course-details-portlet

MGLU4209

Inquiry-based science

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

Inquiry-based approaches to teaching and learning is an important goal for science in school, in order to give pupils a deeper understanding of science concepts, increased interest in science, and better insight and experience with using the methods of science. This course gives students advanced theoretical and practical knowledge on working inquiry-abased in science. The training of skills is central. Students will be trained in planning for and creating inquiry-based approaches to teaching and learning.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE

The student

  • has advanced knowledge of what characterises inquiry-based approaches to learning and teaching
  • has advanced knowledge of how to plan and execute inquiry-based learning and teaching
  • has knowledge of how to facilitate critical thinking through exploratory work

SKILLS

The student

  • can plan and execute different variations of inquiry-based teaching
  • can assess pupils learning in inquiry-based processes
  • can analyse and reformulate tasks for inquiry-based approach in school
  • can promote inquiry-based conversation

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The student

  • can discuss the importance of inquiry-based approaches in science teaching and learning
  • can use knowledge on and skills in the use of inquiry-based approaches for continuous improvement in teaching and learning science

Learning methods and activities

  • Lectures
  • Practical work
  • Work on assignments, individually and/or in groups

Compulsory assignments

  • Practical exercises with pupils and/or fellow students
  • Presentations and/or written submission

Further on evaluation

Partial Assessment 1: Oral Exam (individual). Grade A-F. Permitted aids: Handwritten notes, up to 2 pages (A4). Weighting: 80%

Partial Assessment 2: Written Group Assignment. Shared grade for the group, grade A-F. Individual assessment may be provided in special cases. Permitted aids: All. Weighting: 20%

For a postponed exam, the Partial Assessment 2, "Written Group Assignment", can be changed to individual with individual grade, grade A-F. Permitted aids: All. Weighting: 20%

Compulsory assignments:

  • Practical exercises with pupils and/or fellow students
  • Presentations and/or written assignment

The students can be assessed, required to take part in coursework and required to attend teaching related to interdisciplinary topics.

Compulsory assignments must be approved before students can take exam.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Candidate must have successfully passed Natural Science 1 and completed Natural Science 2 to begin Cycle 2 courses. Passing is understood as the student completing the course and passing the examination. Completed is understood as having all obligatory coursework approved and qualifying the student for the course examination.

Course materials

The reading list is posted on Canvas before the course starts.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
DID3502 7.5 sp Autumn 2020
EDU3020 7.5 sp Autumn 2020
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.

Subject areas

  • Teacher Education
  • Life Sciences

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Teacher Education

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

Written Group Assignment
Weighting 20/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment
Oral exam
Weighting 80/100 Examination aids Code F Duration 30 minutes

Re-sit examination - Spring 2027

Written Group Assignment
Weighting 20/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment
Oral exam
Weighting 80/100 Examination aids Code F Duration 30 minutes