FLF3019 Introduction to research studies at the ITM School 6.0 credits

The course is an introduction for doctoral students to the doctoral programmes at the School for Industrial Technology and Management, ITM, at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. In the course, relevant routines and processes for the doctoral programmes are explained, and the responsibility and roles of doctoral students and supervisors are clarified. The course orientates doctoral students about the different types of research carried out at ITM's various divisions, providing a basic understanding of the different scientific perspectives and research methods used. Through active participation, the doctoral students acquire basic knowledge of and the ability to review, write, publish and communicate science. The course also brings up sustainability, equal opportunities, diversity and research ethics with respect to doctoral studies. Finally, the course gives the doctoral students the opportunity to present and discuss their own thesis work, with special emphasis on research design and overall thesis planning.

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

• Describe routines and processes for doctoral studies at KTH, particularly regarding doctoral programmes at ITM
• Critically reflect on the role of the doctoral student and the role of the supervisor
• Explain what it implies to do research in their own research field
• Describe the different types of research carried out at ITM, and understand and discuss the different scientific methods used
• Formulate a researchable research question
• Develop an individual research plan for their thesis project
• Make research-ethical decisions
• Relate their own academic activities to gender equality, diversity and sustainability
• Communicate their own research to different audiences
• Explain how the scientific publication system works and have basic knowledge of and ability to write a scientific article
• Critically review, evaluate and constructively comment on academic texts

Admitted to third-cycle studies

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• INL1 - Processes and routines, 0.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• INL2 - Thesis design, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• INL3 - Research ethics, authorship, sustainability and JML, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• INL4 - Review of PhD thesis, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• INL5 - Research presentation, 0.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• INL6 - ISP, 0.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• ÖVN1 - Exercises, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Mats Magnusson

Rahmatollah Khodabandeh

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.