Course syllabus Methods in Systems Science for Defence and Security
Swedish name: Metod i försvarssystem
Course code:
2FS039
Valid from semester:
Spring Term 2026
Education cycle:
Second cycle
Scope:
15.0 credits
Progression:
A1N
Grading scale:
Three-grade scale
Main field of study:
Systems Science for Defence and Security
Department:
Department of Systems Science for Defence and Security
Subject:
Systems Science for Defence and Security
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Decided by:
Institutionen för försvarssystem
Decision date:
2025-10-30
Entry requirements
A minimum of at least 180 credits that include
- written thesis project including at least 15 credits, and knowledge corresponding to English 6 (B).
Course content and structure
The course, which focuses on how social science and engineering methods can be used to study and develop socio-technical systems, centers on the approaches and methods for research, development and decision support that are key to the Master program's focus on defence systems. The methods are studied from general perspectives on scientific method, epistemology and research ethics. The course focuses on in-depth study of a few approaches and on practical application of methodology, rather than on broad overviews and theoretical knowledge.
The methods course serves three related purposes by: 1) providing a bridge between the theory course and more practical courses in the program, 2) preparing the student for further study of defense systems, and 3) preparing the student for future work in defense and security systems. The course aims to be equally relevant to undergraduates in engineering and social sciences as it is to students who wish to work in the development of defence and security systems or in the study of such systems in academia.
The overarching aim of the course is to develop the student's ability to plan and evaluate studies based on the their claim to knowledge contribution. The course therefore aims to increase the student's knowledge and skills in 1) evaluating, assessing and choosing approaches based on the knowledge claims sought and 2) formulating scientifically sound knowledge claims within different methodological orientations.
In essence, the course adopts an applied approach to method. The student develops knowledge and skills through the application of methodology on an individual - and group basis, complemented and supported by lectures and seminars in which advantages and disadvantages are discussed on the basis of scientific theory. The course begins with the theory and ethics of science, research design and methods of data collection and analysis. A selection of methodological approaches is then applied, which the student prepares, implements, and evaluates in groups. Examination is partly done through the preparation for and participation in compulsory applications and seminars, and partly through a final on-campus written examination in which the student is asked to apply a critical and reflective approach.
Type of Instruction
Seminars
Lectures
Practical exercise
Project Work
The methods course serves three related purposes by: 1) providing a bridge between the theory course and more practical courses in the program, 2) preparing the student for further study of defense systems, and 3) preparing the student for future work in defense and security systems. The course aims to be equally relevant to undergraduates in engineering and social sciences as it is to students who wish to work in the development of defence and security systems or in the study of such systems in academia.
The overarching aim of the course is to develop the student's ability to plan and evaluate studies based on the their claim to knowledge contribution. The course therefore aims to increase the student's knowledge and skills in 1) evaluating, assessing and choosing approaches based on the knowledge claims sought and 2) formulating scientifically sound knowledge claims within different methodological orientations.
In essence, the course adopts an applied approach to method. The student develops knowledge and skills through the application of methodology on an individual - and group basis, complemented and supported by lectures and seminars in which advantages and disadvantages are discussed on the basis of scientific theory. The course begins with the theory and ethics of science, research design and methods of data collection and analysis. A selection of methodological approaches is then applied, which the student prepares, implements, and evaluates in groups. Examination is partly done through the preparation for and participation in compulsory applications and seminars, and partly through a final on-campus written examination in which the student is asked to apply a critical and reflective approach.
Type of Instruction
Seminars
Lectures
Practical exercise
Project Work
Objectives
After completing the course, the student is expected to:
Knowledge and understanding:
Skills and abilities:
Evaluation and approach:
Knowledge and understanding:
- explain the meaning and function of general concepts in the philosophy of science,
- describe the meaning of basic principles of research ethics,
- summarise the advantages and disadvantages of methodological approaches central to the field, as well as data collection and analysis techniques (both qualitative and quantitative).
Skills and abilities:
- plan studies based on social science and engineering approaches aimed at decision support, development and academic knowledge, respectively,
- apply relevant approaches to empirical problems.
Evaluation and approach:
- compare and evaluate the knowledge claims made by methodological approaches central to the field,
- critically reflect on and evaluate the implications of the methodological conventions and traditions that characterise the field of defence and security systems.
Examination formats
Compulsory applications and seminars
Scope: 7,5
Grading Scale: Fail, Pass
The examination consists of the active participation in compulsory applications and seminars (requiring preparation).
The examiner may decide that absence from a limited number of compulsory sessions may be compensated by the submission of written supplementary assignments.
On-campus written examination
Scope: 7.5
Grading Scale: Fail, Pass, Pass with Distinction
The examination consists of a final on-campus written examination.
The examiner may decide on supplementary work in order for the student to obtain a pass grade for the on-campus written examination. The supplementary assignment must be submitted within five working days of the notification of the result and the supplementary assignment in question, unless special reasons are approved by the examiner.
Grading is based on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG).
A Pass (G) grade for the course requires a Pass (G) score on the compulsory methodological applications and seminars and a Pass (G) on the on-campus written examination.
A Pass with distinction (VG) in the course requires a Pass (G) on the compulsory methodological applications and seminars and a Pass with distinction (VG) on the on-campus written examination.
Grading criteria will be presented at the start of the course at the latest.
Restrictions in Number of Examinations
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
Scope: 7,5
Grading Scale: Fail, Pass
The examination consists of the active participation in compulsory applications and seminars (requiring preparation).
The examiner may decide that absence from a limited number of compulsory sessions may be compensated by the submission of written supplementary assignments.
On-campus written examination
Scope: 7.5
Grading Scale: Fail, Pass, Pass with Distinction
The examination consists of a final on-campus written examination.
The examiner may decide on supplementary work in order for the student to obtain a pass grade for the on-campus written examination. The supplementary assignment must be submitted within five working days of the notification of the result and the supplementary assignment in question, unless special reasons are approved by the examiner.
Grading
Grading is based on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG).
A Pass (G) grade for the course requires a Pass (G) score on the compulsory methodological applications and seminars and a Pass (G) on the on-campus written examination.
A Pass with distinction (VG) in the course requires a Pass (G) on the compulsory methodological applications and seminars and a Pass with distinction (VG) on the on-campus written examination.
Grading criteria will be presented at the start of the course at the latest.
Restrictions in Number of Examinations
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
Transitional provisions
When a course is no longer provided or when the content of a course has been significantly altered, the student retains the right to be examined in accordance with this course syllabus once per term during a three-term period.
Other regulations
The course cannot be part of a degree whose content is wholly or partly in accordance with the content of this course.
On the completion of the course, an evaluation will be conducted under the auspices of the course director, which will form the basis for any changes to the course.
If the Swedish Defence University has formally decided that the student is entitled to receive special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.
On the completion of the course, an evaluation will be conducted under the auspices of the course director, which will form the basis for any changes to the course.
If the Swedish Defence University has formally decided that the student is entitled to receive special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.