Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

Norwegian

Learning outcomes

The student:

Knowledge

  • has in-depth knowledge of different scientific and philosophical perspectives
  • has in-depth knowledge of how the scientific theoretical standpoint affects the research process

Skills

  • be able to discuss and critically analyse different theoretical perspectives and research ethics issues
  • can apply scientific argumentation in the choice of research design

General competence

  • have an advanced understanding of how theory and empirical data mutually influence each other
  • be able to communicate and independently master various forms of scientific expression

Contents

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

Key topics:

  • Different traditions of philosophy of science
  • Epistemology and ontology
  • View of humanity and research ethics
  • Theory and empiricism, mutual influence
  • Objective and subjective knowledge
  • Evidence - opportunities and limitations
  • Dissemination of knowledge

Teaching and learning methods

  • Lectures and seminars
  • Group work
  • Self-studies
  • Podcasts

Expected workload in this course is approximately 270 hours.

Examination requirements

Approved work requirement. See course booklet for further description.

Examinations

Three-day individual home exam. Graded assessment.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

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
ME-418 – Philosophy of science. 10
ME-418 – Philosophy of Science. 10
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 10:24:59 AM