Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. The student must also have passed Planetary Health, 15 credits (or Introduction to Sustainable Development, 7.5 credits and Introduction to Implementation Science, 7.5 credits); Power, Equity and Transformation, 15 credits, Governance for Sustainability, 15 credits; and Implementation Methods and Design, 15 credits. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate an ability to:

• explain the meaning of general and representative in empirical studies.

Competence and Skills

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate an ability to:

• autonomously delineate a relevant research area.
• develop and apply a conceptual framework within a master's thesis.

Judgement and Approach

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate:

• the ability to critically evaluate the value of particular theories regarding specific research questions.
• the ability to critically apply research methods to specific research questions.

Content

This course describes research contexts characterised by complex (wicked) sustainability problems. The course covers the theory of science, insights into biases, ethos, transparency and transdisciplinarity in research. The course includes teaching on study design, qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection, and qualitative methods for analysis. The course focuses on the relationship between research questions, theory and the criteria for choosing methods. Students will have the opportunity to discuss ethical issues related to fieldwork during the course.

The course consists of three modules of equal scope: teaching study design, qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection, and qualitative methods for analysis.

Instruction

The course consists of lectures, mandatory seminars and practical exercises, individually and in groups. The exercises will provide the necessary basis for seminar discussions. The language of instruction is English.

Assessment

Assessment procedure

The course's final grade is based on a weighted rating of the three approved modules. The possibility to complete non-approved mandatory assignments may be given at the next course opportunity, at the earliest, and only in case of vacancy. All examinations are in English.

Exception to modes of assessment

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of the assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed using another approach. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University´s disability coordinator.

Requirements to pass the course

All written exams and mandatory parts must be approved to pass the course.