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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Mathematics and Natural Science

Revision: 2
Reg.no: BTH-4.1.14-0264-2026


Course syllabus

Introduction to Scientific Work

Introduction to Scientific Work

7.5 credits (7,5 högskolepoäng)

Course code: ET1556
Main field of study: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: First-cycle
Specialization: G2F - First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2026-04-01
Approved: 2026-04-01

1. Descision

This course is established by Dean 2022-12-22. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Mathematics and Natural Science 2026-04-01 and applies from 2026-04-01.

2. Entry requirements

Admission to the course requires 120 credits from an Engineering programme or a Bachelor programme, of which at least 60 credits must be completed.

3. Objective and content

3.1 Objective

The aim of the course is to give students the opportunity to understand different aspects of research. The course introduces research methodology and methods that are used to solve scientific problems. The course covers a number of topics, such as the language of research, ethical principles and challenges, and the elements of the research process. The course aims to show how to critically review literature relevant to the field and how to determine whether research findings are relevant to the work and the social, local and global environment. An additional aim is for the student to develop his/her ability to communicate technical content in speech and writing.

3.2 Content

• Problem formulation
• Project planning
• Tools and methods for literature search
• Research methodologies
• Ethical and sustainable research
• Plagiarism and its avoidance
• Report writing
• Written and oral opposition

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:

  • understand different strategies (methodologies, methods, tools) of solving the scientific problems.

understand societal, ethical and sustainability aspects of the research.

  • understand what plagiarism entails and how to avoid it.

4.2. Competence and skills

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

  • identify and apply selected methodologies, methods, and techniques to solve a scientific problem.
  • plan and execute project work and evaluate their own contributions to the project work.
  • explain with examples societal, ethical and sustainability aspects of the research.
  • critically evaluate and summarize related work.
  • analyse and discuss the results and their relevance to the research topic.
  • write a scientific report, e.g., a degree project.
  • prepare and perform the opposition orally and in writing.

4.3. Judgement and approach

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

  • critically evaluate the reliability and content of source materials and analyses.
  • critically evaluate and discuss the results of the problem solution in relation to the selected scientific field and others solutions.

5. Learning activities

Teaching consists of lectures, group assignments and seminars. The students present their work orally and in writing as a group work and individually.

6. Assessment and grading

Modes of examinations of the course

Code Module Credit Grade
2310 Project Proposal 1.5 credits GU
2320 Presentation with opposition 1.5 credits GU
2330 Report 4.5 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 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

Course literature mainly consists of books and materials, articles and tools, available on the Internet.