ITI46514 Scientific method and theory (Autumn 2015)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Mandatory course in the master programme in applied computer science.

Lecture Semester

First semester (autumn).

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge

The student is knowledgeable about central methods and theories within the field of applied computer science, and different perspectives on the use of informatics in the society. This includes:

• Research design and experiment techniques
• Statistical methods
• Methods for design and evaluation of information systems
• Social science methodologies
• Media science methodologies
• Research and developent activities at the faculty and its partners

The student is familiar with publishing channels relevant to applied computer science, different types of publications, their roles and functions.

Skills

The student is able to:

• assess scientific literature within the field of applied computer science
• use and review scientific references
• use relevant statistical methods for analyzing sets of numerical data
• use methods from social sciences and work with observation and interviews
• use methods for design and evaluation of IT systems
• think critically about the use of information technology deployed in organizations and in the society in general

General competence

After examination, the student has a sufficient understanding of applied computer science and the faculty's research and development activities. The student also has a better understanding of the use of IT in our society.

Content

The course contains a number of lectures from the researchers at the faculty and guest lectures from our partners. Some lab activity with relevant tools and application of methods is included.

Forms of teaching and learning

Lectures, presentations of scientific work, and lab excercises.

Workload

Lectures and supervision 4 hours per week.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

The student must present 2-4 scientific papers during the semester.

Examination

Individual oral exam.

Individual oral exam based on the curriculum (scientific publications which have been discussed in the course).  Duration 20-30 minutes. No aidings tools allowed.

Assessment on the A - F grading scale. 

Course evaluation

This course is evaluated by a

• Mid-term evaluation (voluntary)
• End evaluation (compulsory)

The lecturer compiles a report based on the evaluation forms filled in by the students and his/her own experience with the course. The report is the discussed by the study quality committee of the faculty of Computer Sciences.

Literature

The curriculum is collected during the semenster, based on literature used by lectures throughout the course. The list will be published on the course home page.