Prospectus

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Science Methodology

Course
2012-2013

Admission requirements

The course is meant for MSc and PhD students in any of the natural sciences who are performing scientific research projects.

Contact information

Prof. Dr. Marcellus Ubbink (Institute of Chemistry)
Tel: 071-5274628, E-mail: m.ubbink@chem.leidenuniv.nl

Description

During the BSc and MSc education students learn lots of scientific facts, but do they know how science works? In this course the basic principles of the methodology used in the natural sciences are taught. Also current practices, like the ‘publish or perish’ dogma and the importance of impact as well as fraud and integrity in science will be discussed.

Learning goals

The aim is to let the student contemplate concepts like ‘truth’, ‘experiments’, ‘models’, ‘confirmation/falsification’ and make the student aware of the limitations of the ability to make objective observations.

Timetable

From 11 Feb 2013 – 27 March 2013 on Mondays and Wednesdays at 15:30 – 17:15, in room 226 of the Huygens Building.

Mode of instruction

Lectures and discussions

Blackboard

Blackboard will be used

Reading list

n.a.

Registration

Blackboard > Courses FWN > Life Science and Technology > Master > Vakken 2012-2013 > 4333SCMTHY-1213FWN > Enroll

Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for more information on how to apply.