1. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
COURSE INTRODUCTION
Gordana Dodig-Crnkovic
School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, Mälardalen University

2. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Web Page
All course material (including the course archives) can be found
at the course web page:

3. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research in the MDH Context: Strong Research Environments Support for Research Excellence
“The goal of Mälardalen University is to be the leading higher education institution in Sweden in 2016 when it comes to excellent coproduction with various actors, both internationally and nationally. The vision of Mälardalen University is to be A Strong MDH – The Coproducing University.”
From the MDH Research Strategy

4. A Strong MDH – A Coproducing University

5. The Embedded Systems Centre of Excellence
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
The Embedded Systems Centre of Excellence
“MDH will have excellent research in Embedded Systems and prioritize the research area of Embedded Systems as a centre of excellence. This research will be characterized by a clear focus on a well-defined research area of high national relevance. It is already well established internationally and it includes considerable international publication.”

6. Embedded Systems
“Embedded Systems is the only environment at the newer universities or university colleges that has been awarded numerous large research grants from the Foundation for Strategic Research. Embedded Systems is also among the largest recipients of project support in Computer Science from the Research Council and, according to a study from Vinnova, has the largest volume of research projects in software technology in Sweden funded by competitive external grants.”

7. MDH Established Research Specialisations
• Embedded Systems (center of excellence)
• Health and Welfare *
• Innovation and Product Realisation *
• Environment, Energy and Resource Optimisation *
• Education Studies
• Industrial Economics and Organisation along with Work Life Studies
* Prioritized

8. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research at the School of Innovation, Design and Engineering is organized in two research profiles
EMBEDDED SYSTEMS (with research school ITS-EASY)
and
INNOVATION AND PRODUCT REALIZATION (with research school INNOFACTURE)

9. Embedded System’s two established research areas* MRTC and ISS
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Embedded System’s two established research areas* MRTC and ISS
Mälardalen Real-Time Research Centre (MRTC)
MRTC is a national leader in Embedded Systems research and one of two Embedded systems research directions at the IDT. Research at MRTC has a dominating focus on Embedded Software. MRTC’s mission is to provide research excellence that enable industry to take advantage of the opportunity provided by software in products and production systems.
*etablerad forskningsinriktnig

10. Embedded System’s two established research areas* MRTC and ISS
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Embedded System’s two established research areas* MRTC and ISS
Intelligent Sensor Systems (ISS)
ISS is a research unit with research into Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, and Wireless Communication. The focus is on applied research on mobile and wireless sensor systems within the two application areas healthcare and industrial systems.

11. Research at the School of Innovation, Design and Engineering
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research at the School of Innovation, Design and Engineering
INNOVATION AND PRODUCT REALIZATION (IPR)
IPR is a multidisciplinary research profile, with a unique combination of research on art and design, engineering, and innovation/entrepreneurship. The research is united in a common focus on Design Science and by the shared Centre for Product Realization which is hosting a variety of multidisciplinary projects and cooperation with industry and society.

12. Research Methods Course Historical Notes
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Methods Course Historical Notes
Course started in 1999 and it was organized by Gerhard Fohler and Jan Gustafsson.
Together with Jan, a number of researchers have contributed to the course and its development.
The course is organized as a ”smörgåsbord” (a buffet-style table laid out with many dishes from which one is allowed to choose)
Paper writing part of the course will mimic a real research conference procedure that will give you possibility to practice writing, presentation and reviewing of papers.

13. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Lecturers
Gordana
Dodig-Crnkovic
Jan Gustafsson
Hans Hansson
Björn Lisper
Ivica Crnkovic
Mats Björkman
Thomas Nolte
Giacomo Spampinato
Peter Funk
Tomas
Backström

14. Course Lecturers – Guest Lectures
Matti Tedre - SU
José María Díaz Nafría University in León, University of Applied Sciences Munich
Hector Zenil – KI & Wolfram Research
Kimmo Eriksson SU & MDH
Thomas Whal MDH
Vincent C. Müller ACT & Oxford

15. Course Assistants Abilash Thekkilakattil Svetlana Girs
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Assistants
Abilash Thekkilakattil
Svetlana Girs

16. Mini-Conference Review Committee Assignment 4 Grading
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Mini-Conference Review Committee Assignment 4 Grading
Aneta Vulgarakis
Séverine Sentilles
Federico Ciccozzi
Mikael Ekström
Ning Xiong
Radu Dobrin

17. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Description (1)
The course contains the following main parts:
Theory of science/ Philosophy of science
Research methods for different research fields within computing
Writing, presentation and reviewing of a research paper
History of science
The course can also be taken as a graduate (PhD) course, and adapted to students from other research fields upon agreement with the course leader and organizer.

18. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Description (2)
The course will mix lectures with several assignments and discussions. The purpose is to put the learned into practice, deepen your understanding of the relationships between research fields, and co-production of knowledge and so to prepare you for your future research. The most important part of the course is to write and present a research paper.
No final written exam (“tentamen”) is needed if you are taking part in at least 80% of course activities. Instead a Mini Conference is organized at the end of the course which will let students practice presentation and discussion of papers.
Besides, it is possible to follow CDT403 as the distance course, in which case there is a special examination.

19. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Material
The book used in the History of Science:
The Golem: What You Should Know about Science Harry M. Collins & Trevor Pinch
Can be found among Google Books:

20. Additional Reading Material
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Additional Reading Material
The book used in Theory of Science for more advanced study of philosophical aspects:
General philosophy of science: focal issues
 Theo A. F. Kuipers
Can be found under Google Books:

21. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Goals
"Perfection of means and confusion of goals seem, in my opinion, to characterize our age."
Einstein, 'Out of My Later Years'

22. Goals: Learning Outcomes (1)
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Goals: Learning Outcomes (1)
- Understanding of major paradigms in scientific and engineering research, their central concepts and problems.
- Ability to analyze scientific and pseudo-scientific texts and do a critical review of these.
- Ability to review scientific papers.

23. Goals: Learning Outcomes (2)
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Goals: Learning Outcomes (2)
- Skill of impartial argument developed during the discussions of science, pseudo-science and history of science.
- Research paper which will be presented on a mini-conference.
- Skill to oppose other presentations.
- Familiarity with number of characteristic research methods within main research fields of Computing and several related fields.

24. Goals: Learning Outcomes (3)
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Goals: Learning Outcomes (3)
- Understanding of organization of research education, research communities, and research politics.
- Critical thinking about knowledge generation process, fundamentals of computational thinking. Understanding the relation between science and research values and their roles in the contemporary society.

25. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Assignments (1)
Assignment 1
Assignment 1A: Review two scientific papers
(Research methodology)
Read two published scientific papers (of different quality) and write a short report for each of them.
Individual work. You will assess each others review results.
Teachers will check both the review and its assessment.
Assignment 1B: Assess your colleague's review (done individually)
NOTE: Successful completion of this assignment is mandatory in order to be allowed to do the rest of the course.

26. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Assignments (2)
Assignment 2: Demarcation: Pseudoscience vs Science
(Theory of science/Philosophy of science)
Read selected texts, write a summary and answers to questions.
Work preferably in groups of two.
The Assignment 2 will be followed by in-class discussion.
If you miss the discussion, you will have to do both Assignment 2 and an additional Assignment 2-extra.

27. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Assignments (3)
Assignment 3: Study three events in history of science
(History of science)
Read three chapters in the “Golem” book, write summaries and answer a few questions.
The Assignment 3 will be followed by in-class discussion.
Work preferably in groups of two.
If you miss the discussion, you will have to do both Assignment 3 and an additional Assignment 3-extra.

28. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Assignments (4)
Assignment 4: Write a research paper
Write a research paper describing a topic of interest within your research field to be presented at the Mini conference workshop.
Work preferably in groups of two.
Important to note:
You should use ACM template
No external co-authors are allowed

29. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Assignments (5)
Assignment 5: Review research papers of your colleagues
5. A: Review other student's papers.
Write your reviews together with your co-author.
5. B: Discuss your views at a review meeting lead by a senior researcher.
If you miss the review meeting you will have to do extra reviews.

30. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Assignments (6)
Assignment 6: Present a research paper at the Mini conference
Present together with your co-author your paper at the mini conference /workshop.

31. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Assignments (7)
Assignment 7: Review presentations of your colleagues at the workshop/Mini conference.
Prepare and ask questions to at least one paper at the mini conference/workshop.
Give feedback on presentations (anonymously).
This assignment is done individually.

32. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Assignments (8)
Assignment 8: Take home exam
For those who do not have at least 80% of class attendance, a take home exam will be made covering knowledge you are expected to acquire in this course.

33. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Assignments (8)
Assignment 8: Take home exam
The exam includes 1A4 page for each of the fields:
1. Theory of Science 1-4 (G Dodig Crnkovic)
2. Research Methods in Computer Science and Engineering (H Hansson)
3. Artificial intelligence (P Funk)
4. AI without Representation (V Müller)
5. Research Methods for Software Engineering (K Lundqvist)
6. Research in Robotics (G Spampinato/L Asplund)
7. Complexity (T Backström)
8. Measurement-based Research Methods in Computer Engineering (M Björkman)
9. Research Methods - Deductive Methods and Proofs (B Lisper)

34. Grading of Assignments
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Grading of Assignments
Assignments (if passed) are graded 3, 4 or 5 (E-A)
Assignment 4 (research paper)
(if passed) is graded Accepted, Good or Excellent which means 3, 4 or 5 or (E-A)
Assignments are not graded.
Assignment 8 (take home exam) (if passed) are graded 3, 4 or 5 (E-A)

35. Submission of Assignments
CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Submission of Assignments
In order to be able to submit your assignments 1-3, you will be given identity (user ID and password) in the beginning of the course, sent to you on your MDH student mail address.

36. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Deadlines
Deadlines are defined at the course web page.
There is a deadline for each assignment and a definitive deadline for the whole course (Mini Conference).

37. 03 05 10 12 17 19 24 26 DEADLINES - September Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Sun 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
15/9 –Assign. 1A (review) 17/9 –Assign. 1B review (reviews) 24/9 –Assign. 2 (Demarcation)

38. 01 03 08 10 15 17 22 24 29 31 DEADLINES - October Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
Sat
Sun 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
10/10 – Assign. 3 (Golem) 24/10 – Assign.4 (Article submission) 30/10 – Assign.5A-Reviews submission 31/10 Assign.5B – Review meeting

39. 05 07 12 14 19 21 26 28 DEADLINES - November Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Sun 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
06/11 – Assign. 4.1 Revised papers 07/11 – Assign. 6 Mini-conference
11/11 – Assign Final papers 14/11 – Assign. 8 Take home exams

40. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Grading Policy (1)
The course is graded (3, 4, 5) (E-A).
To pass the course, i.e. to get grade 3 (C-E), you are expected to have finished (passed) all course assignments before the end of the course*. Thereafter, no assignments are corrected until the next time scheduled for exams - "omtentaperiod". After that you must wait for the new course occasion.
At most one repeated attempt to pass any assignment is allowed. This includes research paper and its presentation.
* The exception is Take home exam for those who haven’t got 80% attendendance. The deadline for Take home exam is one week after the Mini conference.

41. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Grading Policy (2)
In order to get grade 4 (B), you are expected to respect all the deadlines for the assignments, and the average grade for assignments above 3.25, and an excellent paper (5), or you must have the total average grade above 4.0.
If you miss a deadline, the highest grade you can get is 3. (Exception: if you missed only one deadline, have average above 3.5 and the grade excellent (5) for your paper, you will get grade 4).
For the grade 4, you must pass an assignment (including the article) in the first attempt.
(Exception: if you made only one repeated attempt, have average above 3.5 and the grade excellent (5) for your paper, you will get grade 4).

42. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Grading Policy (3)
To get grade 5 (A), in addition to fulfilling all required for grade 4, you must have an average grade of at least 4.25 on assignments 1-3 and the grade excellent (5) for the paper, or
you must have the total average grade above 4.5.
Maximum grade one can get for an repeated attempt on an assignment is 4.
The course responsible teacher can raise your final grade if you exceptionally contributed to the class discussions.

43. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Policies (1)
Keeping Up
You are expected to visit the course web site regularly to read Latest News and to see if other changes have been made.

44. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Policies (2)
Doing Your Own Work
When you turn in an assignment, it is expected to be the result of your work (individual or a group of two*). Do not copy anyone else's work or let anyone else copy yours. In contrast, working together to understand lecture material and problems is encouraged.
*No bigger groups than two are allowed as the assignments are not so big. When we grade assignments, we take into account if it is an individual work or a work of two people – the amount of work should be corresponding.

45. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Policies (3)
In-Class Activities
Class is divided in groups during assignment discussion meetings. You are supposed to be well prepared and actively take part in the discussions.

46. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Policies (4)
Environmental Policy
Please save paper and make two-sided print outs of the course material.
Print as many pages on each side as practically possible (readable).

47. CDT403 Research Methodology in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Policies (5)
Equity Policy
Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, ability, race, religion, ethnic origin, creed, color, social status, age, or sexual orientation.

48. CDT403 Research Methods in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Policies (6)
Statement on Students with Disabilities
Students with a documented disability needing academic adjustments are advised to speak with the course leader during the first two meetings of the class.

49. CDT403 Research Methods in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Course Policies (7)
Case of Illness
Students are expected to attend lectures, formal assessments, presentations and examinations. In case of illness, you must submit a personal sickness certificate whenever illness may have affected ability to attend lectures, discussions and presentations or a submission deadline.
It is important to keep in mind that medical practices are unable to provide a medical certificate unless they are consulted during the illness. In case of sickness you are advised to contact medical practitioner as soon as possible when a medical certificate is expected.

50. Taking the course as distance learners
If you do not attend at minimum 80% of lectures, you will have to make a  take-home exam (at the end of the course) which should demonstrate that you have acquired knowledge corresponding to course lectures that you missed.
Even as a distance student you are expected to send the assignments in the course before the deadlines (given on the course web page). If you miss the discussion, you make an extra assignment.

51. Taking the course as distance learners
In this course we learn how to write a research article, how to review and act as a conference Program Committee (PC) member, and other procedures related to a research conference. This means that you should either attend the review committee meeting or be available via telephone on the day your group discusses conference articles.
You are supposed to be here for the Mini conference, to present your paper and to take part in the discussions and opposition.

52. Taking the course the second time
You are supposed to hand in the Assignments 1-3 before the Mini Conference which is the official end of the course. If your paper did not pass the first Mini Conference, there will be a second (and last) chance in January next year. If you did not pass the course after the second attempt, you start the next time from the beginning.

53. Student influence
According to the Swedish law, “Students have the right to exercise influence over their education at universities and other higher education institutions, and institutions are to work to ensure that students take an active part in efforts to develop educational programmes. (Chapter 1, Section 4(a) of the Higher Education Act (1992:1434))”

54. Course Evaluation and Analysis
At the end of the course you will be asked to fill in a Netigate on-line course evaluation. It is a standardized tool that the university uses to quickly identify courses with severe problems.
Additionally, we have our own, more specific survey form that you fill in at the mini-conference. * Finally, and most importantly, we expect a continuous dialog that makes it possible to communicate and exercise your right to influence the course.
*The previous years course analysis can be found on the course web page.

55. Course Evaluation and Analysis 2012
As a result of the 2012 evaluation, we have introduced number of changes, such as common instructions for the whole of Programme Committe for the Mini-conference.
Also, on popular demand, we have left slots in the schedule that can be used for class discussions.

56. Course Schedule
CDT403, Research Methods in Natural sciences and Engineering Those of you who are not able to attend at least 80% of all lectures, (16 lectures) please contact course leader (by ). You will be assigned compensatory tasks, including written take-home exam at the end of the course.