Course

Theory of Science and Ethics (TN900)

Theory of science will be discussed, and emphasis will be placed on describing how a scientific knowledge of nature emerges and that our knowledge of nature has been and is under development. The creative process in research will be emphasized. The structure of a scientific theory will be discussed, and each of the elements of the structure (assumptions, deductions, statements and testing), and the interconnection between them will be thoroughly discussed and illustrated by examples from the history of science.

The Ethics component of the course will address adaptation of fundamental ethical principles to scientific activity, herein prevention of plagiarism and other scientific misconduct.


Course description for study year 2023-2024. Please note that changes may occur.

See course description and exam/assesment information for this semester (2024-2025)

Semesters

Facts

Course code

TN900

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Spring

Language of instruction

English, Norwegian

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Time table

View course schedule

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto

Content

Theory of science will be discussed, and emphasis will be placed on describing how a scientific knowledge of nature emerges and that our knowledge of nature has been and is under development. The creative process in research will be emphasized. The structure of a scientific theory will be discussed, and each of the elements of the structure (assumptions, deductions, statements and testing), and the interconnection between them will be thoroughly discussed and illustrated by examples from the history of science.

The Ethics component of the course will address adaptation of fundamental ethical principles to scientific activity, herein prevention of plagiarism and other scientific misconduct.

Learning outcome

Upon completion of the course the students shall be able to understand the distinctive character of natural science, and understand that knowledge of nature is under development (through examples of the history of science). Further, they shall have acquired insight in the creative process, which in turn will increase the students own ability to think creatively, i.e. to approach a problem from a variety of angles. The students shall be able to understand the basis of scientific disagreement and to contribute in a constructive manner in public debate.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid Exam system Withdrawal deadline Exam date
Project work 1/1 Passed / Not Passed Inspera assessment — —


Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Tore Markeset

Course coordinator:

Frank Asche

Method of work

Project work

Open for

Single Course Admission to PhD-courses Technology and Natural Science - PhD programme

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Contact

Course teacher:

Tore Markeset

Course coordinator:

Frank Asche

Offered by

Faculty of Science and Technology

Department of Safety, Economics and Planning

The course description is retrieved from FS (Felles studentsystem). Version 1