TFIN14 - Research Methods in Computer Science and Informatics

Course Code:	TFIN14
Confirmed:	Nov 17, 2025
Valid From:	Jan 19, 2026

Education Cycle:	First-cycle level
Disciplinary domain:	Technology
Subject group:	Computer Technology
Specialised in:	G2F First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Main field of study:	Computer Engineering, Informatics

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

On completion of the course the student shall:

Knowledge and understanding

display knowledge of basic research paradigm within research areas relating to Computer science and Informatics
display knowledge of information retrieval and analysis using inductive, deductive, quantitative, and qualitative methods
show familiarity for designing research studies regarding research questions, methodology, information retrieval, analysis, and conclusion

Skills and abilities

demonstrate the ability to search, collect and evaluate literature sources in databases established in computer science and informatics
demonstrate the ability to plan and conduct a scientific study including processing of quantitative and qualitative data as inductive and / or deductive research methods
demonstrate the ability to write a scientific report with the requirement of formalities, content, structure, and language and also to present and critically examine scientific works

Judgement and approach

demonstrate the ability to conduct critical review of a scientific work regarding the problem definition, methodology, use of existing literature, data collection, analysis and conclusions.

Content

The course contains a fundamental introduction to modern views on Science aiming at Engineering Science, Computer Science, and Informatics. Focus is on giving the student an insight in the history and philosophy of science and how to apply scientific methods within Engineering Science, Computer Science, and Informatics. The student shall, after completion of the course, have the necessary knowledge about how to conduct research projects and how to write scientific reports.

The course contains the following elements:

Various research paradigm
Computer Science and Informatics as research area
Inductive and deductive research
Qualitative and quantitative studies
Systematic information retrieval
Experiment and proof of concept as research method
State of the art
To write and review scientific reports

Type of instruction

Lectures and seminars.

Language of instruction is English.

Examination and grades

The course is graded 5, 4, 3 or U.

Registration of examination:

Name of the Test	Value	Grading
Examination ¹	3 credits	5/4/3/U
Seminar	4.5 credits	G/U

¹Determines the final grade of the course, which is issued only when all course units have been passed.

Course literature

Please note that changes may be made to the reading list up until eight weeks before the start of the course.

Säfsten, K., & Gustavsson, M. (2024). Research methodology 2.0: For engineers and other problem-solvers (2nd ed.).ISBN: 9789144175478

Electronic resources via the library and the Internet according to the bibliography on the learning platform.

COURSE SYLLABUS