AK2028 Scientific Quality, Project Course 7.5 credits

The course consists of seminars and lectures on general issues in science, as well as an individual project work under supervision. The project work may be an actual scientific investigation, but it may alternatively be a literature study pertaining to the scientific quality in a particular area, or it may be a philosophical investigation of issues related to methodology or quality in a particulat scientific area.

Topics to be covered in the seminars and lectures:

- Hypothesis testing

- Sources of error and how to avoid them in experimental and observational method

- Quality criteria in science

- Demarcation criteria for science

- Methods for providing systematic overviews of the scientific evidence in a particular area.

After completed course, the student will be able to

- select independently a proper method of investigation for a scientific study, especially in areas where the student possesses prior knowledge,

- demonstrate a deepened ability to critically scrutinize scientific studies, especially in areas where the student possesses prior knowledge,

- account for and critically discuss quality criteria in science,

- analyze scientific studies in relation to common scientific demarcation criteria.

AK2002 Good and Bad Science, 7.5 credits (former code 1H1602), or AK2036/AK2038/AK2040 Theory and Methodology of Science, 7.5 credits, or equivalent knowledge.

Kurslitteratur anpassas till varje students projektområde.

• SEM1 - Seminar Participation, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• PRO1 - Written Report, 6.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, 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.

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

This syllabus is valid until 2015-01-19. No teaching is offered after that date. Students that have been admitted to the course according to this or the preceding syllabus have the right to sit for examination according to this syllabus even after that date, but no longer than until 2015-06-13.

Seminar participation (SEM1; 1.5 credits) and written report (PRO1; 6 credits).

• 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.