Course content

The course provides insight into and understanding of scientific methods, with a focus on the application of selected scientific methods. Students gain fundamental knowledge and skills to carry out scientific work at undergraduate level, as well as competence to critically evaluate general approaches in their own and others’ scientific work. The course will guide through the process to conduct a simple applied research project, from defining a problem to the dissemination of results in scientific and popular-scientific formats.

Candidates will gain knowledge and receive training in the formulation of concrete problems, developing hypotheses, literature search, scientific citing, research and experimental planning, choice of experimental design, analysis and evaluation of data. All segments of this process will include theory and practical training. In addition, the course teaches how to present data and other research results, followed by setting up a discussion. Students will be trained in scientific writing, and the course provides an overview of other forms of scientific and popular-scientific communication.

The course will enable students to assess, plan and carry out minor research work at undergraduate level, as well as to communicate research results. Research ethics are included in the training.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student:

• has broad knowledge about the scientific approach to examine concrete problems
• can update their knowledge about concrete problems on a defined topic
• has knowledge about the dissemination of research results
• has knowledge about selected scientific methods to plan and conduct scientific tests, collect and analyze data

Skills - the student:

• can develop and formulate clear and concise scientific problems and hypotheses
• can conduct relevant data collection
• can conduct basic data analyses using selected methods
• can couple defined problems with theory and relevant empirical data and knowledge
• can evaluate their own and other's research approach and presentation within their own discipline and method they are familiar with
• can evaluate applied research problems

General competence - the student:

• has insight into the scientific approach for planning, conducting and presenting research work
• can use sources, databases and search engines for scientific literature
• can plan and conduct minor scientific studies
• can present results in a scientific and popular scientific manner
• can critically reflect over their own professional work
• can identify and assess relevant ethical problems

Learning methods and activities

Learning activities:

Lectures/seminars up to 30 hours, exercises up to 48 hours, individual study and exam up to 120 hours.

Exercises may be tailored to the project relevant for the student’s study program.

Mandatory assignments:

Up to 6 mandatory reports, of which at least 80% need to be approved.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic education in natural sciences.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

Lecture notes; selected scientific articles and book chapters may be used that are tailored to the respective projects.

Credit reductions