Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
All year long, with partial in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of the scientific method as a systematic approach to knowledge production. Emphasis is placed on the formulation of research questions, literature search and review, research design, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, and the interpretation of empirical findings. Students will critically examine the criteria that distinguish scientific inquiry from other modes of thought, as well as the epistemological and ethical foundations of research. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the basic conceptual and methodological tools necessary to evaluate scientific claims and to apply rigorous reasoning within diverse academic and professional contexts.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- develop a research question and/or problem situation,
- find appropriate scientific literature,
- articulate a literature review,
- choose and justify research methods to answer the research question,
- navigate through the basic legal and ethical requirements to ensure scientific integrity (including an appropriate use of AI tools).
Furthermore, the student will understand:
- how to write a research or project thesis at HEC Liège,
- how to apply for and conduct an internship in the framework of their curriculum at HEC Liège.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
This course is taught in English and includes interaction moments. Therefore, a good command of English is required
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Mixed method:
- face-to-face (introduction, qualitative/quantitative methods, etc.)
- flipped classroom with video clips and question-and-answer sessions (mainly in the first semester, as some students are on Erasmus)
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Blended learning
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Written work / report
Continuous assessment
Further information:
Further information:
The final evaluation is composed of three elements:
1. Validation of a thesis topic on MyThin (Research thesis by the supervisor, Project thesis by the specialization pilot).
2. Attend an internship- and career-related event (more details to come on eCampus)
3. Submission of course-related documents (not necessarily linked to the final thesis topic):
a. Slide with subject related to purpose + research question + proposed methodology
b. 2-page literature review, based on min. 10 peer-reviewed references
More details on the expectations for these documents are available on eCampus.
Throughout the course, some quizzes are provided on eCampus. These quizzes have a formative aim and do not count for the final grade. Deadlines to take these quizzes are indicative to help students keeping a right pace in their learning. But delay to take them has no impact at all.
Work placement(s)
None
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
This course is taught jointly with GEST7105 Scientific Methods in Management.
Successful completion of this course is a prerequisite for registering the Master thesis in one's learning programme for the following academic year.
All classes will be recorded but only the classes during the Fall semester (Q1) will be made available online directly. The classes of the Spring semester (Q2) will be made available during the summer, after the June exam session. The whole course will remain available on eCampus until the end of the following academic year as a toolbox to help you in the process of writing your master thesis.
Contacts
Frédéric Dufays, frederic.dufays@uliege.be
Jérôme Schoenmaecekrs, jerome.schoenmaeckers@uliege.be