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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