Research Skills in Environmental Science I, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master´s Programme in Science for Sustainable Development

Entry requirements

• Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen in one of the following areas: 
  - natural sciences, 
  - social sciences, 
  - humanities or
  - engineering
• 15 ECTS credits passed in Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Development or equivalent
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
• 45 ECTS credits passed from the programme including the courses Critical Perspectives on Sustainable Development (7.5 ECTS credits) and Environmental and Resource Use Challenges (7.5 ECTS credits)
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student should, on an advanced, level be able to:

• perform a pilot study on a specific environmental issue making use of relevant research skills and methods
• assess strengths and limitations of the selected research task 
• report, analyze and discuss the obtained results.

Course content

The course includes the application of research methodology or a scientific literature review in environmental science and sustainable development. The course deals with at least one research method relevant to, for example data analysis, field sampling, environmental monitoring and analysis, laboratory techniques, experimental design, and/or qualitative methods.

Teaching and working methods

Teaching and working methods include an individual work on a research task that is determined in consultation with and carried out under the supervision of an experienced researcher. In addition, students undertake self-studies.

Teaching and examination language: English

Examination

The course is examined through:

• an individual written project report, EC
• an individual written reflection on the work process, EC/PF
• an individual oral presentation, EC/PF

For a final passing grade (E) on the course, Pass grade is required for the individual written reflection on the work process and the individual oral presentation as well as at least E for the individual written project report. Higher grade will be based on the individual written project report.

Detailed information can be found in the course handbook.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department