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Course syllabus - Scientific theory and method

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

PPU415

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)

Product and Process Development

Organisation

Department of Engineering Sciences

Ratified

2016-01-27

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: 2020-06-22
    • Latest update: 2025-05-27

    Books

    Säfsten, Kristina; Gustavsson, Maria; Ehnsiö, Rikard

    Research methodology: for engineers and other problem-solvers

    ISBN: 9789144122304

    LIBRIS-ID: w73wm9lmthf4wm82

    Studentlitteratur AB, 339 sidor

Objectives

The aim of the course is to introduce basic scientific theoretical concepts and methods, with focus on engineering science and to 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

Specific requirements

90 credits completed courses of which 45 credits within product and process 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 (INL2), 4 credits, examines the learning objectives 1-8, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G)
Written examination (TEN2), 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 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 KPP 317 and methodology.