What is science? How do we construct scientific concepts? What makes a research method robust - and how do we know when a hypothesis can be considered falsified?

This course gives doctoral students the opportunity to engage with key questions that underpin all research within the engineering sciences. Through a deepened understanding of theories of science, you will develop the ability to critically analyse, motivate, and reflect on both your own and others’ research.

Throughout the course, you will practise using essential scientific theoretical concepts in both oral discussions and written assignments. By engaging in constructive dialogue with fellow doctoral students, you will strengthen your ability to reason about the foundations, possibilities, and limitations of scientific inquiry.

This course is designed for doctoral students who want to build a solid theoretical foundation for their research, sharpen their analytical perspective, and deepen their understanding of how scientific knowledge is developed and evaluated

Course structure

The course consists of lectures, seminars, oral presentations and written assignments. it begins with an introduction to major scientific strategies and their relevance for different types of research, and then moves on to central themes such as ontology, observation, explanation, and the nature of empirical support. 

For a Pass on the course, participants must have passed all assignments and have made an oral presentation. 

The course is taught in English.

Admission

To be admitted to the course applicants have to be part of a PhD programme at LTH.

Scope

The course corresponds to 3 weeks of full-time work and to 4,5 credits in third-cycle (PhD) studies. 

Syllabus

Course leader

Niklas Vareman, niklas.vareman@med.lu.se
Assistant researcher, Department of Medical Ethics, LU