Theory of Scientific Method

Semester 1 · 46047 · PhD Programme in Mountain Environment and Agriculture - Major in Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems · 4CP · EN

This introductory course has two goals: first, the course will introduce you into various aspects of scientific methods. Second, in theoretical lectures and practical exercises students will learn how to perform a scientific study and how to present your scientific data. Regardless of what discipline students are in, the knowledge of scientific methods proves to be instrumental for academic research both as a PhD student and beyond. Among the covered topics: introduction on being a scientist, responsible conducting of research and experimental design. One will get insights on how to read, write and review a paper, how to apply for conferences and awards and how to handle literature. This course will be an introduction on how to survive academia as an early career scientist. In this course, students will develop scientific ideas, as well as learn strategies for to organize, plan and perform your research. They will also gain methods how to critically read and evaluate scientific papers and communicate and present scientific data.

Lecturers: Hannes Schuler

Teaching Hours: 32
Lab Hours: 8
Mandatory Attendance: compulsary

Course Topics
Introduction on being a scientist, responsible conducting of research and experimental design. You will get insights on how to read, write and review a paper, how to apply for conferences and awards and how to handle your literature.

Teaching format
The course covers theoretical lectures as well as practical activities. A two-days mock conference will conclude the lecture where you present your posters or make an oral presentation.

Educational objectives
1. Knowledge and Understanding: Students will gain a foundational understanding of the academic environment and scientific research processes, including how to survive and thrive as early career scientists. This includes developing scientific ideas and learning the principles underlying effective research design and analysis. 2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding: Participants will apply their knowledge by organizing, planning, and conducting their own PhD projects. They will also practice critical reading and evaluation of scientific papers, enhancing their ability to implement research methodologies in real-world scenarios. 3. Making Judgements: Students will develop the ability to critically assess scientific literature, identify strengths and weaknesses in research, and make informed decisions about experimental design and data interpretation. 4. Communication Skills: Students will improve their ability to communicate scientific ideas and results clearly and effectively, both in written essays and through oral presentations at the “mock conference”. 5. Learning Skills: Through active participation and engagement with both required and supplementary readings, students will enhance their independent learning skills and develop strategies for continuous professional development in academia.

Assessment
Because the main part of the progress towards the learning outcomes takes place in classroom, your regular participation is essential. Participation on 80% of the lectures is required, submission of a scientific abstract as well as an oral or poster presentation and active participation at the Mock conference are essential.

Evaluation criteria
Active participation, contribution of written essays and the final presentation at the “mock conference” are required to pass the class.

Required readings

Pdf of the teaching material will be uploaded on the teams channel after each class. The instructor will hand out supporting material in class.

Supplementary readings

Greenfield T and Greener S 2016 Research Methods for Postgraduates. John Wiley & Sons.

Valiela I 2009 Doing science – Design, Analysis, and Communication of Scientific Research. Oxford University Press.

Krosso P 2011 Springer Briefs in Philosophy: A Summary of Scientific Method. Springer.

Spyns P, Vidal M.-E. 2015 Scientific Peer Reviewing, Practical Hints and Best Practices. Springer.

Download as pdf

Sustainable Development Goals
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals.

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