Methods in environmental science , 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

The course is a mandatory requirement in PhD education at the Division of Environmental Change

Learning outcomes

The course aims to enhance knowledge of different methodological approaches in environmental science, including the interplay between ontology, epistemology and method. After completing the course, the PhD student should be able to:

• reflect on different methodological layers, including relationships between overall research questions, theoretical perspectives, possible research outcomes, practical tools for data collection, and analysis of data;
• critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses of different methodological approaches;
• reflect on when developing novel research methodology is needed and how to approach such situations, and;
• design a methodology for a specific research question of relevance for the PhD student’s own thesis.

Contents

The PhD students are encouraged to apply critical reflections in their own research designs. Through seminars and case discussions, exercises, and other course activities, the PhD students are expected to progress their understanding of the role of methodological approaches in science. This will be discussed in light of the role that science plays in society.

The course ends with a larger assignment devoted to the practice of applying a methodological approach, relevant to the individual PhD-student’s research. The PhD student will prepare a text on methods intended for use in the thesis. The methodological considerations involved in selection and design of the method will be presented and discussed at the final seminar of the course.

Educational methods

The course is based on a set of compulsory seminars, a panel and Q&A session with senior researchers, and a final written assignment to be presented and discussed with peers.

The study period and pace are adapted in dialogue with the PhD students, thus changing from year to year.

Examination

The course is examined based on active participation in the compulsory seminars and a compulsory oral presentation of a written assignment.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with the consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component. If the head of the PhD programme has recommended an individually adapted examination or alternative form of examination for the student, or if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

Students failing an exam covering part of the course are entitled to compensate for this through a written assignment or oral exam, depending on what the examiner judge as most suitable based on consideration of the course objectives.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the re-examination.

Grading

Course literature

The list of course literature is determined by the course coordinator in collaboration with the involved teachers.

General information

The teaching language is “Swedish/English.” The course as a whole will be taught in English if students without prior knowledge of the Swedish language participate. The examination language is Swedish or English depending on the teaching language.