Course syllabus - Scientific Methods in Environmental Engineering

Objectives

The objective of the course is to deepen the students' understanding of research methods in environmental engineering and to highlight differences in methods between natural and social sciences.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:
1. Explain, compare and discuss research methods in environmental engineering, science and social science
2. Identify and critically discuss ethical and societal aspects within environmental engineering
3. Implement in-depth skills in literature search and reference management
4. Demonstrate in depth skills in report writing and orally present own research and further to reflect and argue for choices and limitations.
5. Critically evaluate, discuss and give feedback on the work of others

Course content

The course will mainly address the following: cross disciplinary research methods in environmental engineering; literature search, reference management; scientific writing and presentation; critical review of the own research work and constructive feedback on others work; research ethics.

Tuition

Web-based teaching and assignments

Specific requirements

120 credits of which 90 credits engineering and/or natural science. In addition Swedish course B/Swedish course 3 and English course B/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

Assignment (INL1), 4 credits, grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F),(Learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)
Seminar (SEM1), 1 credit, grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F), (Learning outcomes: 4, 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

AF-skala