Skip to main content
Till KTH:s startsida

AK2040 Theory and Methodology of Science with Applications (Computational Science) 7.5 credits

Administer About course

The aim of the course is to provide a deeper understanding of the methodological and underlying philosophical issues that arise in science, and inspire to reflection on such issues within the student’s own area of study. After having taken the course the student should have acquired basic knowledge of the foundational issues in the methodology and philosophy of science.

Information per course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Termin

Information for Autumn 2025 Period 1 programme students

Course location

KTH Campus

Duration
25 Aug 2025 - 24 Oct 2025
Periods

Autumn 2025: P1 (7.5 hp)

Pace of study

50%

Application code

50206

Form of study

Normal Daytime

Language of instruction

English

Course memo
Course memo is not published
Number of places

Places are not limited

Target group
Open for students from all master programs and for students in semester 6 from the master of engineering programs as long as it can be included in your program.
Planned modular schedule
[object Object]
Part of programme
No information inserted

Contact

Examiner
No information inserted
Course coordinator
No information inserted
Teachers
No information inserted

Course syllabus as PDF

Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.

Course syllabus AK2040 (Spring 2024–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus AK2040 (Spring 2024–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

The following is an incomplete list of topics covered in the course.

  • Scientific knowledge
  • Definitions
  • Hypothesis testing
  • Observations and measurements
  • Experiments
  • Models
  • Statistical reasoning
  • Causes and explanations
  • Qualitative methods
  • Algorithmic reasoning and its limitations
  • Risk and decisions of risks
  • Research ethics
  • Philosophical theories about mathematical objects’ nature
  • Theorethical representation theorems of measurement
  • Theoretical virtues in mathematical models

Intended learning outcomes

After having completed the course, the student should, with regards to the theory and methodology of science, both orally as well as in writing, be able to:

  • Identify definitions and descriptions of concepts, theories and problem areas, as well as identify the correct application of these concepts and theories.
  • Account for concepts, theories and general problem areas, as well as apply concepts and theories to specific cases.
  • Critically discuss the definitions and applications of concepts and theories as they applies to specific cases of scientific research.

These learning objectives are examined in writing via an exam and orally via seminars. 

  • chart the main lines of thought in some different philosophical theories about the nature of mathematical objects and our knowledge of them.
  • describe the content of some representation theorems from the theory of measurement, and discuss the import of these theorems concerning the relationship between mathematical structures and the material world.
  • compare different mathematical models of one and the same phenomenon with regard to theoretical virtues such as simplicity, agreement with observations, etc.

These learning objectives are examined in writing via a project work.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

General requirements for master’s programmes. Proficiency in English corresponding to English B / English 6 in Swedish gymnasium.

Literature

You can find information about course literature either in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.

Examination and completion

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • SEM1 - Seminars, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • PRO1 - Project, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TENB - Written exam, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

A student can be examined in SEM1 with written assignments that replace attendance at seminars, provided that an agreement is in place for the student to take the course remotely.

Other requirements for final grade

Fullfilled seminar requirements, project requirements and written exam.

Examiner

Profile picture Till Grüne-Yanoff

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

ABE/Philosophy

Education cycle

Second cycle

Supplementary information

Course coordinator: Henrik Lundvall