General Principles of Scientific Work: Introductory Course

The principal objective of this course is to introduce students to the theory of science and knowledge, and to the role of the researcher within society. It also aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding in terms of research ethics, systematic information-seeking and scientific communication.

After completing the course, the postgraduate student shall be able to:
Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate familiarity with the classical theory of science and knowledge, and the development of theories
• explain the knowledge-theoretical and philosophical bases in the choice of research design related to his/her own field of study and research field
• outline Swedish regulations and guidelines in terms of research ethics and the integrity of the researcher
• discuss, in a critical manner, various genres of scientific communication and publication processes/models
• demonstrate familiarity with data processing: open data and open access

Skills and abilities

• reflect on and argue for various research designs related to his/her own research questions and thesis focus, as well as those of his/her peers
• identify and assess the issues related to research ethics in various study designs
• establish a search strategy and in a systematic matter search for information in a library’s digital information sources
• examine and assess, in a critical manner, both the process of seeking scientific information and the quality of retrieved information

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate an awareness of the ethical responsibility of the researcher and ethical aspects in relation to his/her own planned thesis

The course comprises an introduction to postgraduate studies, and looks at the role and function of the researcher and academia within society. There will be discussions on the theory of science and knowledge in the general sense with focus on the student’s own field of knowledge. The ethical aspects of research and of being a researcher are also discussed. The use of information and communication of research results are problematised.

Module1: Theory of Science and Knowledge, 2.5 credits
Module 2: Research Ethics and Integrity of the Researcher, 2.5 credits
Module 3: Information Literacy and Academic Communication, 2.5 credits

Seminars and a written project portfolio.
The project portfolio includes a report of the student’s project plan and a reflection on the project plan in relation to the different components of the course. A further component is an evaluation of the work of the student’s peers.

The Swedish grades U–G.

Grade Report:
Module 1: Theory of Science and Knowledge, 2.5 credits
Module 2: Research Ethics and the Integrity of the Researcher, 2.5 credits
Module 3: Information Literacy and Academic Communication, 2.5 credits

To receive Pass (G) in the course, the student must receive Pass (G) in all modules.