MOA256 Scientific theory and methods

Contents and structure

The course gives the students an overview over the theory of science and methods. The emphasis is on various scientific methods useful for approaching the literature critically, and to be able to make analyses and carrying out simple research or solutions for the master thesis. During the course, students will learn to formulate problems at stake and operational research questions. Through practical exercises, the students will get training in data collection and getting an insight on the challenges. The course will also give an introduction to ethical requirements for research. The aim of this course is also to make a thesis plan for own master thesis. The course must be taken before starting up with the master thesis.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The candidate

• Has understandings on the importance of formulating good scientific problems.
• Has knowledge on the choice of theory and methods for the writing of scientific works.
• Has advanced knowledge on planning and on completing scientific works, including academic writing connected to the discipline land use planning, property and land use management.

Skills

The candidate

• Can formulate good scientific problems and hypothesis useful for own master thesis.
• Can make a plan of own master thesis.
• Can connect and integrate various theories of science and methods.
• Can analyse and evaluate the quality of own and others research.

Overall competence

The candidate

• Can critically explain the scientific basis for research reports and literature within the field of own research discipline.
• Can critically reflect upon ethical problems connected to various types of research.
• Can implement a small research project and present analyses and conclusions to specialists and to the general public.

Entry requirements

The programme's admission requirements.

Teaching methods

The teaching will take place in forms of lectures, discussion, short exercises and supervision for the preparation of the master thesis. It requires that the students alreadyhave made some individual studies on the topic they want to work on. It is useful for finishing the semester assignment. The tutorials will be given by the various supervisors.

Compulsory learning activities

It is mandatory to be present at 80 % of the lectures, and at the end presentation.

Approved compulsory assignments are valid for three consecutive semesters.

Assessment

The grades (A-F) will be made on the following deliverables:

• An individual semester assignment up to 4000 words and presentation of the required assignment (both parts counts for 40% of the final grade)
• An individual home exam up to 4000 words - 48 hours (counts for 60 % of the final grade).

The semester assignment shall describe the problem at issue, theories and the choice of methods related to the master thesis. Furthermore, an implementation plan of the master thesis must be presented. The students choose their own topic. 

When failing, a new individual home exam must be done or a new submission of an improved version of the individual assignment with a new presentation for the teachers must be done. The student can choose to finish one of the required assignments and to keep the marks from the other required assignments.