Course syllabus

Research Methodology and Methods
Forskningsmetodik och metoder

VRSN40, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2024/25
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED BI/RH
Date of Decision: 2024-04-04
Effective: 2024-05-08

General Information

Main field: Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: MKAT2
Elective for: R5, RH5
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The course aims to provide students with understanding, skills and approaches to independently design and carry out scientific research and development work. The course builds on previous knowledge and abilities from one or several subject areas that the students have developed through previous courses on advanced level. This course provides a basis for developing new knowledge within these areas through research and development work.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

Contents

The course is structured in modules focusing on various key aspects of research methodology and methods; from philosophical assumptions and research strategies, to ethical considerations and methods of data collection and analysis. The students use recorded mini-lectures and literature to inform their own work, their peer review of other students' work, and structured conversations in groups. This in turn forms the basis for student-led seminars where particularly important issues are addressed with the facilitation of teachers.

Examination details

Grading scale: UG - (U, G) - (Fail, Pass)
Assessment: Written individual papers, approved portfolio with module assignments, and participation in 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.

Modules
Code: 0119. Name: Thesis Outline.
Credits: 1.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Approved written thesis outline The module includes: Written thesis outline
Code: 0219. Name: Portfolio.
Credits: 3.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Approved written portfolio The module includes: Written portfolio
Code: 0319. Name: Seminars.
Credits: 0.5. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Active participation The module includes: Active participation
Code: 0419. Name: Goal Document.
Credits: 3.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Approved written goal document The module includes: Written goal document

Admission

Admission requirements:

The number of participants is limited to: 50
Selection: Completed university credits within the program. Within programs where the course is given as a compulsory course students are guaranteed admission. Thereafter priority is given to students enrolled in programs that include the course in the curriculum.
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: EXTP76 EXTP75

Reading list

Contact

Course coordinator: Per Becker, per.becker@risk.lth.se
Course administrator: Linnéa Ekman, linnea.ekman@ebd.lth.se

Further information

The course focuses explicitly on the students’ learning through interaction between students and the subject, as well as through informed dialogue between students. It requires active participation of all students in their own work, in peer review and dialogue, as well as in student-led seminars.