Scientific Method
- Lecturer (Coordinator):
- Andrés Silva
- asilva@fi.upm.es
- Lecturer:
- Óscar Dieste
- odieste@fi.upm.es
Semester
First semester
Credits
2 ECTS
Outline
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.
Documents:
- N. Medinilla: "Introduction to Scientific Method". 2023.
- N. Medinilla: "Opaque Box Research". 2023,
- A. Chalmers: "What Is This Thing Called Science?". Open University Press, Hackett, 1999.
Syllabus
- Introduction to the Scientific Method
Lecture Theatre
A-6206
Tuition Language
English
Timetable
from 8 October to 26 November 2025
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 |