The Role and Contribution of Theory of Science in the Health Science PhD Project (2018)

Welcome to The role and contribution of Theory of science in the health science phd project


Description:

This course is organized as a study group. It targets PhD students who are interested in working with the perspective of theory of science, reflecting on its meaning and influence as a frame and a foundation for their PhD research.

The aim is to make the PhD students comfortable with discussing theory of science and the consequences of the various paradigms. By insights and familiarity with theory of science the Ph.D. students gain a more substantial knowledge of how their projects are designed as epistemically coherent, acknowledged and valid scientific pursuits. Such knowledge will help the Ph.D. students complete and defend their projects.

The course is organised as five afternoon sessions, each covering one specific position within theory of science. There will be an introduction to each perspective followed by participant and facilitators discussing the position in an open forum. The point of departure for the discussions will be the specific readings and the PhD students’ own research.

This approach creates the opportunity for the PhD students to strengthen the theoretical and philosophical arguments and reflections underpinning the scope and design of their research. The discussions contribute towards a positioning of the research in a larger scientific frame and give a more thorough understanding of the basis for the research. Having different positions for each session also creates an awareness of the rich and broad environment of science, and can help participants to comprehend the interdisciplinary approaches that health related research often face.      

Theory of science is often a blunt requirement on the road to a PhD. This course gives the PhD students a chance to make that requirement an asset and sharpen the scientific forcefulness of their research projects. 

Literature
Relevant papers and book chapters will be made available prior to each session. The reading includes 3 types of texts: 1) a text introducing the paradigm, 2) a classical text within the paradigm and 3) a text illustrating application of the paradigm in contemporary health science research. The reading requirements will be approximately 50 pages for each session.

Prerequisites
PhD students should have been enrolled at least 6 months in the doctoral school.

Evaluation
PhD students are expected to be active during the sessions, and at the end of the course they will hand in a written assignment (4-5 pages) covering the theory of science perspective that is appropriate for their PhD project.  

Organizer: Associate Professor Diana Stentoft, email: stentoft@hst.aau.dk and Assistant Professor Patrik Kjærsdam Telléus, email: pkt@hst.aau.dk

Lecturers: Organisers

ECTS: 2.5

Time: 12, 26 February, 12 March, 9 April, 7 May 2018 (12.30-16.15)

Place: Fredrik Bajers Vej 7, room D2-106, Aalborg University

City: Aalborg

Number of seats:

Deadline: 5 February 2018


Important information concerning PhD courses We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 5,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately three months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.