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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Software Engineering

Revision: 3
Reg.no: BTH-4-1-14-1196-2024


Course syllabus

Research Methodologies in Software Engineering and Computer Science

Research Methodologies in Software Engineering and Computer Science

7.5 credits (7,5 högskolepoäng)

Course code: PA2554
Main field of study: Computer Science, Software Engineering
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: Second-cycle
Specialization: A1N - Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2024-11-01
Approved: 2024-11-01

1. Descision

This course is established by Dean 2016-09-01. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Software Engineering 2024-11-01 and applies from 2024-11-01.

2. Entry requirements

Completed courses of at least 120 ECTS credits of which 90 credits must be in the following areas: Software Engineering, Computer Science. At least 30 credits must be in one or more of the following areas: Programming, Object-oriented Systems, Software Design, Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Technology, Data Communications, Real Time Systems, Operating Systems. In addition, completed courses in Mathematics of at least 15 credits is required.

3. Objective and content

3.1 Objective

The aim of the course is to enable students to discuss and practise a scholarly approach, to gain knowledge of current research in a chosen field and to practice academic writing. A key issue in software enginnering and computer science research is developing, evaluating and comparing methods, tools, languages, models/designs and algorithms and their impact on different systems, organisations and people.
The course provides students with an understanding of the research methodology that enables such evaluations and comparisons. Furthermore, the students will be introduced to the societal and ethical aspects of the research and evaluation in question and gain experience of planning, executing and reporting a research project.

3.2 Content

The course introduces scientific research methods, academic writing and how to build and support a well-founded argument.
The course includes the following components:
• Retrieval and evaluation of literature
• Formulating research questions
• The use of methods for research, data collection and analysis
• Planning, execution and evaluation of a minor research project
• Research ethics
• Academic writing

4. Learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:

**Knowledge an understanding**

On completion of the course the student should be able to:

  • describe how to conduct a research project from beginning to end
  • be able to account for different methods of research, data collection and analysis

**Skills and abilities**

On completion of the course the student should be able to:

  • use scientific databases and search engines to identify relevant research articles to a specific question
  • be able to formulate a research problem in your own words
  • be able to summarize, relate and consider the results presented in research articles
  • be able to formulate research objectives and issues to solve a research problem
  • be able to design a comprehensive research study that is appropriate to answer the given research questions
  • To perform data analysis and compare the results with the literature and discuss the implications for

research and practice

  • be able to discuss the threat to the validity of their own research
  • be able to write a research article adapted to recognized academic practice
  • be able to reference other people's work according to recognized academic practice
  • present research designs and research

**Values and attitudes**

On completion of the course the student should be able to:

  • discuss and relate to the concept of scientific and relate to it in their own work
  • be able to discuss the possibilities of science, the role of knowledge in society, people's responsibility for

how the knowledge is used and the ethical and societal implications of a research project can bring

  • discuss and relate to the concepts of plagiarism and copyright
  • be able to critically assess and their own research

5. Learning activities

The course is organized around lectures, assignments (assignments 1-3 and a
report). Students are expected to take an active part and contribute in the lectures.
Instruction is given in English.

6. Assessment and grading

Modes of examinations of the course

Code Module Credit Grade
1705 Assignment 1 1.5 credits GU
1715 Assignment 2 0.5 credits GU
1725 Assignment 3 1.5 credits GU
1735 Research proposal 4 credits AF

The course will be graded A Excellent, B Very good, C Good, D Satisfactory, E Sufficient, FX Failed result, a little more work required, F Fail.

The examiner may carry out oral follow-up of written examinations.

The course is organized around lectures, assignments (assignments 1-3 and a report). Students are expected to take an active part and contribute in the lectures.
Instruction is given in English.

The information before a course occasion states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.

An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.

7. Course evaluation

The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.

8. Restrictions regarding degree

The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.

9. Course literature and other materials of instruction

Projects in Computing and Information Systems – A Student's Guide, 3rd Edition
Författare: Christian Dawson
Förlag: AddisonWelsey
Utgiven: 2015, Antal sidor: 320
ISBN13: 9781292073460

Referenslitteratur
1. Real World Research, 4th Edition
Författare: C. Robson, K. McCartan
Förlag: Wiley
Utgiven: 2016, Antal sidor: 560
ISBN: 9781118745236

2. The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 4th Edition
Författare: W.M.K. Trochim, J. P. Donnelly, K. Arora
Förlag: Cengage Learning
Utgiven: 2006, Antal sidor: 444
ISBN: 9781133954774

3. Experimentation in Software Engineering – An Introduction; 2nd Edition
Författare: C. Wohlin, P. Runeson, M. Höst, M.C. Ohlsson, B. Regnell, A. Wesslén
Förlag: Springer Verlag
Utgiven: 2012, Antal sidor: 250
ISBN13: 9783642290435

10. Additional information

This course replaces PA2537

This is not a legal document. If you would like a copy of the legal decision regarding this course plan, contact the registrar at Blekinge Institute of Technology.