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

Volume 2014/2015
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.

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?

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,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.

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.

6 days (4-6 hours each) over two 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
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship