ME-435K Philosophy of science (Autumn 2026)
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences
- Course Leader:
- Bård Erlend Solstad
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- Norwegian
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Advanced Teacher Education level 8-13, 5-year Master's Programme
- Master's Programme in Public Health Science
- Master's Programme in Sports Science
- Master's programme in Psychosocial health
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
ix-hour written exam under supervision. Graded assessment will be given.
Candidates will have one day for preparation before the subsequent school exam the following day.
See further information in Canvas.
Candidates will have one day for preparation before the subsequent school exam the following day.
See further information in Canvas.
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 2:33:27 PM