Theme Scientific Work - Research Methods, Project plan, 3 credits

A pass in all courses in semester 1 - semester 3 (90 credits) is required to be eligible for the course Theme Scientific Work - Research Methods, Project plan. In semester 4, a pass is required in the course Theme Scientific Work - Research Methods.

The aim of the course is that the student develops in-depth knowledge in scientific methodology and the research process so that the student can plan and document a delimited project work in the main field of physiotherapy.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Choose and argue for scientific methods related to literature studies and to qualitative and quantitative research designs.
• Identify and formulate a delimited research question in the main field of study physiotherapy.
• Develop a project plan.
• Identify and problematise ethical issues in research.

Specialisation in scientific methodology, research design, data collection and analytical methods based on quantitative and qualitative research approaches, and in literature studies. Problem formulation and ethical reflection and development of a project plan.

The teaching is based on a problem-oriented and collaborative approach to learning in which assignments provide opportunities for students to take active responsibility for their learning. The used working methods are: lectures, self-studies, individual and group study-assignments, meetings with supervisor, and seminars.

Compulsory course elements are:
Active participation in meetings with supervisors and seminars

The examiner decides whether, and if so how, absence from compulsory course elements can be made up for. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in compulsory course elements or compensated for any absence in accordance with instructions from the examiner. Absence from a compulsory course element could mean that the student can not retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

The course is examined according to the following:

• A written project plan
• An oral presentation and discussion of own project plan
• An oral discussion of other students' project plans

Late submissions of examination tasks are not accepted. Students who have not submitted their examination on time are refered to the occasion for re-take. The examiner decide if a student has special reasons for the delay.

The examiner is given the possibility to make decisions about supplementary examination documentation to achieve passed result.

Students who do not pass a regular examination are entitled to re-sit the examination on five more occasions. This will not apply when the course has been discontinued or undergone major changes. If a student has failed six examinations no additional examination is given. Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination.

If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

If the course has ceased, changed considerably in content, or substantially changed its reading list, the student may take three additional tests (excluding regular test) on the earlier contents or the previous literature for up to one year after the course changes have been made.

Course evaluation and course analysis take place according to guidelines established by the Committee for education.

Some teaching may be in English.

The course will not be credited in a degree together with another course the student has completed and passed which completely or partly corresponds to the contents of this course.