Course syllabus - Thesis in Caring Science

Objectives

The aim of the course is that the student will acquire in-depth knowledge with a scientific approach within an independently chosen problem in the main field of study. Further, the aim of the course is that the student will develop the ability to critically review, assess and use relevant information.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

1 identify and describe a problem area in the Caring Sciences
2 apply the research process based on the chosen problem area
3 apply research ethical principles in the independent project
4 apply an adequate research design for the problem
5 produce a written report and orally present and defend the independent project based on a Caring Sciences perspective
6 critically review an independent project written by another student

Course content

Formulate a problem area
Articles and data search
Critical review
Data collection
Analysis of data, completion and presentation of the result
Report on the independent project in writing
Research ethical principles

Tuition

Teaching is based on individual studies, supervision and seminars.

Specific requirements

60 credits in one of the subject areas Caring Sciences with a specialization in Nursing, Nursing Science or Public Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Social Care, Psychology, Sociology, Pedagogy, or the equivalent. In addition, Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English A/English 6 are required. In cases when the course is offered in English, the requirement for Swedish B/Swedish 3 is excluded.

Examination

Degree project (UPS1), 15 credits, independent written project, individually or in pairs, including oral presentation and written and oral review of another student’s work.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail