Exact scalar field cosmologies in a higher derivative theory

We obtain exact cosmological solutions of a higher derivative theory descri bed by the Lagrangian L = R + 2 alpha R-2 in the presence of interacting sc alar field. The interacting scalar field potential required for a known evo lution of the FRW universe in the framework of the theory is obtained using a technique different from the usual approach to solve the Einstein field equations. We follow here a technique to determine potential similar to tha t used by Ellis and Madsen in Einstein gravity. Some new and interesting po tentials are noted in the presence of R-2 term in the Einstein action for t he known behaviours of the universe. These potentials in general do not obe y the slow rollover approximation.