This course consists of the part that constitutes the difference between the courses FAK3024/FAK3136 (4,5 credits) from the courses FAK3137/FAK3138 (7,5 credits). This part is specific for doctoral students and does not correspond to any part of the master level courses.

The student will write and present an essay on a theoretical or methodological problem within the student's own area of research. The student will also critically evaluate and discuss such essays by other PhD-students.  

After having completed the course the student should be able to:

·         identify and critically discuss fundamental theoretical and methodological problems within the PhD-student's area of research,

·         identify and critically discuss specific theoretical and methodological problems within the PhD-student's own research,

·         identify and critically discuss specific theoretical and methodological problems within others' research.

Three essay meetings, with submissions for each. The aim is to take a look at your own research from a methodological perspective and write an essay about this. For this reason we recommend a year of research before starting this part of the course.

You may also want to revise lectures and literature from the master level course.

The essay task is a chance to analyse and reflect upon the methodological aspects of your own Ph.D. research. It is recommended that Ph.D. students that intend to take the project part have completed at least one year of research. The module consists of three mandatory meetings and three text submissions that eventually add up to an essay in which you describe, discuss and attempt to solve a methodological issue relating to your research project. For meetings two and three, there are also mandatory peer-reviews. All meetings must be attended in person during the same course period. Before the first meeting you submit an abstract where you describe a methodological problem you wish to write about. In the first meeting you present your first draft and get peer feedback. In the final meeting you present your final version. Are you not sure you know what a methodological problem is? Watch the first video lecture! Prepare for the meetings by carefully studying the TaMoS course material.

Note that each submission has a strict deadline. If you miss a deadline, you may not continue with the essay part in that period and must start over in another period (note that this doesn't affect the other parts of the course). For more information about compensatory activities, see Examination and completion.

Outline of the essay tasks:

Detailed schedule on Canvas.

• Text submission: Essay proposal, 100-300 words. On Canvas.
• Meeting: Essay proposal discussion. On Zoom.
• Text submission: First draft, 3000 words. On Canvas.
• Text submission: Peer review. On Canvas.
• Meeting: First draft discussion. On Zoom.
• Text submission: Final draft, 3000-3500 words. On Canvas.
• Text submission: Peer review. On Canvas.
• Meeting: Final draft discussion. On Zoom.

Expected workload

The expected workload is 8 hours per week. If you wish, you may follow along with the video lectures to remind you about the course content. You are also welcome to attend the introductory lecture and the two flipped classrooms on campus, although these are strictly not part of your course. Time and date for these will be announced on Canvas. All of this will, of course, add to the workload.

It is assumed that the PhD student has taken at least 4.5 credits at master level in theory and methodology of science.

Revise course content. If you have not taken one of our master level courses (AK2030-AK2050), AF2023 or DA2205: contact course administration.

The main text for the course is:

• Justified Method Choice - Scientific Methodology for Scientists and Engineers by Till Grüne-Yanoff. Based on the video lectures.

In addition, there are three supplemental texts:

• Some Issues in the Philosophy of Technology, by Sven Ove Hansson.
• On Being a Scientist: Responsible Conduct in Research, which is an excerpt from a text by the National Academy of Sciences.
• Ethical Thinking by Jesper Ahlin.

Finally, there is one additional optional text, mainly targeting the same topics as the main course text:

• The Art of Doing Science by Sven Ove Hansson.

In addition to above mentioned readings, you may be asked to read short texts in preparation for some seminars. All course readings will be available in pdf file format on Canvas together with associated reading instructions. The readings cannot be bought as physical books, but you are welcome to print them.

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

P, F

• UPP1 - Essay, 3.0 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.

Essay ( UPP1 )

Active participation in three meetings, three essay submissions and peer feedback. The final version of the essay is graded by a senior teacher. This essay can be passed, failed or you might be asked to revise to reach the criteria for passing. Once your final version is passed, you get the grade P.

Failing to submit or failing the final version of the essay means you have to re-take the essay part in another period. You may re-use your own material when re-taking the module, but you must attend all meetings and complete all additional tasks anew.

• 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.