Course: Methods of Scientific Work

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Course title Methods of Scientific Work
Course code KDPD/XHMVD
Organizational form of instruction Lecture
Level of course Doctoral
Year of study 1
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 0
Language of instruction English
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Voltr Petr, doc. Ing. Ph.D.
Course content
Course structure: - Basic concepts of science and research - Experimental methods - Simulation methods - Doctoral research and writing of a PhD thesis

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Dialogic (discussion, interview, brainstorming)
  • Participation in classes - 6 hours per semester
  • Home preparation for classes - 4 hours per semester
  • Term paper - 18 hours per semester
  • Preparation for an exam - 4 hours per semester
  • Participation in classes - 6 hours per semester
  • Home preparation for classes - 4 hours per semester
  • Term paper - 18 hours per semester
  • Preparation for an exam - 4 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to introduce the basic principles and concepts related to science and general methods of scientific work to the students of doctoral studies. Attention is paid to the process of formulation and verification of hypotheses, experimental and simulation methods. This introduction is followed by more specific methods and procedures used in the development of the dissertation, recommendations on the content and formal aspects of the dissertation, work with literature and presentation of the results of research activities.
The students gain knowledge of essential concepts and conventions of scientific work and are informed about the procedure of PhD study at the Faculty of Transport Engineering.
Prerequisites
The course is intended for the first year of PhD study. It is assumed that each student has been assigned a dissertation topic.

Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination, Written examination, Home assignment evaluation

To pass the course, the student is required to compose a written report assigned by the teacher. The course is concluded with an oral examination whose contents is related to the matter of the report.
Recommended literature
  • Finn, John A. Getting a PhD : an action plan to help manage your research, your supervisor and your project. London: Routledge, 2005. ISBN 0-415-34498-0.
  • Hall, George M. How to write a paper. London: BMJ Books, 2003. ISBN 0-7279-1728-5.
  • Christensen, L. B., Burke Johnson, R., Turner, L. A. Research Methods, Design, and Analysis. Harlow, 2015. ISBN 978-1-292-05774-3.
  • Russey, William E. How to write a successful science thesis : the concise guide for students. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH, 2006. ISBN 3-527-31298-6.
  • Walliman, Nicholas S. R. Research methods: the basics. Oxon, 2011. ISBN 978-0-415-48991-1.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester