course-details-portlet

TDMA4003

Scientific Methods

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

About

About the course

Course content

The purpose of this course is to provide a solid methodological foundation for conducting scientific inquiry. Students will acquire knowledge of relevant qualitative and quantitative methods applicable to master's-level research. This foundation will enable them to carry out research projects in accordance with ethical and professional standards. Furthermore, students will be able to formulate scientific questions, design appropriate research frameworks, and effectively communicate their findings.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Students must be able to:

  • Apply relevant research methods.
  • Define and formulate scientific research questions.
  • Develop a research design tailored to a given problem.

Skills

Students must be able to:

  • Design clear and well-structured research cases.
  • Reflect critically on the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Systematically connect problem statements, theoretical frameworks, and relevant empirical data.

General Competence

Students must be able to:

  • Analyse a topic for a master’s dissertation and select an appropriate research method suited to the project.
  • Plan and design a complete research project.
  • Communicate and present research findings clearly.
  • Demonstrate critical reflection on research methods.
  • Adhere to relevant ethical guidelines and professional standards.
  • Critically assess the use of artificial intelligence methods and make informed technological choices.

Learning methods and activities

Various forms of work and learning activities will be used with a combination of lectures, student presentations and essay writing.

Compulsory assignments

  • Further information in the course description

Further on evaluation

REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT WORK: Participation in a minimum of 75% of the learning activities. The activities are announced at the start of the course. In special cases where 75% participation is not satisfied, the student can enter into an agreement with the course coordinator (emneansvarlig) about alternative learning activities.

ASSESSMENT: Essay that counts 100% of the total grade. All aids allowed.

In the event of voluntary repetition, fail (F) or valid absence, the course must be retaken in a semester with teaching.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Digital Transformation (ITMAIKTSA)

Required previous knowledge

The course is reserved for students admitted to the Master's Degree Program in Digital Transformation.

Course materials

Course literature is determined at the start of the course. Possible textbooks can be: Kvalitative forskningsmetoder i praksis, 2. edition by Aksel Tjora, (2012). - Research Design, by John W. Creswell, (2014).

Subject areas

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Computer Science

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Essay
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

Essay
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment