Admission requirements
This course is part of the MSc Industrial Ecology (joint degree between Leiden University and Delft University of Technology). In order to follow this course, a basic knowledge in Statistics which is provided in the online preparation module for the IE program will be helpful but necessary.
Description
This course explains the process of conducting scientific research in the social sciences and introduces the main methods used in the field. It helps students in theorizing and thinking like a researcher, which are often prerequisites of empirical and modelling research. The course covers the whole process of research from building hypotheses and collecting data, to modelling and simulation. Topics include: case study research, surveys (questionnaires and interviews), mixed-methods, modelling and simulation.
Course objectives
After completing this course, students will
have knowledge on different research approaches and methods that can be used to study social phenomena.
know the requirements and limitations for different types of research methods.
be able to judge which kind of method fits which type of problem.
be able to design a research process based on the societal issue and research questions given to them.
know how to develop theories and propositions about social phenomena using their research design.
Timetable
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
Mode of instruction
The course follows a flipped classroom format. It consists of a series of recorded theoretical lectures which the students can follow in their own time prior to live lectures. Those will be uploaded on Brightspace. The live classroom lectures are dedicated to reflection on the theoretical lectures, practical application of those theories in real-world cases, and exercises.
Assessment method
The assessment includes a written open-book exam and 3 assignments in groups of two students. The students will also have weekly quizzes that have to be completed to pass the course but the quiz grades will not be part of the final course grade.
The final grade consists of two parts: 50% final exam and 50% assignments (Assignment 1: 15%, Assignment 2: 15%, Assignment 3: 20%).
The students are required to get at least 5 for the exam, and at least 5 for the three assignment grades combined.
Retake
If the student is not able to take part in the original exam, to complete the assignments or would like to improve their grade, they can participate in the retake. Therefore, there is possibility for retake for both the exam and the assignments. Note that for both redoing the assignment or redoing the exam, the student needs to register for the retake.
The grade of the part that has already been completed (the assignment or the exam) will be saved and combined with the grade of the retake part. The highest grade will be considered as your final grade.
Inspection and feedback
Students will receive immediate feedback upon completion of each quiz on Brightspace. After the deadline for each assignment, sample answers will be uploaded on Brightspace. Similarly, after the completion of the exam, sample answers will be uploaded.
Reading list
The course will be mainly based on the book: Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices. In addition, some research papers and supplementary material will also be provided.
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Contact
Coordinator: Dr. Amineh Ghorbani
Remarks
MSc Industrial Ecology students can register for the course and exam via MystudyMap. Other students need to contact the study advisors of the programme via studyadvisor-ie@cml.leidenuniv.nl
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.