About this course

The course will provide a basis for the students to develop research approaches that can be used in the work on the master's thesis. The facilitation of the students' learning is coordinated by taking the students' own problem statements and research questions as a starting point.

The students are to develop their understanding of educational theory by studying literature individually and collectively. The course is to provide the students with a firm theoretical basis for their master thesis. If three or more students participate in the course, it will include seminars where students take an active part by presenting, discussing and by providing feedback on other students texts.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student

  • shall have basic knowledge of various theoretical traditions and scientific issues within science and/or mathematics education.
  • shall have good insight into the role that literature plays in science and/or mathematics education research.
  • shall have knowledge of different genres of research literature, and be able to assess the use of different types of texts in their own work.

Skills

The student

  • shall be able to reproduce, analyse, and critically evaluate subject‑didactic literature.
  • shall be able to search for relevant literature and use various appropriate search engines.
  • shall know correct citation techniques and be able to create reference lists in accordance with academic standards.

General Competence

The student

  • shall be able to use research literature to develop academic argumentation.
  • shall be able to read texts and form independent opinions about them.
  • shall be able to write academic texts where critical thinking and creativity are expressed, in addition to knowledge and skills in the subject.

  • Learning activities

    Readings, group conversations and lectures on educational theory as a starting point, the students are to relate the literature to their own research questions. The student is to develop his/her own perspective on theory in science and/or mathematics education. The course runs parallel to the methods course PPFO301. Supervision in the compulsory activities by both teachers and fellow students.

  • Teaching support

    Supervision of the students' written assignment.

  • Syllabus

    The syllabus comprises a mandatory core literature of ca 400 pages and individually chosen literature of ca 300-400 pages (depending on whether articles or books are chosen).

  • Prerequisites

    LUR students as well as at the professional master's in science and mathematics have priority access to the course. LUR students must have exams in the following courses before given access: PPXP100, PPRA200, PPRA201, PPRA301, PPPE301, PPFD301 as well as courses in subject 1 and subject 2.

  • Assessment method

    Portfolio evaluation: including an oral individual assessment, and a written assignment with oral examination.

  • About use of AI

    The course permits full use of AI (level K3). If AI is used, the student must justify its use, describe how it has been applied, and explain what the AI contributed to the work on the written assignment.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    Internal assessment of the assignments

  • Mandatory activity

    Participation in the gatherings with a requirement of a minimum of 80% attendance.

  • Teaching hours

    The format and time will depend on the number of registrants and will be presented at the end of June 2026.

  • Preferential right

    M30-LUR and the professional master students in science and mathematics