Research Design and Methodology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course gives deeper knowledge on how research is planned and executed. The course aims to give the students practical understanding of how a scientific study is setup and performed. It includes research logics, starting with the research question and all the way to conclusions, as well as research ethics, objectivity, theory and philosophy of science. Furthermore, the structure of the academic text is in focus as well as how to use academic texts in scientific reasoning.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to
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Knowledge and understanding
1. understand how research projects are structured and motivate included parts
2. understand and account for the relationship between research design, objectivity and a scientific approach
3. understand the link between the choice of research problem, theory and method and the results and conclusions that must follow
4. understand how to discuss and argue using academic texts

Competence and skills
5. design a scientific study based on research ethics

Judgement and approach
6. discuss and present one’s own research design as well as designs made by others and critically assess design choices both orally and in writing
 
 

Required Knowledge

Univ: 120 ECTS, 60 ECTS of which in human geography or equivalently.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of lectures and seminars. The seminars are compulsory. Relevant gender aspects will be dealt with during the course. The teaching is in English.

Examination modes

Examination is based on active participation in seminars, written assignments and oral exams. On each of these modes of examination a grade between A – FX is given.¨

Examination of seminars includes participation, presentations and written reports. All seminars are included in the course evaluation. The course ends with an oral exam. The course grade is based on an overall assessment of the performance in each part of the course examination and is finalized when all examinations have been passed.

Examination based on the same syllabus as at the ordinary examination is guaranteed during two years after the first registration to the course.

Students who have passed an examination cannot redo the examination to receive a higher grade.

It is not possible to appeal against a received grade, i.e. to get it examined by a higher authority, but a student can always criticize the grading or ask another examiner to reconsider the examination.

When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies (HF 6, kap. 11b §).

ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER
Credit transfer is assessed individually.

ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER
Credit transfer is always examined individually.