methods of data collection
- Literature search and source evaluation
- To interpret and analyze data.
- Reliability and validity
- Academic writing
- Review and opposition to scientific texts
Tuition
Lectures and seminars.
Specific requirements
90 credits completed courses of which, a minimum of 45 credits within product and process development. In addition Swedish course B/Swedish course 3 and English course A/English course 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course B/Swedish course 3.
Examination
Written assignment (INL1), 4 credits, examines the learning objectives 1-8, marks Fail (U), 3, 4 or 5
Examination (TEN2), written examination, 3,5 credits ,examines the learning objectives 1, 3, 5 and 6, marks Fail (U), 3, 4 or 5
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 with distinction, Pass with credit, Pass, Fail
Interim Regulations and Other Regulations
The course overlaps with 5 credits towards KPP 317 and methodology.