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.

  • Education cycle

    Second cycle

  • Main field of study

  • Grading scale

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

Course offerings

Spring 19 Period 4 for programme students

Autumn 19 for programme students

Autumn 19 for programme students

Autumn 19 for programme students

Spring 20 Period 3 for programme students

Spring 20 Period 4 for programme students

Autumn 18 for programme students

Autumn 18 for programme students

Autumn 18 for programme students

Information for research students about course offerings

Course coordinator: Johan Berg

Intended 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:

  • Sven Ove Hansson "The Art of Doing Science" (compendium).
  • Articles distributed during the course.

Required equipment

None.

Examination

  • PRO1 - Project, 3.0, grading scale: P, F
  • SEM1 - Seminars, 1.5, grading scale: P, F
  • TENA - Examination, 3.0, grading 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

Till Grüne-Yanoff <gryne@kth.se>

Version

Course syllabus valid from: Spring 2015.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 2008.