Academic Research (3cr)

Objective

The students perceive research work as part of professional expertise. They can recognise and structure meaningful development topics and field-specific problems in their own work. They
can analyse ideas about knowledge, truth and reality. They are familiar with various approaches and strategies of research and development and discern research hypotheses, the stages of the research process and different alternatives of data collection.

The students know the ethical principles of research and development work and can apply the value basis and ethical principles of their own professional field.

The students master the methods and process of data collection, are able to collect information from general and field-specific sources, and process and critically assess this data. They are able to perceive wholes and apply the knowledge existing in their field to research and development.

The students are able to produce a clear, structured report in factual style. They know the characteristics of investigative writing, as well as the structure and writing practices of a bachelor’s thesis report.

Content

The thesis process, the requirements for a thesis, the characteristics of investigative writing. Research data acquisition as part of information literacy. Scientific activity and thinking and the application of research data as part of professional competence. Field-specific sources of information. The principles of professional ethics. The nature of knowledge and reality, the differences between everyday thinking and scientific thinking, and the factors affecting the choice of research approach. The structure and writing practices of a thesis report. Developing writing skills further.

Qualifications

Basic skills in IT and factual text writing

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Assignments and/or exam