NSCPHD1093 Philosophy of science and research ethics (Gamborg - generic course)

Volume 2013/2014
Content
How to write the introductory part of the thesis - how to design your research? 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.

Just started on you PhD?
Maybe wondering about: What is the difference between natural and social science research? How to design my research?

Well under way – just about to finish your Phd? Maybe wondering about: What is actually my theoretical underpinning? What should I write in my Introduction/methodology part of the thesis? Should I – as a PhD student – offer my professor a co-authorship on my papers (why/why not)?

What is this thing called (philosophy of) science?
Research design
What is included in a good research design?
Purpose, research questions and hypotheses, type of approaches
Main philosophies underlying modern scientific practice part I
Writing the Introduction
Good scientific conduct
Researcher’s virtues and vices
Science communication
What are the main problems in communicating your science?


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.
Learning Outcome
Participants will gain basic knowledge in philosophy/theory of science, especially with regard to applied natural and social science within LIFE 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.
Literature
Creswell, J.W. 2009. Research design. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: Sage.

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

Bryman, A. 2008. Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press
5 days (4 hours each) over three weeks Lectures, participant presentations, investigative discussions, pre-assignment, formative feedback, assignment Each participant brings the introductory part/methodology section of their PhD thesis (which can be in at any stage prior to submission) to work on during the course.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 5
  • Lectures
  • 20
  • Preparation
  • 25
  • Project work
  • 30
  • Total
  • 80
Credit
3 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment under invigilation