Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student can
- acquire, apply and evaluate data related to research and development activities
with source-criticism
- follow ethical principles in research activities
- apply the most typical research and development methods of their field
- write a scientific report applying appropriate language, style and references

Implementation and methods of teaching

The course includes lectures, statistical methods mainly with Excel, and exercises to be done independently and in groups. The course is mainly implemented online, there is an average of 2 h/week of local/online teaching during the fall semester.

Timing and attendance

The course is implemented in the fall semester. On average, the teaching is once a week for 2 hours. Attendance at classes is recommended, especially in the statistical mathematics section.

Learning material and recommended literature

Hanna Vilkka, Tutki ja kehitä, 2015 E-kirja
Other material is distributed to students at the beginning of the study period via Moodle.

Alternative completion methods

Will be agreed with the teacher in charge.

Working life cooperation

The measurement data used in the exercise is obtained from the city of Lahti.

Exam retakes

The course does not include an exam. Exercises must be done and returned during the course.

Student time use and work load

Online/face-to-face teaching approx. 20 h, guided workshops and seminars approx. 10 h, Independent/group work approx. 100 h.

Contents

The course has two sections. The first one focuses on the most commonly used qualitative research methods and reporting in environmental technology, and the thesis process.

Quantitative methods, especially important in technology, are introduced through statistical methods.

During the course, an extensive report will be made in groups. The report uses climate data from the city of Lahti and Finland. The data is mainly processed with excel. Based on the obtained results, a report is prepared, following the LAB's reporting guidelines. The studies also include participation in thesis seminars.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No prior knowledge requirements

Assessment criteria

0 - 5

Assessment scale

1-5

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- search for information from various information sources
- use individual professional concepts and demonstrates familiarity with the field's knowledge base
- follow the given instructions and rules
- describe the starting points, needs and bases related to the exercises and actions in individual situations
to be done according to the assignment
- writes a report in accordance with the instructions, with learned techniques, work methods and models.
- act as a member of the group

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- limit the need for information and separate everyday information from researched information
- act in a goal-oriented and developmental way in doing assignments related to study courses independently and as part of a group
- find out the starting points, needs and bases related to research methods and report on them duly
- use key professional concepts consistently in exercises
- writes a report in accordance with the instructions, in which he has applied a wide range of learned techniques, work methods and models.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- search for information according to the stages of the information acquisition process, justify the selection and use of information sources, and evaluate different information sources
- use professional concepts expertly as part of the exercises done in the study courses
- organize the group's activities
- write a report in accordance with the instructions, in which the techniques, work methods and models learned have been applied in a wide range of ways with justification