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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Computer Science

Revision: 2
Reg.no: BTH-4.1.14-0192-2026


Course syllabus

Research Methodology in Computer Science

Research Methodology in Computer Science

6 credits (6 högskolepoäng)

Course code: DV2654
Main field of study: Computer Science
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: 2026-03-04
Approved: 2026-03-04

1. Descision

This course is established by Dean 2023-06-20. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Computer Science 2026-03-04 and applies from 2026-03-04.

2. Entry requirements

Admission to the course requires completed courses of an amount of 120 credits in a relevant area (for example technology, computer science or software engineering), of which at least 12 credits must be in Mathematics.

3. Objective and content

3.1 Objective

This course will introduce students to research methodology by developing, evaluating, and comparing methods, techniques, and tools and how these impact different systems or organizations. Through this course, students will gain an understanding of research methodology that enables such evaluations and comparisons. Students will also gain hands-on experience with current research in the field by planning, executing, and reporting on a small-scale research study. They will explore the possibilities and limitations of science while discussing how to assess issues related to science, ethics, and societal implications.

3.2 Content

The course introduces information retrieval, scientific research methods, scientific writing, philosophy of science, and research evaluation. Topics included in the course are introduction to research, searching and critical review of scientific literature, formulation of scientific questions/problems, selection of appropriate research methods, research ethics, threats to validity, and scientific writing methods. The course also includes studies of groundbreaking research in an area relevant to the program.

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:

  • Describe different research methods.
  • Analyze current research articles relevant to the program.

4.2. Competence and skills

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

  • Use scientific databases and search engines to identify relevant research articles based on keywords.
  • Describe orally and in writing a research-based report of the latest technology in an area relevant to the program.

4.3. Judgement and approach

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

  • Evaluate and present scientific concepts and use them in a small research study.
  • Discuss and assess research regarding ethical and societal aspects.
  • Reflect on the possibilities and limitations of science, its societal role, and the responsibility associated with its use.

5. Learning activities

The course is delivered as a campus course. The course is composed of a set of theoretical and practical activities, which include lectures and seminars. Lectures will be the main theoretical component of the course and may have a semi-formal format applying the point-by-point pedagogical method. Seminars will support the theory presented during lectures, by providing an environment in which theoretical aspects of research methodology and scientific writing can be evaluated and argued for, through debate and Socratic discussion.

The course assessment consists of two parts: a seminar and a written report. In the seminar, students will demonstrate their ability to critically and scientifically analyze and discuss significant scientific contributions within their field. In the written assignment, students are expected to select an appropriate research method to investigate a specific problem within their field, implement the method in practice, and present their results in a scientific article that follows established standards for academic writing.

6. Assessment and grading

Modes of examinations of the course

Code Module Credit Grade
2610 Seminar 1 credits GU
2620 Report 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

Experimentation in Software Engineering

Authors: Claes Wohlin, Per Runesson, Martin Höst, Magnus C. Ohlsson, Björn Regnell, Anders Wesslén Publisher: Springer Berlin, Heidelberg
Year of publication: 2024
ISBN13: 9783662693056

Projects in Computing and Information Systems; 3rd Edition
Author: Christian W. Dawson
Publisher: Pearson Education Canada
Imprint publisher brand: Addison Welsey
Year of publication: 2015
ISBN13: 9781292073460

How to Research (Open Up Study Skills); 4th Edition
Authosr: Loraine Blaxter et al.
Publisher: Open University Press
Year of printing: 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0335238675

Writing for Computer Science; 3rd Edition
Author: Justin Zobel
Publisher: Springer
Printing year: 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1447166382

Thesis Projects: A Guide for Students in Computer Science and Information Systems; 2nd Edition
Authors: Mikael Berndtsson et al.
Publisher: Springer
Year of publication: 2007
ISBN-13: 978-1848000087

Experimental Design: From User Studies to Psychophysics; 1st Edition
Authors: Douglas W. Cunningham and Christian Wallraven
Publisher: AK Peters/CRC Press
Year of publication: 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1568814681