Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

Norwegian or English

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, the student will:

Knowledge

  • have in-depth knowledge of various scientific-theoretical and philosophical perspectives
  • have in-depth knowledge of various epistemological perspectives
  • have in-depth knowledge of how the scientific theoretical point of view affects the research process

Skills

  • be able to discuss and relate critically to different scientific-theoretical perspectives
  • be able to critically evaluate scientific articles
  • be able to apply scientific argumentation in the choice of research design

General competence

  • have an advanced understanding of how theory and empiricism interact
  • be able to analyze research ethical and methodological issues
  • be able to convey and independently master different forms of scientific theory and philosophy

Contents

The course focuses on different scientific theories and the different designs / methods that follow from these. Furthermore, it focuses on topics that relate to the connection between ethics, design and practical understanding of knowledge acquisition.

Key topics:

  • Different science-theories and philosophical traditions
  • Epistemology
  • View of humanity and research ethics
  • Theory and empiricism, mutual influence
  • Generalization
  • Objective and subjective knowledge
  • Evidence - possibilities and limitations
  • Communication of knowledge - advantages and disadvantages
  • Scientific dishonesty
  • Critical reading of research articles

Teaching and learning methods

  • Lectures
  • Groupwork
  • Self-studies

Estimated student workload in this course is 405 hours.

Examination requirements

Passed course requirements. Please see the course brochure for details.

Examinations

A graded 5-day individual home examination.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
IDR405 – Research Methods and Statistical Analysis . 15
ME-414 – Philosophy of Science, Research Methodologies, and the Human Dimension. 10
ME-410 – Philosophy of Science, Research Methodologies, and the Human Dimension. 10
ME-414 – Philosophy of Science, Research Methodologies, and the Human Dimension. 10
ME-410 – Philosophy of Science, Research Methodologies, and the Human Dimension. 10
ME-435K – Philosophy of science. 10
ME-435G – Philosophy of science. 10
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:42:27 AM