Academic Methods
level of course unit
second cycle, Master
Learning outcomes of course unit
The following learning outcomes are developed in the course:
- Students are able to formulate research questions and to design research projects derived from them.
- They can assess the suitability of different methodological research approaches for discuss-ing specific research questions and designing an appropriate methodological approach.
- Students are proficient in researching relevant specialist literature and handling sources and evidence appropriately.
- Students are able to statistically evaluate collected data.
prerequisites and co-requisites
Students bring the following requirements to the course:
- Basic principles and techniques of academic methods (Bachelor level)
- Ability to write shorter scientific papers (e.g. Bachelor thesis)
course contents
Students gain in-depth knowledge in the field of academic methods by means of a research project to be worked on in a small group.
Building on the basic knowledge of techniques and rules of academic methods Students are trained in the field of data analysis including conclusive statistics. This gives students the ability to work on complex scientific questions and to create research designs. This implies both structure and content as well as style and language at a high level.
The practical development of the above-mentioned knowledge prepares students both formally and methodically for preparing the Master thesis. The discussion and critical questioning of the scientific methodology of a Master thesis is also included. In order to support the students in their search for relevant and high quality questions, possible topics and hypotheses are discussed and debated.
recommended or required reading
- Atteslander, P. (2010): Methoden der empirischen Sozialforschung. 13. Auflage, ESV
- Eco, U. (2003): Wie man eine wissenschaftliche Abschlussarbeit schreibt. 10. Auflage, C.F. Müller
-Theuerkauf, J. (2012): Schreiben im Ingenieurstudium: Effektiv und effizient zu Bachelor-, Master- und Doktorarbeit. 1. Auflage,
von Judith, UTB Verlag, ISBN: 978-3825236441
- Karmasin M.; Ribing, R. (2011): Die Gestaltung wissenschaftlicher Arbeiten. 6. Auflage, facultas WUV
- Leopold-Wildburger, U.; Schütze, J. (2002): Verfassen und Vortragen: Wissenschaftliche Arbeiten und Vorträge leicht gemacht. Springer
assessment methods and criteria
seminar paper
language of instruction
German
number of ECTS credits allocated
2
eLearning quota in percent
20
course-hours-per-week (chw)
1
planned learning activities and teaching methods
The following methods are used:
- Lecture with discussion
- Interactive workshop
semester/trimester when the course unit is delivered
3
name of lecturer(s)
Prof. (FH) Dr. Johannes Lüthi
year of study
2
recommended optional program components
not applicable
course unit code
MWA.1
type of course unit
seminar-degree
mode of delivery
Compulsory
work placement(s)
not applicable