Course - Examen philosophicum for Engineers - EXPH0600
Examen philosophicum for Engineers
Choose study yearNew from the academic year 2024/2025
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 Engineers focuses on understanding of technology as well as topics related to the engineering profession and the role of engineers in society. An important purpose of the course is to improve skills in thinking critically about sustainable development.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
- 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 technology - as theory and practice - in historical and future oriented perspective
- 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 the engineering profession and the role of engineers, as well as ethical problems regarding environment, society and working life
Skills
- Can identify and reflect critically on engineering problems in light of different views of science, technology and ethics
- Can argue independently, to the point and systematically and evaluate sources of information
General competencies
- Can reflect critically on different views of value, science and technology, and relate theses to one’s own profession and to professional practice
- Can identify environmental and ethical challenges related to technological products and solutions
- Can reflect critically on challenges in society related to sustainability in technology
- Can contribute to good and reflective cooperation
- Can write academic texts
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.
If all compulsory assignments have been approved in EXPH0600 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 Blackboard pages of the course for details about compulsory assignments.
Compulsory assignments
- Obligatory activities
Further on evaluation
The final grade is based on two partial assessments: a 2-hour multiple choice exam under supervision that counts 1/3 and an essay exam that counts 2/3.
In case of retakes, partial assessments can be taken up individually.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Aircraft Engineer - Engineering (BIFLY)
Automation and Intelligent Systems - Engineering (BIAIS)
Building Constructions – Engineering (BIBYGGK)
Chemistry - Engineering (FTHINGKJ)
Civil Engineering - Engineering (BIBYGG)
Computer Science - Engineering (BIDATA)
Electrical Engineering (BIELEKTRO)
Electrification and Digitalisation - Engineering (BIELDIG)
Electronic Systems Engineer - Engineering (BIELSYS)
Geomatics - Engineering (BIGEOMAT)
Logistics - Engineering (FTHINGLOG)
Materials Engineering (FTHINGMAT)
Mechanical Engineering (BIMASKIN)
Mechatronics and Product Design - Engineering (BIMEPRO)
Naval Architecture - Engineering (699SD)
Production and Product Development – Engineering (BIPRO)
Renewable Energy - Engineering (BIFOREN)
Recommended previous knowledge
None
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 Blackboard pages of the course.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| EXPH0100 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0200 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0300 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0350 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0400 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0500 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0550 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0001 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0002 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0003 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0004 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0005 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0006 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH6001 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0650 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2024 |
Subject areas
- Examen Philosophicum
Contact information
Course coordinator
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2024
Multiple choice exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.
Essay exam
Submission 2024-12-16 Time Release 08:00
Submission 14:00 Duration 4 weeks Exam system Inspera Assessment
Ordinary examination - Spring 2025
Multiple choice exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.
Essay exam
Submission 2025-05-14 Time Release 08:00
Submission 14:00 Duration 4 weeks Exam system Inspera Assessment