BAMM2001 Research methods and academic writing

Contents and structure

Course topics:

• Theory of science, Causal explanations/purpose explanations, Research process, Research ethics, Research design
• How qualitative and quantitative methods complete each other
• Problem / thesis statement
• Operationalization and measurement
• Formal requirements for designing goals (validation)
• Data collection (observation, interviews and surveys)
• Analysis of quantitative data (descriptive statistics, cross tables, correlation and regression analysis)
• Analysis of qualitative data
• Quality assurance, reliability and validity requirements

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student

• has acquired the basic principles within traditional research methods
• has insight into the main principles of qualitative and quantitative analyses
• has knowledge of research ethics issues
• has knowledge of presentation and reporting of research results
• can design own academic texts, knows the structure of texts, masters argumentation and use of literature
• can identify central principles for good writing and the standards for academic texts

Skills

The student

• can carry out a simple, limited research or development project in line with the current research ethics norms
• can reflect on relevant academic, professional and research ethical issues
• is able to communicate professional issues, analysis and conclusions
• can search for, evaluate, process and communicate information and literature. This means being able to apply relevant theory and tools
• masters academic writing as well as reading academic texts. This includes skills in argumentation, documentation, using and discussing theory and empirical evidence, as well as linguistic and analytical skills

General competence

The student

• can analyse relevant academic and research ethical issues
• can apply knowledge and skills in new areas to be able to carry out advanced tasks and projects
• can acquire up-to-date knowledge within the above-mentioned areas of knowledge and skills in the course
• masters basic scientific use of literature, ethics and compliance, writing and reading skills

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Emnet er del av en spesielt tilrettelagt overgangsordningen fra 2-årig maritim teknisk fagskole til bachelor. Innhold og oppbygning er basert på denne forutsetningen, samt ønskemål fra representanter fra maritim industri.

Teaching methods

Session-based digital teaching

Compulsory learning activities

The first two parts of the semester paper is handed in as compulsory tasks, and the students must provide a minimum of two peer assessments (one per part of the semster paper).

Assessment

The exam consists of a semester project (50%) and a 3 hours written exam (50%). Both parts must be graded to a minimum of E for the course to be passed.

Grading scale A-F.

Examination support material

All aids allowed.

More about examination support material

Course reductions

• NAB2015 - Metode for Nautikk - Reduction: 5 studypoints