course-details-portlet

TS501115

Scientific theory and methods

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Ålesund
Examination arrangement Assignment

About

About the course

Course content

  • What is science
  • Historic philosophic concepts of science
  • The relationship between basic research, applied research and action research. Science, ethics and society
  • Perspectives, norms, objectivity and subjectivity
  • Science and research ethics (incl. plagiarism, copying and misuse of research results)3. Science and hypothesis testing
  • Hypothetic-deductive method and science circle
  • Research planning
  • Modelling and hypothesis testing based on based on empirical data
  • Scientific communication and scientific report writing. Quantitative and Qualitative research
  • Reliability and validity
  • Quantitative Applied probability theory Estimation Hypothesis testing
  • Quantitative Conceptualizing and Research Interview Seven stages of an Interview Investigation

Learning outcome

Having passed the exam it is expected that the candidate:

  • has advanced knowledge within scientific theory and research methods, and specialized insight into hypothesis testing based on empirical data
  • is able to gather observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning
  • has extensive knowledge of how to present and report scientific conclusions
  • can analyse academic problems in a scientific manner

Having passed the exam it is expected that the candidate:

  • can analyse and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments
  • can analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations and work independently on practical and theoretical problems
  • can use relevant methods for research and scholarly development work in an independent matter-can carry out an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics
  • can analyse relevant academic, professional and research ethical problems
  • can apply his/her knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects
  • can communicate extensive independent work and terminology
  • can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions, both with specialists and the general public

Learning methods and activities

Teaching methods and activities: Lectures and individual and group exercises (some to be presented in class) to ensure a thorough understanding of how to formulate a hypothesis, plan a study, gather information, analyse the information and present the findings in a scientific report. Mandatory assignment: Each group is required to present 1-2 group exercises. Students are expected to be present minimum 80 % of the time meant for group exercises.

Compulsory assignments

  • Mandatory assignment

Further on evaluation

Individual report. The report shall be submitted in NTNU's Exam System INSPERA as one pdf-file.

The student must have 80% attendance in the course in order to register for the exam. Special cases are assessed individually by submitting an application to the Study Program Manager.

Compulsory activities from the previous semester can be approved by the department.

Re-sit examination: Students who failed the exam or have a legitimate leave of absence from the exam, will be allowed to re-sit the exam during the next semester.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Management of Demanding Marine Operations (MLAKMO)
Operational Maritime Management (830MDO)

Subject areas

  • Organization and Leadership

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Assignment
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Assignment
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Re-sit examination - Spring 2026

Assignment
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment