course-details-portlet

EXPH0300

Examen philosophicum for Science and Technology

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 7.5
Level Examen philosophicum
Course start Autumn 2026 / Spring 2027
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Gjøvik, Ålesund and Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

The course is an introduction to issues within theory of knowledge and science, ethics, and political philosophy. Different views of nature, humanity, and technology are discussed, in addition to questions concerning the relation between individual and society. The course provides knowledge of perspectives on science and contributes to a reflective relation to scientific practice and application of scientific knowledge. Dialogue- and discussion-based teaching cultivates critical thinking, and promotes skills in argumentation and cooperation. The course also contributes to a critical attitude toward sources, and to the further development of writing skills.

Examen philosophicum for Science and Technology focuses on topics of special relevance to mathematical-scientific disciplines and technology, particularly sustainability. An important purpose of the course is to improve skills in thinking critically about sustainable development.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate has

  • knowledge of analysis and assessment of argumentation, as well as central concepts from argumentation theory
  • familiarity with basic theories of knowledge, and with what distinguishes scientific knowledge from other forms of knowledge
  • knowledge of chosen topics within theory of science of special relevance to mathematical-scientific disciplines and technology
  • knowledge of sustainability as a condition for a good society today and in the future, as well as the role of science and technology in this connection
  • knowledge of different theories and views of humanity, culture, and nature
  • knowledge of different views of the relation between individual and community, and the structuring of society
  • knowledge of main types of ethical thinking
  • knowledge of ethical and societal issues related to natural scientific research and technology development, including topics within research ethics and research politics

Skills

The candidate can

  • identify and discuss problems and issues related to one´s own discipline or profession in light of different views of knowledge, science, ethics, and politics
  • reflect critically on sustainability as a complex challenge for society and dilemmas that come along with sustainable development
  • argue independently, to the point and systematically about topics treated in the course, based on principles for critically evaluating sources

General competencies

The candidate can

  • relate to and apply scientific knowledge critically and constructively
  • reflect on the societal role of the sciences
  • contribute to good and reflective cooperation
  • express oneself with precision, structure, and sound reasoning

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of lectures and seminars. The lectures present the main lines of the curriculum and provide an overview of the central themes of the course. The seminars are group-based work on assigned tasks and exercises under supervision.

Compulsory assignments: To be eligible to take the exam, 80% attendance at seminars is required, as well as approval of up to two submissions, with at least one being a group assignment.

All compulsory activity must be approved in one and the same semester. It is not possible to carry over parts of compulsory activity to a new semester.

If all compulsory assignments have been approved in EXPH0300 a previous semester, it can be approved by the department.

Note that NTNU has several different variants of exphil. It is not possible to take the exam in a variant/subject code other than the one in which the compulsory assignments have been approved.

See the Canvas pages of the course for details about compulsory assignments.

Compulsory assignments

  • Obligatory activities

Further on evaluation

4-hour school exam under supervision.

No support material is allowed.

Please note that the examination arrangement will be new from autumn 2026. Previously completed assessments and/or assessment components in the course cannot be combined with the new examination arrangement.

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to specific study programmes at NTNU.

Course materials

The curriculum is available on examen philosophicum's web page (http://www.ntnu.no/exphil) and the Canvas pages of the course.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
EXPH0001 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
EXPH0002 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
EXPH0003 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
EXPH0004 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
EXPH0005 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
EXPH0006 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
EXPH6001 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
EXPH0100 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
EXPH0200 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
EXPH0400 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
EXPH0500 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
EXPH0350 7.5 sp Autumn 2021
EXPH0550 7.5 sp Autumn 2021
EXPH0600 7.5 sp Autumn 2023
EXPH0650 7.5 sp Autumn 2024
EXPH0450 7.5 sp Autumn 2025
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Other pages about the course

Subject areas

  • Examen Philosophicum

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Timetable

Timetable

Calendar view
List view
Show detailed timetable in TP Download .ics file iCal

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.

Ordinary examination - Spring 2027

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.

Re-sit examination - Summer 2027

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.

All about examinations at NTNU