Theory of Science and Research Design for Geographers
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters
- Autumn
- Course code
- GEO308
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student
- has knowledge of basic theory or philosophy of science perspectives and concepts and their implications for research design
- has knowledge about different perspectives on the relation between science and society
Skills
The student
- can critically reflect upon different perspectives in philosophy or theory of science relevant for their own work and for the discipline of geography
- can formulate academic arguments based on different epistemological positions or perspectives
- can outline the implications of different perspectives in philosophy or theory of science for research design
General competence
The student
- can critically reflect upon philosophy or theory of science aspects and societal aspects of his/hers own research and academic area of expertise, including when communicating across disciplines or societal domains
- can critically reflect upon the relation between science/expertise and society
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
- GEO301 (10 ECTS)
- GEO302 (10 ECTS)
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures:
- 3 joint lectures
- 4 parallel lectures based on specialisation
- Total: 7 lectures (14 hours) 7 weeks
Seminars:
- 3 parallel seminars based on specialisation
- Total: 3 seminars (6 hours) 3 weeks
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
- Attendance in 3 seminars
- 1 seminar presentation
The compulsory activities must be approved in order to take the exam. Approved compulsory activities are valid in the current and following two semesters.
Forms of Assessment
Home exam, 5 days
The exam will be given in the language in which the course is taught.
The exam can be submitted in English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish
Grading Scale
Assessment Semester
Assessment in teaching semester.
A retake exam is arranged for students with valid absence according to UiB study regulations § 5-5.
If there is a retake exam for students with valid absence, all students with valid compulsory activity can sign up for the retake exam. If you have the right to take a retake exam and a retake exam is arranged for students with valid absences, you can sign up yourself in Studentweb after January 15.