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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Revision: 1
Reg.no: BTH-4.1.14-0254-2026


Course syllabus

Research Methodology for Engineers

Research Methodology for Engineers

7.5 credits (7,5 högskolepoäng)

Course code: MT2605
Main field of study: Mechanical 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: 2026-03-11
Approved: 2026-03-11

1. Descision

This course is established by Dean 2026-02-25. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering 2026-03-11 and applies from 2026-03-11.

2. Entry requirements

Admission to the course requires 180 completed credits in the field of technology.

3. Objective and content

3.1 Objective

The purpose of the course is to prepare students to conduct high-quality research within an industrial engineering context.

3.2 Content

  • Philosophy of science: Introduction to scientific methods and the distinction between basic and applied research.
  • Research design: Research questions, qualitative and quantitative approaches.
  • Scientific literature search and analysis: Peer review, grey literature, and predatory publishing.
  • Data collection methods.
  • Data analysis methods.
  • Research ethics.
  • Scientific communication: Publishing and presentation of scientific results.

4. Learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:

4.1. Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Identify and account for central research methods within applied research.
  • Explain and compare qualitative and quantitative approaches and assess their applicability in different contexts.
  • Describe and discuss scientific quality criteria, such as validity, reliability, generalizability, and reproducibility.

4.2. Competence and skills

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Design and plan a research study tailored to technical and engineering problems, including justified choices of design, data collection, and analysis methods.
  • Select, justify, and apply appropriate methods for data collection and analysis.
  • Search, critically evaluate, and synthesize scientific literature, and apply appropriate reference management.

4.3. Judgement and approach

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Critically review and assess scientific studies regarding choice of method, data quality, analysis, and conclusions.
  • Reflect on and justify ethical and sustainability aspects within research and development work.

5. Learning activities

The course is conducted through lectures introducing central theories and methods, seminars with experts providing insights into current research, and group discussions on examples of research methodology to promote critical analysis.

Students will work on a project where they apply the course content and present their findings through both oral and written presentations. Students present and defend their results before the group and provide peer feedback through a formal opposition procedure.

6. Assessment and grading

Modes of examinations of the course

Code Module Credit Grade
2610 Written Assignment 1 3 credits GU
2620 Project 3 credits GU
2630 Written Assignment 2 1.5 credits GU

The course will be graded G Pass, UX Failed result, a little more work required, U Fail.

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

The information before the start of the course 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

Research methodology 2.0: for engineers and other problem-solvers, ISBN 9789144185651

Scientific articles and industrial case materials will be shared during the course.