Research Methods (5 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The student is able to:
-find a topic for the own thesis and select the potential research methodology
-select and use the potential research methodology in the Thesis work
-set the research problems
-start setting a proper framework for the Thesis and get feedback about the plan
-use different sources of information effectively

Content (course unit)

Idea generation, research methods, sources of information, data mining

Exam schedules

No tests, but assignments and presentations.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Active attendance to the contact lessons, quality of the presentation and -assignments

Teaching methods

Lectures, exercises, assignments, issue based discussions, case solutions and student's presentations

Learning materials

Teachers will instruct about reading materials during the course

Student workload

In addition to the contact lessons the students need to reserve time for the self-study and assignments.
Contact lessons approximately 40 h, student's presentation and final presentation preparation 50 h, self-study 30 h

Content scheduling

Course aim, learning goals, research principles
Research topic
Set the research problems and guestions
Methods
Information searching and using
Information visualisation
Students presentations on thesis/research framework, methods and plans

Completion alternatives

The student should talk to the teacher individually if situation demands

Further information

In this course the students learn to plan the research, set the research problems, use research methods and other sources of information effectively. These skills are needed in the thesis process.
Sessions on Monday afternoons (12.15-15.00)
The course starts on 17.9. in classroom 40016 (12.15)

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

- Attendance (Low)
- Satisfactory quality of the assignments
Student has achieved the objectives of the course sufficiently. Student understands the premises and principals of the subject matter. Student recognizes, is able to determine and use the concepts and models.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

- Attendance: The student attends most of the contact teaching and takes part to discussions
- Good quality of the assignments
Student has achieved the objectives of the course well although the skills and competences are somewhat in need of further development. Student is able to determine and apply the concepts and models of the subject matter well and is able to apply them.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

- Attendance: The student attends almost all contact teaching and takes actively part to discussions
- Excellent quality of the assignments
Student has achieved the objectives of the course excellently. The student masters the concepts and models of the subject matter in an excellent manner. Student is able to conduct fluent and reasoned analysis and has good capabilities to apply the learning.