NSCPHD1035 FONASO Philsophy of Science and Research Ethics E-learning

Volume 2015/2016
Content

The aim of the course is to give an introduction to the methodological, philosophical and ethical problems in scientific research. The course seeks to enhance the capability of participants to formulate the methodological foundation of their thesis work, review their approach used and reflect on research ethics, including good research practice guidelines and the relation between research and society, including science communication.

Participants will gain basic knowledge in philosophy/theory of science, especially with regard to applied natural and social science within SCIENCE relevant disciplines (e.g. forestry, agronomy) and in particular with a view to select themes from the participants’ PhD projects. Emphasis is on actual scientific practices, e.g. observations, measurements, experiments, validation as well as conduct and values in research training.

 

Students must be active in discussions and complete the e-lessons within the stated deadline. Students must hand in a course essay (which is the intention can be used as part of the PhD thesis’ methodology part). After Module 3, each student starts writing a course assignment – which may form part of an Introductory part of the PhD thesis. In Module 5 each participants gets feedback from fellow assigned students and likewise gives feedback to other assigned students. Additional formative feedback from the course teachers. Final evaluation as passed/not passed

Learning Outcome

After the course, students will be able to better formulate and understand the scientific theoretical underpinning of their thesis research within applied sciences of natural or social sciences as well as humanities, have a better understanding of different ways of looking at what constitutes good scientific practice, recognise main strains of scientific misconduct and be able to better handle contact with society on their research.

Excerpts from the following books - which are also recommended in their entirety:

 

Rosenberg, A. 2012. Philosophy of science. A contemporary introduction. Third edition. London: Routledge.

Creswell, J.W. 2009. Research design. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: Sage. 260 pp.

Laake, P, Benestad, H.B. & Olsen, B.R. (eds.) 2007.Research methodology in the medical and biological sciences. London: Academic Press. 483 pp.

Bryman, A. 2008. Social research methods. 3rd edition. Oxford: Oxford University press. 748 pp.

Paltridge, B. & Starfield, S. 2007. Thesis and dissertation writing in a second language. London. Routledge. 192 pp.

Briggle, A. & Mitcham, C. 2012. Ethics and science. An introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Bowater, L. & Yeoman, K. 2012. Science communication: A practical guide for scientists. Oxford: Wiley.

Part of FONASO PhD Programme
E-learning
Module 1 Introduction to e-learning
Modules 2 and 3: Philosophy of science and research design
Modules 4 and 5: Research ethics
Modules 4 and 5: Science, scientists and society

Students must be active in discussions and complete the e-lessons within the stated deadline. Students must hand in a course essay (which is the intention can be used as part of the PhD thesis’ methodology part).
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 20
  • Preparation
  • 25
  • Project work
  • 30
  • Theory exercises
  • 5
  • Total
  • 80
Credit
3 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Written assignment
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
Criteria for exam assesment

Reflects the curriculum