AF2023 Theory and Methodology of Science and Risk and Safety in Building Sciences 7.5 credits

• Educational level

  Second cycle

• Academic level (A-D)

• Subject area

  Built Environment
  

• Grade scale

  A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• Course page on KTH Social

Learning outcomes

The course provides an introduction to the theory and methodology of science and is intended for the Master student or beginning PhD student. One aim is to supply the basic concepts needed for placing the techniques and knowledge acquired in the student’s other courses in the wider context of the natural sciences. Another aim is to provide the basic intellectual tools that allow for a reasoned and critical assessment of results and methods from the wide variety of disciplines that the student is likely to encounter during his or her continued career in research and/or in professional life.

The course is mainly focused on the general theoretical and methodological issues that arise in the natural and technological sciences; but basic theoretical issues, techniques and problems from the social sciences are also covered to provide the student with a wider outlook. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental problems common to the natural sciences and on the general strategies, methods and concepts that modern science has developed to address these problems.

The course provides basic knowledge about risk and safety in building and construction work. After completing the course, students should have acquired good knowledge about the most important risk and safety issues in this field of technology. Students should also have acquired understanding of basic concepts in the analysis of societal risks and of basic principles for technical safety management. Students should also be able to apply these concepts and principles in analysis of actual buildings and other structures.

Course main content

Scientific knowledge

Hypothesis testing

Causes and correlations

Observations and measurements

Experiments

Models

Law and explanations

The development of science

Research ethics

Scientific papers and peer review

Safety analysis general, Hashofer/Lind method

Special safety analysis methods for geo structures

Safety analysis methods for steel and concrete structures

Idealisation of structures, Load combination, Methods in standards

Eligibility

120 ECTS credits university studies. Proficiency in English corresponding to English B in Swedish gymnasium

Literature

Hansson S., O., "The art of being Scientific"

Stille H., et al.: "Information based design in rock engineering" (SveBeFo Rapport 61)

Sundquist H.: "Safety, Loads and Load Distribution on Structures " (TRITA-BKN, Report 108)

Examination

• SEM1 - Seminar, 1.5 credits, grade scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Exam, 4.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• ÖVN1 - Exercises, 1.5 credits, grade scale: P, F

SEM1 - Seminars, 1,5 credits, grade scale: P, F

TEN1 - Examination, 4,5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

EX1 – Exercises, 1,5 credits, grade scale P,F

Requirements for final grade

Passed seminar

Passed written exam

Passsed exercises

Offered by

ABE/Structural Design & Bridges

Contact

Raid Karoumi, raidk@kth.se, 08 790 9084

Examiner

Raid Karoumi <raidk@kth.se>

Supplementary information

Mandatory Seminars and Exercises

Version

Course plan valid from: Autumn 13.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 11.