På Svenska

AK2036 Theory and Methodology of Science with Applications (Natural and Technological Science) 7.5 credits

Vetenskapsteori och vetenskaplig metodik med tillämpningar (naturvetenskap)

The aim of the course is to provide a deeper understanding of the methodological and underlying philosophical issues that arise in science, and inspire to reflection on such issues within the student’s own area of study. After having taken the course the student should have acquired basic knowledge of the foundational issues in the methodology and philosophy of science, specially as regards the natural and technological sciences.

  • Educational level

    Second cycle

  • Academic level (A-D)

    D

  • Subject area

  • Grade scale

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

Course offerings

Autumn 12 for programme students

Spring 13 TaMoS for programme students

Spring 13 for programme students

Autumn 13 TaMoS P1-2 for programme students

  • Periods

    Autumn 13 P1 (3.5 credits), P2 (4.0 credits)

  • Application code

    50568

  • Start date

    2013 week: 36

  • End date

    2014 week: 3

  • Language of instruction

    English

  • Campus

    KTH Campus

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    Normal

  • Number of places

    No limitation

  • Schedule

    Schedule (new window)

  • Course responsible

    John Cantwell, cantwell@kth.se

  • Teacher

    John Cantwell, cantwell@kth.se

  • Target group

    Only available for students from TIPUM year 1 Internal Combustion Engines (TIPUM1A)

  • Part of programme

Autumn 13 TaMoS Kista for programme students

Spring 14 TaMoS for programme students

Spring 14 TaMoS SWB for programme students

  • Periods

    Spring 14 P4 (7.5 credits)

  • Application code

    60460

  • Start date

    2014 week: 13

  • End date

    2014 week: 23

  • Language of instruction

    English

  • Campus

    KTH Campus

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    Normal

  • Number of places *

    Min. 1

    *) The Course date may be cancelled if number of admitted are less than minimum of places.

  • Schedule

    Schedule (new window)

  • Course responsible

    John Cantwell <cantwell@kth.se>

  • Teacher

    John Cantwell <cantwell@kth.se>

Spring 14 for programme students

Learning outcomes

After completed course, the student should be able to

  • account for and apply fundamental concepts from the theory and methodology of science on problem areas within the theory and methodology of science.
  • account for fundamental theories concerning the epistemological and explanatory status of science.
  • identify and critically discuss, both orally and in writing, fundamental theoretical and methodological issues in the technical, natural and social sciences.
  • identify and critically discuss, both orally and in writing, specific metodological problems in a study, the design of an exeriment, the use of a particular method of measurement, or the use of a particular model.
  • analyze the relationship between the basic results of a study and the conclusions that legitimately can be drawn on the basis of the results.
  • identify and critically discuss fundamental theoretical and methodological problems within the student's area of study.
  • accessibly present research reports and scientific articles within the student's own area of study to non-experts in that area.
  • identify and critically discuss specific theoretical and methodological problems in research reports and scientific articles within the student's own area of study. 

Course main content

The following is an incomplete list of topics covered in the course.

  • 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

Disposition

Lectures, seminars, and project work. 

Eligibility

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

Literature

To be announced at course start. The following literature has been used previously:

  • Alex Rosenberg "Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary Perspective".
  • Sven Ove Hansson "The art of being scientific" (compendium).
  • Articles to be distributed during the course.

Required equipment

None.

Examination

  • PRO1 - Project, 3.0 credits, grade scale: P, F
  • SEM1 - Seminars, 1.5 credits, grade scale: P, F
  • TENA - Examination, 3.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Requirements for final grade

Seminars (SEM1; 1.5 credits), written exam (TENA; 3 credits), and project work (PRO1; 3 hp).

Offered by

ABE/Philosophy

Contact

kurser.tamos@abe.kth.se

Examiner

John Cantwell <cantwell@kth.se>

Version

Course plan valid from: Autumn 11.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 08.