The course focuses on three key aspects including the following topics:

1. An introductory reflection on scientific work:

e.g. everyday language vs. language of science, overview of the philosophy of science / the social dimension of science

2. Organizing an academic work

Developing a bachelor thesis: e.g. typology of thesis, particular steps from the idea of the research project (subject) to the scientific research question (exposé), composition and conditions of a bachelor thesis

Working in an organized manner: e.g. research, use and preparation of literature, quoting, formal requirements, time management

3. Scientific writing

e.g. visualisation of complex contents, writing a specific text, writing blockades, drafts and final versions

The course focuses on three key aspects including the following topics:

1. An introductory reflection on scientific work:

e.g. everyday language vs. language of science, overview of the philosophy of science / the social dimension of science

2. Organizing an academic work

Developing a bachelor thesis: e.g. typology of thesis, particular steps from the idea of the research project (subject) to the scientific research question (exposé), composition and conditions of a bachelor thesis

Working in an organized manner: e.g. research, use and preparation of literature, quoting, formal requirements, time management

3. Scientific writing

e.g. visualisation of complex contents, writing a specific text, writing blockades, drafts and final versions

In reflecting basic requirements of scientific work, it is the course’s aim to introduce the students into the field of academic work in general as well as making

them familiar with specific academic methods. Therefore procedures and techniques of academic writing will be learned.

Once they have completed the course, students should be aware of the principles and basics of planning an individual academic work, knowing the expectations and having achieved skills and knowledge to complete any kind of dissertation. In particular students should then be capable of

· Distinguishing different types of scientific work

· Identifying the process of the academic work as being embedded in the social context as well as in a discourse of the philosophy of science

· Finding appropriate steps to make a draft and pose adequate research questions

· Creating the structure of an exposé

· Doing literature research, evaluating sources and quoting correctly

· Being aware of the elements of formality and of using appropriate in order to realize an academic peace of work

20 % of time absence allowed.

During the course, essential aspects of academic working will be taught and discussed with the students on the basis of specific examples. Students will have to work in teams and/or in form of individual work assignments.

· 40 % Participation in class / presentation of a specific task

·  60 % Take home exam (48 hours to submit)