course-details-portlet

MGLU5219

Theories of Science and Research Methods 5-10 (Mathematics and Science)

New from the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 15
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English and norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

This course deals with theories of science, research methods and their applicability in mathematics and science education research. Scientific paradigms and the relationship between ontology, epistemology, and choice of research methods are discussed. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches are discussed, with more emphasis on qualitative approaches. The course has multiple purposes including preparing students for their master's project by focusing on the relationship between themes, research questions, literature, and methods, as well as laying a foundation for future professional development. It equips them with the skills to investigate and re-examine their own practice, fostering the ability to engage in professional work and ongoing research in educational settings. Ethical considerations in research are an integrated part of this course.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE

The student

  • has advanced knowledge about different research paradigms and the relationship between ontological and epistemological positions and choice of research methods
  • has in-depth knowledge of features of various research designs and research methods
  • has in-depth knowledge of different methods for collection and analysis of data
  • has in-depth knowledge of ethical aspects of research
  • has in-depth knowledge of how to present research findings following academic norms.

SKILLS

The student

  • can develop researchable questions relevant to the field of mathematics or science education
  • can plan and clarify how to collect and analyse research data
  • can make justified choices of methods for collection and analysis of data
  • can analyse and take a critical stance towards different sources of knowledge (such as literature and data material), and use this to structure and formulate academic arguments
  • can report research findings following academic norms in their master’s thesis and future professional work.

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The student

  • can describe and justify methodological choices related to a chosen theme
  • can analyse relevant problem statements related to the teaching and learning of mathematics or science in school
  • can disseminate results from an individual work related to their master’s thesis research and demonstrates mastery of the language and genres of science or mathematics education
  • can apply knowledge of scientific paradigm and research methodology in their future professional work.

Learning methods and activities

Teaching components will include lectures, individual and group work on tasks, oral and written student presentations, and discussions and other relevant collaboration. Students are expected to actively participate in the teaching activities.

Teaching language

Norwegian or English

Compulsory assignments

  • Compulsory work requirements according to the course description
  • 70% attendance in lectures

Further on evaluation

Compulsory assignments:

Up to five compulsory assignments, which must all be accepted for the student to qualify for the exam. These assignments are connected to various stages of the research process in education.This includes (a) choosing a paradigm, (b) conducting a literature review and defining a relevant research problem, (c) choosing a research methodology and developing data collection instruments, (d) writing a research proposal, and (e) conducting a pilot study. Assignments also include analysing both qualitative and quantitative data.

70% attendance in lectures.

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

All the mandatory activities must be approved before students can take the exam.

Assessment

School exam: Letter grade A-F

Required previous knowledge

Completed Mathematics 1/Science 1 and Mathematics 2/ Science 2 (60 credits in total), or equivalent, and completed FoU-project in the third year of Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education.

Course materials

The complete reading list will be published on Blackboard before the course begins.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
MGLU5504 15 sp Autumn 2025
MGLU5203 15 sp Autumn 2025
MGLU5208 15 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.

Subject areas

  • Teacher Education
  • Mathematics
  • Life Sciences

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Teacher Education

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Date 2025-12-05 Time 09:00 Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school 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.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL311 lyseblå sone
61 candidates

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.