Research Design and Thesis Proposal, 10.0 credits

Entry requirements

The course is open to students admitted to a PhD education in a subject relevant to environmental science.

Specific information

This is a mandatory course in the Environmental Change doctoral program.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:

• Critically reflect about possibilities and limitations in research and its role in society.
• Specify and formulate a well-defined research problem for the proposed thesis.
• Reflect about research ethics in proposed projects.
• Create and present a scientific analysis and synthesis of a research area.
• Review research plans regarding scientific feasibility, precision, and how well proposed methods align with the aim and research questions.
• Reflect on how complex research questions can be communicated and discussed within the scientific community and society.

Contents

The main focus of the course is to review the research area in which the student's own thesis is positioned, define overarching and specific aims and research questions for the thesis, and explore appropriate methods for the thesis work. Additional content includes scientific writing, oral presentations, ethical considerations for research, the role of research in society, and how research questions can be communicated and discussed in society.

Educational methods

The main part of the course involves self-study under supervision. Several seminars will be held to discuss various topics related to the course content.

Examination

The examination consists of developing, writing, presenting, and defending a research plan suitable for a doctoral project. Additionally, a review of other participants' research plans and active participation in seminars are required. All components are mandatory to pass the course.

A student who does not achieve a passing grade is offered an opportunity for re-examination immediately following the course. After that, participation in the examination is offered at a later course session. The scope of re-examination should be the same as the regular examination.

A student who fails twice in the examination for the course or part of the course has the right, upon request, to have another examiner at the re-examination, unless there are specific reasons against it.

Grading

Course literature

Course literature is determined by the course leader in dialogue with the involved teachers.