Learning Outcomes
Knowledge of the basic characteristics of the scientific method. Relations between theory, theoretical research and applied research. Types of scientific research. Development from a scientific idea to a Diploma Thesis topic. Preparation and development of a Thesis topic. Methodology of literature search. Hypothesis formulation, hypothesis testing, experiments, sampling. Data collection. Gantt chart and time management. Thesis writing, structure, presentation. Plagiarism.
Course Content (Syllabus)
This course presents an introduction to research methodology with an emphasis place on the sciences of natural resources. The topic is introduced through the presentation of a scientific paradigm, while a concise review of the interface between science and research is presented. The theoretical part of this work concerns the development of the fundamentals of scientific inference for natural sciences, which is presented divide in the following sections: (a) the scientific method, (b) the relation between cause and effect, (γ) the relationship of theory and research, and (d) methods and technology in the contemporary science of natural resources. The presentation of the applied part of this treatise is based upon the selection and development of a research topic. The following sections are presented: (a) design of research in the sciences of natural resources, (β) selection and outline of a research topic, and (c) preparation of a Diploma Thesis.