Research Methods and Methodologies, 7.5 credits
(Forskningsmetoder och -metodik, 7,5 högskolepoäng)
| Course code | 1152MJ |
|---|---|
| Subject area | Environmental Science |
| Main field of study | Environmental Science |
| Progressive specialisation | A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements) |
| Academic school | School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies |
| Disciplary domain |
Natural sciences 50%
Social sciences 50% |
| Grading scale | AF |
| Education cycle | Second-cycle (Master) |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Valid from | Autumn semester 2018 |
Validation
This course syllabus was validated by the Management Board of the School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies at Södertörn University on 2018-04-23 according to the stipulations in the Higher Education Ordinance.
Entry requirements
The equivalent of English B and a Bachelor's degree including a minimum of 90 credits in Environmental Science, Bioscience, Political Science, Sociology, International Health, Media and Communication Studies, or the equivalent
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student is able to:explain differences and similarities and assess the strengths and weaknesses of major methodologies and methods, such as case study approaches, ethnographic studies, quantitative cross-case analysis, and experiments, that are used in environmental science assess the utility, limitations and uncertainties associated with various research methodologies evaluate, select and argue for suitable methods and methodological approaches to a particular environmental research problem critically assess studies within environmental science from a methodological perspective make assessments of scientific, methodological, and ethical aspects related to a given research problem design a study which contains an analysis of an environmental problem using a scientific method.Course content, modules and examinations
This course is structured around lectures and seminars. Particular weight is put on comparisons of alternative methodologies and methods, e.g. case studyapproaches, ethnographic studies, quantitative cross-case analysis, experiments, and how they relate to different types of research problems in the realm of environmental science. Methodological issues such as case selection, various types of data collection and the analysis, validity, possibilities for generalisation, etc., are discussed and related to general research design strategies.
1001,
Research Methods and Methodologies,
7.5 credits
(Forskningsmetoder och -metodik,
7,5 högskolepoäng)
Grades permitted:
AF
Course design
Lectures and seminars.Examination format
Upon completion of the course, the student is able to:
- explain differences and similarities and assess the strengths and weaknesses of major methodologies and methods, such as case study approaches, ethnographic studies, quantitative cross-case analysis, and experiments, that are used in environmental science
- assess the utility, limitations and uncertainties associated with various research methodologies
- evaluate, select and argue for suitable methods and methodological approaches to a particular environmental research problem
- critically assess studies within environmental science from a methodological perspective
- make assessments of scientific, methodological, and ethical aspects related to a given research problem
- design a study which contains an analysis of an environmental problem using a scientific method.
The grading criteria are distributed prior to the start of a course or module.
If a student has a certificate from Södertörn University for compensatory support, the examiner has the right to decide on an adapted examination or alternative form of examination in accordance with Södertörn University's regulations.
Restrictions on accreditation
The course may not be accredited as part of a degree if the contents are partly or wholly the same as a course previously taken in Sweden or elsewhere.
Other stipulations
Following the Vice-Chancellors decision on internationalization and grade scale at Södertörn University College (dnr: 1148-1.1.2-2018), this syllabus replaces the syllabus with course code 1102MJ, with the difference that the grade system has been updated. The syllabus is determined through special order (dnr: 1776-2.1.1-2018).