Course syllabus

Forskningsmetodik
Research Methodology

EXTP76, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2017/18
Decided by: PLED L
Date of Decision: 2017-04-07

General Information

Compulsory for: MKAT1
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The aim of this course is that the student will develop basic knowledge of the philosophy of science, as well as necessary skills regarding methods and tools for planning, conducting and presenting a scientific reseach study on master level.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Account for basic philosophy of science
• Explain and develop relevant research methodology to solve a scientific
  problem
• Evaluate different tools for literature search
• Discuss different presentation tools

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Use tools for literature search
• Plan a scientific work based on applicable theories
• Use adequate presentation tools for conveyance of scientific information

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Compile, evaluate and discuss choice of materials and analytical methods
  to solve a given problem
• Review, evaluate and discuss the reliability of source materials and analyses
  critically

Contents

The course consists of a number of different subparts, mainly:

• Project plan. During the course, the student should acquire knowledge that leads
  to production of a project plan for implementation of a scientific work at master's
  level.
• Library science. In this part, different tools and methods for literature
  search are studied.
• Philosophy of Science. This part treats basic philosophy of science.
  Different concepts such as realism, idealism, empiricism and positivism are
  treated.
• Research methodology. The part treats both quantitative and qualitative
  methods. Interview technique and participating observation techniques are
  presented and discussed.
• Argumentation theory. Skills to identify and analyse sustainable and
  unsustainable arguments in e g text material are developed within this
  part. Focus is on various types of arguments, e g deductive and inductive.
• Report writing. In this part, the student obtains knowledge in scientific report
  writing. Components such as layout, structure and contents are treated.

Examination details

Grading scale: UV
Assessment: Examination takes place through passed written assignments during the course and participation in possible compulsory seminars.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Admission

The number of participants is limited to: No
Selection: The course is only available for students at the Master's program in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation.
The course overlaps following course/s: EXTP75

Reading list

• Flowerdew R. and Martin D.: Methods in Human Geography, A guide for students doing a research project. Taylor and Francis, 2013, ISBN: 9781317873372.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Martin Berggren, martin.berggren@nateko.lu.se
Course administrator: Karin Larsson, karin.larsson@nateko.lu.se
Further information: The course is a distance course and is distributed on the Internet. It is flexible designed which facilitate for the student to carry out the course on full-, half-,or part-time.