Course Objectives

Theory of Science 5 ECTS builds on the introductory course from the 1st and 2nd years of the Bachelor’s degree study programme.

1st year

The course includes basic scientific theory, and qualitative and quantitative methods (2.5 ECTS).

After the first year of the study programme the student will:

Work on this course will provide knowledge and experience in basic methods and approaches to the acquisition, development and processing of knowledge. Students will gain general knowledge of research and development, and also learn how this may be related to their specialisation subject.

• Have knowledge of the fundamental issues in the theory of science and research methodology.
• Have knowledge of the theoretical foundation of practical-creative work.
• Be familiar with Telemark University College’s guidelines for the use of sources and references (the Harvard system).
• Be able to apply the guidelines in written work.
• Be able to evaluate a product based on structured and targeted analysis.

After the second year of the study programme the student will:

• Be able to explain the fundamental issues in scientific theory and research methodology.
• Be able to examine critically their own creative activities.
• Be able to identify and deal with ethical guidelines.
• Have knowledge of the representation of data from simple surveys and examine of this in relation to relevant theory.
• Carry out a simple survey using interviews or observation in the context of practical training.

3rd year

Includes scientific theory and methodology and theory of aesthetics (5 ECTS)

After the third year of the study programme the student will:

• Be able to apply research methods to solve problems in creative processes and the analysis of artefacts.
• Have knowledge of research in the field of arts and crafts as a school subject or design development in industry.
• Be able to describe the structure of an academic text.
• Be able to use qualitative methods in relation to the collection and analysis of data.
• Be familiar with some of the Master’s theses completed at the college.
• Be able to relate to case, action and field as areas for research.
• Be able to discuss the findings of a scientific investigation.
• Be able to evaluate science-based articles in the field.
• Have acquired the foundation for completing a Bachelor’s thesis.

Course Description

Work on this course will provide knowledge and experience in basic methods and approaches to the acquisition, development and processing of knowledge. Students will gain general knowledge of research and development, and also learn how this may be related to their specialisation subject.

Learning Methods

Theory of science will be presented to the students, mainly in seminars / lectures. It is expected that the student is able to work independently throughout the course. However, mandatory study groups will be formed so students can discuss curriculum topics.

The course will be taught concurrently with other courses in the autumn semester, and has a fixed timetable.

Assessment Methods

Three-hour written examination.

The student must be able to document participation in a study group.

A final grade will be given on a scale from A to F, where A is the highest and E the lowest passing grade.

Please refer to the Telemark University College Examination Regulations.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean