11 pre recorded lectures, 4 seminars and exam in the first of the stated study period, 3 essay meetings in the second stated period. A student can choose to take the entire course in one period, please contact course responsible teacher.
FAK3138 Theory of Science and Research Methodology, Social Science 7.5 credits
Information per course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.
Information for Autumn 2024 Period 1-2 programme students
- Course location
KTH Campus
- Duration
- 26 Aug 2024 - 13 Jan 2025
- Periods
- P1 (4.5 hp), P2 (3.0 hp)
- Pace of study
25%
- Application code
51760
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
English
- Course memo
- Number of places
Places are not limited
- Target group
- No information inserted
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
- Part of programme
- No information inserted
Contact
Henrik Lundvall (henrik12@kth.se)
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus FAK3138 (Spring 2024–)Information for research students about course offerings
The course will be offered in periods 1 + 2 and 3 + 4.
Content and learning outcomes
Course disposition
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.
- 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.
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
- 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.
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 DEL1 can be replaced by SEM1
Former module EXA1 can be replaced by TENA
Former module TEN1 can be replaced by TENA
Supplementary information
To apply for the course, please fill in the form available on this link: https://www.kth.se/form/application-form
Please note! This course replaces F1N5114 Theory of Science and Research Methodology, Social Science 7,5 credit
Schedule can be found by searching for course code on www.kth.se/schema