Text

Course syllabus - Academic Writing and Methodology

Scope

2.5 credits

Course code

OAI200

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

First cycle

Progressive Specialisation

G1F (First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Organisation

Department of Engineering Sciences

Ratified

2025-12-19

Literature lists

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

Objectives

The course aims to develop academic and scientific writing, as well as the ability to critically examine one's own and others' texts. The course provides knowledge about the writing process itself, academic language, different types of texts, as well as reference management and how to find, select and read scientific texts.

Learning outcomes

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

  1. account for what characterizes academic text in terms of content, outline and linguistic design
  2. account for basic ethics in scientific writing
  3. demonstrate familiarity with searching, evaluating and critically reviewing sources relevant to the subject
  4. demonstrate the ability to write a text based on formalities and tradition with logical structure and precision as well as correct reference management

Course content

The content of the course aims to develop the ability to write and formulate scientific texts. Particular emphasis is placed on the writing process and how text is structured and formulated based on content, the subject's tradition, disposition and linguistic design. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on scientific sources, reference management and reading and critically reviewing and evaluating other people's texts. The course also touches on scientific ethics such as plagiarism and misconduct. The course also includes exercises in presentation, both written and oral, critical review and analysis of scientific texts, and searching for literature and articles via libraries and electronic databases as a basis for writing your own text that is correct in form and structure.

Specific requirements

Completed course Learning and Methodology, 5 credits.

Examination

INL1, Assignment, individual submission, 2,5 credits, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G)

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

Two-grade scale