På Svenska

AK2036 Theory and Methodology of Science with Applications (Natural and Technological Science) 7.5 credits

Vetenskapsteori och vetenskaplig metodik med tillämpningar (naturvetenskap)

Please note

The information on this page is based on a course syllabus that is not yet valid.

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 having completed the course, the student should, with regards to the theory and methodology of science, both orally as well as in writing, be able to:

  • Identify definitions and descriptions of concepts, theories and problem areas, as well as identify the correct application of these concepts and theories.
  • Account for concepts, theories and general problem areas, as well as apply concepts and theories to specific cases.
  • Critically discuss the definitions and applications of concepts and theories as they applies to specific cases of scientific research.

After having completed the course, the student should also, both orally as well as in writing, be able to (for all students except noted below):

  • Summarise and present research reports or scientific articles in a way that makes them accessible to a non-expert audience.
  • Account for standard structural and qualitative criteria for scientific writing and apply these to research reports or scientific articles.
  • Identify and critically discuss specific theoretical and methodological problems in research reports or scientific articles.

For students from the master’s programme medical engineering (TMLEM):

  • Account for and apply the most common theories and methods of applied ethics and account for their relevance for medical technology.
  • Carry out independent moral reflections concerning practical problems in the ethics of medical technology.

Course main content

The following is an incomplete list of topics covered in the course.

  • Scientific knowledge
  • Hypothesis testing
  • Observations and measurements
  • Experiments
  • Models
  • Statistical reasoning
  • Causes and explanations
  • Philosophy of social science
  • Philosophy of technology
  • Risk and risk assessment
  • Research ethics

Disposition

Lectures, seminars, and project work. 

Eligibility

General requirements for master’s programmes. Proficiency in English corresponding to English B / English 6 in Swedish gymnasium.

Literature

To be announced at course start. All material is available through course platform. The following literature has been used previously:

  • Sven Ove Hansson "The Art of Doing Science" (compendium).
  • Till Grüne-Yanoff “Experiments, models and methodology” (compendium).
  • Video lectures.
  • Articles distributed during the course.

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

A student may request a home exam, with the maximum grade of E, if two requirements are fulfilled: (1) This is the last remaining exam left before graduation. (2) It is not possible for the student to attend the written exam because the student is, at the point of the request, residing outside of Sweden and will be residing outside of Sweden for at least twelve months following the request. The examiner approves or denies these requests.

Requirements for final grade

Fullfilled seminar requirements, project requirements and written exam.

Offered by

ABE/Philosophy

Contact

kurser.tamos@abe.kth.se

Examiner

Till Grüne-Yanoff <gryne@kth.se>

Version

Course syllabus valid from: Autumn 2019.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 2008.