Entry requirements

60 credits in Sustainable Energy Transition including Scientific Methods I, 10 credits.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• plan and design a scientific study from a scientific and ethical perspective.
• explain and apply in practice the connection between scientific theory, research question and choice of methodology.
• describe various research methodology in detail with the focus on quantitative and qualitative methods.
• critically review and give feedback on the design and execution of a scientific study.

Content

The aim of the course is to give practice in and an increased understanding of how scientific studies of energy related topics can be designed and implemented. During the course, scientific studies are analysed and discussed with a focus on the design of research questions, choice of method, research ethical perspectives and theoretical approaches. The student also develops a design for a prospective scientific study. A special focus is given to providing the students with an increased understanding of the specific method (for example observations or surveys) they suggest to use in their research design. Finally, the students review and provide feedback on each other's suggested research designs. The content of the course builds on previous training in fundamental scientific theory, research methodology and scientific approaches, and works as preparation for an independent scientific project.

Instruction

Lectures, assignments and seminars.

Assessment

Written assignments (3 credits), and active participation in seminars and oral presentations (2 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.