Course syllabus - Degree Project in Public Health Science, One-Year Master’s

Objectives

The aim of the course is for the student to acquire ability to independently plan, conduct, analyze, and present an in-depth scientific project within a public health science problem area.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

1. formulate a research question within public health science related to scientific literature
2. search for, analyse, and critically review, contrast, integrate, and evaluate previous research
3. select, explain, and apply theory and a scientific method relevant to the research area
4. identify and address ethical issues pertaining to the scientific project
5. collect, process, and analyse data
6. present their results in a scientific thesis
7. critically review and engage in an argumentative discussion at a scientific level regarding their own and others’ projects
8. identify and reflect on strengths and developmental needs in relation to future professional growth and career within public health science and social sustainable development

Course content

• Independently plan, carry out, and report on a substantial scientific project relevant to the field of public health science
• Critically review and evaluate other studies and theses
• Reflect on research ethics and the ethical responsibilities of researchers
• Present their work both in writing and orally
• Critically review, evaluate, and act as an opponent on other course participants' degree projects
• Professional development and career planning

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 ECTS credits with a major in public health sciences, caring sciences, medical sciences, psychology, physiotherapy, political sciences, or an equivalent academic field. Furthermore, completed courses amounting to 15 ECTS credits at an advanced level within the main field of public health sciences are required. In addition, Scientific Theory and Ethics (2 ECTS) and either Quantitative Methods in Public Health (5 ECTS) or Qualitative Methods in Public Health (5 ECTS), or equivalent, are required. In addition, English course 6 or English level 2 or A TOEFL test result with a minimum score 575 and a TWE score of at least 4.5 (PBT) or 90 with a TWE score of at least 20 (iBT), or an IELTS test result with an overall band score of at least 6.5 and no band score below 5.5, or equivalent, are required.

Examination

EXA1, Degree Project, 15 credits, grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Three-grade scale