More specifically, on completion of the course, the student shall be able to:
* describe the variety of information sources available to the chemist and explain the usefulness of each
* select the most appropriate source(s) of information for a particular need, based on a knowledge of content and coverage
* employ the full compass of search possibilities (and new ones which may be developed) provided by each source in order to obtain the most relevant results
* utilize a variety of user interfaces, including those with which the student has no prior experience
* critically evaluate the relevance, credibility and source of information which is retrieved
* utilize post-processing tools for the management of search results, and
* employ established norms for references and citations.
FLI3115 Information Searching 3.0 credits
This course has been discontinued.
Last planned examination: Spring 2020
Decision to discontinue this course:
No information inserted
Information for research students about course offerings
The course is held once per semester with start in October/Nov. and March. The four practical sessions are held in one of the computer rooms Maxwell or Newton at the KTH main library (Campus Valhallavägen, Osquars backe 31).
Autumn semester 2014, the course starts Nov. 4.
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the student shall be able to:
* critically analyse and formulate his or her information needs, and
* select - from several alternatives - the most effective way of satisfying those needs.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Participants must have obtained a university degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or biochemistry, and have started a postgraduate course.
Students should be able to express themselves fluently in English, and have a working knowledge of chemical terminology in English. Without such knowledge, students will be unable to formulate appropriate and applicable search profiles and to evaluate the search results.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Access to a computer with an Internet connection and web browser is an absolute requirement.
Literature
Course literature is listed in the description of the course available in BILDA and Student web, and includes:
* "Information Retrieval When? Where? How?", KTHB’s introduction to web-based information retrieval
* "Guiding students away from plagiarism", a KTH handbook (selected chapters)
* Handouts.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
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.
Other requirements for final grade
A pass mark requires
1. satisfactory results in the assignments (patent search and self-study course in BILDA) and the written examination,
2. satisfactory search report from the student's own research area, and
3. attendance at all three practical sessions.
Note: the assignments and written examination shall all be done individually by each student; group work is not allowed.
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.