Scientific Method
- Lecturer (Coordinator):
- Andrés Silva
- asilva@fi.upm.es
- Lecturer:
- Nelson Medinilla
- nelson@fi.upm.es
Semester
First semester
Credits
2 ECTS
Outline
This subject has 2 separate parts:
Introduction to the Scientific Method
We often write the word Science with a capital letter, as if it were an ideal, objective, certain, eternal, neutral, substantial truth… and we imagine the term scientific method as 'the road towards science'. But, untainted by idealism, What is science? What is the scientific method?
The aim of this seminar is to help students to analyse these questions personally and make up their own mind considering the many different perspectives.
Inquiry and reflection are the main resources of the seminar.
Recommended Reading
- A. Chalmers. What Is This Thing Called Science? Open University Press, 3rd revised edition, Hackett, 1999
Scientific Papers Writing Workshop
Students will learn to write and structure a scientific paper using a series of techniques applied to a specific example.
It is essential to communicate your research effectively to other people. No matter how good your work is, it is wasted effort if others do not learn about it and understand it. Therefore, it is essential to communicate well. But writing is not just something that advertises your results at the end of a project: rather, the process of writing improves your understanding of your own work. This workshop will help you to become a better writer. It will discuss the structure of a research paper, together with both principles and practices to help you write good papers.
Syllabus
- Introduction to the Scientific Method
- Scientific Papers Writing Workshop
Assessment Method
The grading will take into account class participation and the completion of the assignments set in each part.
Tuition Language
English
Timetable
From 8 October to 26 November 2020
Competences
Code | Competence | Proficiency Level |
---|---|---|
CG1 | Students can apply the acquired knowledge and their problem solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study | C |
CG18 | Effective communication skills, possibly also in international contexts | C |
CG19 | Systematic approach to risk management | C |
CGI21 | Understanding of the procedure, value and limits of the scientific method in the software and systems field, as well as identification, location and collection of data required to research, design and lead analytical, modelling and experimental research, and critically appraise data and interpret findings | C |
CGI22 | Appreciation of the importance of and management of documentary sources, and search for information to develop research of any kind | C |
CGI23 | Ability to read, understand and catalogue publications within their field of study/research, as well as appreciate their scientific value | C |
CGI24 | Students have essential knowledge about research and technology transfer funding, as well as the legislation on data protection applicable to the conduct of research and the legal protection of results | C |
Learning Outcomes
Code | Learning Outcome | Associated competences | Proficiency level |
---|---|---|---|
RA-MC-1 | Ability to formulate the necessary requirements to implement a scientifically rigorous research process aimed at reducing the gap between a potentially promising idea and its real-world validation | CG1, CGI21 | C |
RA-MC-2 | Ability to evaluate the best scientific and scientific-technical options, methods and tools for the research to be undertaken | CG18, CGI21 | C |
RA-MC-3 | Familiarity with, application and critical appraisal of the literature concerning a research topic for use to promote or lay the groundwork for a new idea and its associated research process | CGI22, CGI23 | C |
RA-MC-4 | Ability to plan a research project detailing the process, method, workload, goals, costs, times and risks associated with a scientifically rigorous research task and developed in international settings in partnership with other public and private institutions | CGI24, CGI18, CGI19 | C |