Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SV0005 Science theory and method, 7.5 Credits

Vetenskapsteori och metod

Subjects

Forestry Science Mathematical Statistics

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Science theory	2.0	0202
Statistics	2.0	0203
Assignment	3.5	0204

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1N)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

General entry requirements for first-cycle studies and



- Mathematics 3b / 3c or Mathematics C.

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to provide a basic understanding of scientific theory, method and interpretation of data and provide practical skills in numerical analysis.

After completing the course the student should be able to

• outline scientific theoretical traditions and concepts and describe scientific views and ethical aspects of science

• describe research processes and describe qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis

• perform literature search and explain the difference between different types of literature

• summarize results and critically examine basic statistics in scientific articles

• orally argue and perform scientific reasoning

• describe methods for experimental design and data collection

• explain basic statistical terminology

• apply descriptive statistics, confidence intervals and hypothesis tests

• interpret the obtained statistical results and put them in context

• perform basic statistical analysis using relevant software.

Content

The course deals with basic scientific theory, ethics and scientific methods and provides an understanding of scientific approaches and the difference between science and pseudoscience. Gender perspectives on research and science are addressed. During the course, skills in argumentation and scientific reasoning are practised. Research processes are described and certain individual elements, including literature search, compilation and statistical analysis, are practiced. Qualitative and quantitative methods, including basic statistical methods, with applications in forest science and biology are addressed.

The course is completed with lectures, seminars and practical exercises. Seminars and some computer exercises are mandatory.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Approved written examination

Completed mandatory elements

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

The syllabus is uppdated in accordance with the decisions 2021-02-11 (§§ 9-10) by the Board of Education on the main field of study Forestry science and on degree requirements (SLU.sfak.2021.3.1.1-22). It thus replaces SG0264, decided by the Programme Board for Education in Forestry (PN-S) 2020-11-11 (SLU.sfak.2020.3.1.1-447), due to changed field of study.

Responsible department

Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Environmental Studies

Cooperating departments: