FMJ3410 Theory and Methodology of Science for Energy Research 6.0 credits

The course introduces basic concepts and understanding of methodological and underlying philosophical problems that arise in science and invites to reflection on research questions in the student's own field of study. The course functions as a scientific introduction to applied research in energy-related subjects in particular. The course also introduces critical assessment of methods and results of research that can help students to evaluate and analyse research material and proofs.

The aim of the course is to introduce theory and methods of science to doctoral students who are in early stage of their research career, and support them if the preparation of their research plans and research documents, and strengthen their scientific research knowledge.
After passing the course, the students should be able to:

• understand, describe and compare basic concepts in theory and methodology for science and relate them to energy research problems and own research subject

• identify and propose application of specific methods to analyse energy problems and research subjects in their domain

• critically review theories and methods that are used in scientific papers and reports  and their relevance for research on different thematic fields of energy,

• clearly understand the requirements of a publishable research paper for a highly ranked journal

• be able to understand and deal with sustainability dimensions in design and development of energy research projects.

Students who are researchers at KTH in the earlier stages of their doctoral programme ( first or second year).

Degree of Master or the equivalent from a major university in fields such as science, technology, energy or related fields. Documented proficiency in English B or the equivalent

The Art of Doing Science. © Sven Ove Hansson, Department of Philosophy and the History of Technology, KTH 2007.

• On being a scientist - responsible conduct in research. National academy press. Washington, D.C. 1995.

• Ranjit Kumar. Research methodology - steps by steps guide for beginners. Third Edition, 2011

• Pär Blomkvist, Anette Hallin, 2015. Method for engineering students: Degree projects using the 4-phase Model.

• Kreikemeyer and Schneider. 2010. How Do I Successfully Write a Master’s Thesis? A practical guide for peace- and conflict researchers and other social scientists

• Hypotheses and Hypothesis Testing (Chapter 3)

• Introduction to the practice of statistics, 5th ed., W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, 2006.

• Resch et al 2008.   20% RES by 2020– a balanced scenario to meet Europe’s renewable energy target.

• UNESCO 2007. Social development: from research to policy to action

• Cherubini et al. 2009. Energy and greenhouse gas-based LCA of biofuel and bioenergy systems: Key issues, ranges and recommendations                            

• Mainali and Silveira 2015. Using a sustainability index to assess energy technologies for rural electrification. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 41, 1351-1365.

• Khatiwada and Silveira, 2009. Net energy balance of molasses based ethanol: The case of Nepal.

• Chiu et al. 2013. Active free cooling optimization with thermal energy storage in Stockholm, Applied Energy, Volume 109, September 2013, Pages 523-529P

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

• INL1 - Assignments, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• INL2 - Assignments, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• INL3 - Assignments, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• SEM1 - Seminars, 0.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• SEM2 - Seminars, 0.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• SEM3 - Seminars, 0.5 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.

Participation in the seminars and at least 60% of the lectures is required.

Viktoria Martin

• 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.