Course syllabus - Information - Knowledge - Science - Ethics

Objectives

The main purpose of the course is to create a foundation for scientific reasoning. Critical thinking is practiced throughout the course, which is the foundation of higher education. Scientific method also forms the basis of the degree project. Lectures and seminars spark insights and skills in the scientific communication process, as well as values and understanding of knowledge-based issues.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to: 
1. describe and compare basic scientific methods, knowledge production processes and approaches and different scientific traditions in relation to computer science, 
2. argue and think critically from a scientific perspective, 
3. analyze and discuss scientific ideas from scientific articles from the computer science field, 
4. seek relevant information and have a source-critical approach, 
5. write and present a scientific report in the field of computer science, 
6. critically review and oppose others' reports, 
7. identify how ethical values affect arguments, reasoning and actions, 
8. demonstrate the ability to make judgments in the main field of education with regard to relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, and 
9. demonstrate insight into the role of knowledge in society and on people's responsibility for how it is used.

Course content

Basic science theory and knowledge theory. 
The science's history of history in various fields of science. 
Science Theory and Knowledge Theory in Computer Science. 
Methodology in Computer Science. 
Critical thinking. 
Societal and ethical aspects. 
Information retrieval. 
Text Analysis. 
Report writing and presentation. 
Review and opposition of other student reports.

Specific requirements

Completed courses of 90 credits, including 60 credits in computer science.

Examination

Exercise (INL1), 3,5 credits, marks Fail (U), 3, 4 or 5 (examines learning outcomes 1-4, and 7)
Project (PRO1), 3 credits, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G) (examines learning outcomes 4, 5, 8, and 9)
Seminar (SEM1), 1 credit, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G) (examines learning outcome 3, 5, 6, and 7)

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Grading scale: 5, 4, 3