FAK3136 Intro to Theory and Science and Research Methodology, Social Science 4.5 credits
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Application
For course offering
Autumn 2024 Period 1 programme students
Application code
51747
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
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
- Qualitative methods
- Economic methodology
- Risk and risk assessment
- Research ethics
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.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Entry requirements for PhD studies.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
All material is available through course platform. The following literature has been used previously:
- Till Grüne-Yanoff ”Justified Method Choice – Methodology for Scientists and Engineers” (compendium).
- Articles distributed during the course.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- SEM1 - Seminars, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TENA - Written exam, 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.
A student may request a home exam if 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
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- 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.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Add-on studies
Contact
Transitional regulations
Former module EXA1 can be replaced by TENA.
Former module DEL1 can be replaced by module SEM1.
The previous module TEN1 can be replaced by the new module TENA.
Supplementary information
To apply for this course you need to have a kth.se account and to...
1) have the course in your eISP
2) have a Ladok admin at your department/school admit you to the course (there is no limit on number of students for the course)
3) fill out the billing information in this form https://www.kth.se/form/application-form
4) Before the start of a course you have to register via the web. You find the web registration function via (https://www.student.ladok.se) when the registration period opens
Schedule can be found by searching for course code on www.kth.se/schema
Please note! This course replaces F1N5112 Intro to Theory of Science and Research Methodology, Social Science 4,5 credits