Science Methodology – Understanding the Principles of Scientific Research
A course for students in natural sciences.
Lecturers:
Prof. Dr. Marcellus Ubbink (Institute of Chemistry) Tel: 071-5274628, E-mail: m.ubbink@chem.leidenuniv.nl
Dr. Victor Gijsbers (Institute of Philosophy, Leiden University), E-mail: victor@lilith.gotdns.org
Course Contents
During the BSc and MSc education students learn lots of scientific facts, but do they know how science works? In this course the basic principles of the methodology used in the natural sciences are taught. The aim is to let the student contemplate on concepts like ‘truth’, ‘experiments’, ‘models’, ‘confirmation/falsification’ and make the student aware of the limitations of the ability to make objective observations. Also current practices, like the mechanisms of research funding, ‘publish or perish’ dogma and the importance of impact as well as integrity and ethics in science will be discussed.
The course is meant for MSc and PhD students in any of the natural sciences who are performing scientific research projects.
Assessment method:
Examination consists of mandatory participation in class and two essays.
Learning goals
The aim is to let the student contemplate concepts like ‘truth’, ‘experiments’, ‘models’, ‘confirmation/falsification’ and make the student aware of the limitations of the ability to make objective observations.
Mode of instruction
Lectures and discussions.
Schedule
February 1st – March 21: Mondays 15h30 – 17h15: Lecturers
February 2nd – March 15: Tuesday 15h30 – 17h15: Discussions
Reading list
n.a.
Additional info:
Location of the lectures will appear on Blackboard!
Co-ordinator: Prof. Dr. Marcellus Ubbink (Institute of Chemistry) Tel: 071-5274628, E-mail: m.ubbink@chem.leidenuniv.nl