Study Guide

Objective

• The students have basic insights into epistemology, philosophy of science and research methodology
• The students know the research process and how the different parts interact with each other
• The students have basic skills to carry out the research process
• The students know and can describe qualitative and quantitative approaches and scientific interests
• The students can apply, analyze and develop approach that promote economic, ecological and social sustainability in the research process

Content

Epistemology and the Philosophy of Science
Research Methodology and Research Process
Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches and Scientific Interests

Location and time

7 January - 20 February 2026, Campus Alere.

Materials

Study material and course literature on Moodle.
Students follow the thesis writing instructions for Novia UAS.

Allwood, C. M. & Erikson, M. G. (2010). Grundläggande vetenskapsteori för psykologi och andra beteendevetenskaper.
Bell,J. (2010). Doing your research project. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Bell, J., Waters, S., & Johnson, H. (2024). Doing your research project: A guide for first-time researchers (Eighth edition.). Open University Press.
Holme, I. M. & Solvang, B. K. (1997). 2 (uppl.). Forskningsmetodik. Om kvalitativa och kvantitativa metoder.
Jakobsson, U. (2011). Forskningens termer och begrepp- en ordbok.
Olsson, H. & Sörensen, S. (2007). 2 (uppl.). Forskningsprocessen- kvalitativa och kvantitativa perspektiv.
Patel, R. & Davidson, B. (2011). 4 (uppl.). Forskningsmetodikens grunder. Att planera, genomföra och rapportera en undersökning.
Databases through FINNA.

Teaching methods

Lectures, workshops, research, guidance, observation, narrative, interview and survey methods, discussions and teamwork.

Employer connections

For course assignment is the aim to collaborate with working life.

Exam schedules

Examination consists of submitted assignment, grade (0-5).
Deadline for submitted assignment are in February 2026.

Assignments:
1. Mini-study. Students conduct a mini-study within industry and write a research report according to Beauty Care thesis, 2cr. Deadline for submission of mini-study: February 2026. Grade is in Peppi. Individual / pair feedback is given on Moodle.
2. Thesis writing instructions of NOVIA UAS. Students follow the thesis writing instructions in the mini-study, 1cr. The same deadline: February 2026. Grade is in Peppi. Feedback are included in the mini-study feedback on Moodle.

Completion alternatives

Approved practical assignments and course assignments.
Individual / pair feedback is given on the course assignment.

Student workload

The students work 27 hours / cr.
In class: 21hrs
Self study: 60hrs
Total: 81hrs

Further information

More information is given at course introduction.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student demonstrates superficial competence and basic understanding of the subject

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student demonstrates a competence that is related and linked to the literature
The student can reflect and motivate from own point of view

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has an immerse competence and shows a deeper understanding of the subject in relation to the upcoming profession

Assessment methods and criteria

The course is evaluated based on grades (0-5) for assignments and activity (individual and pair/team).
The average of the grades for assignments form the final grade in the course, except 80% activity to achieve grade 4 or 5.

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

The student has not followed the instructions of the assignment and shows especially vague competences within the theme.
The assignments are inadequate or lacking.
The student has not participated or contributed anything during the course.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student has partly followed the instructions of the assignments and demonstrates superficial competence and basic understanding of the subject.
The content of submitted assignments are satisfactory.
The student has participated in the course, but the commitment and activity have been low or satisfactory.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student has almost or has fulfilled the instructions of the assignments and demonstrates good or eminently good competence within the subject.
The content of submitted assignments are good or eminently good.
The student has participated or participated actively in the course and demonstrates commitment for content of the course and course assignments.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has fulfilled the instructions of the assignments.
The content of submitted assignments are excellent and exceptionally executed.
The student has been active during the course and demonstrates extra commitment and interest for content of the course and course assignments.

Qualifications

No prior prerequisites