Degree Project in Optometry, 15 credits

Passed results of at least 55 higher education credits from the Optometry program semester 1 and 2 and at least 45 higher education credits from semester 3 and 4.

The intention is that the student should independently carry out a research project and through this develop a scientific and critical attitude, and be stimulated to specialised studies in the main field optometry as research domain.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

Knowledge and understanding

• independently identify and formulate research questions, plan, implement, compile, draw conclusions and present results of a research study orally and in writing in the form of a thesis or a scientific manuscript, within given time frames
• independently integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and handle phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• show knowledge and understanding of optometry, comprising an overview of the field as well as in-depth knowledge within certain areas
• demonstrate an understanding of current research and development work, and knowledge of the relationship between science and proven experience and its importance for the professional practice
• describe relevant research methods in theoretical and clinical optometric research and adjacent research.

Skills and abilities

• show ability to critically review, evaluate and use relevant information and discuss new facts, phenomena and issues with different groups and thereby contribute to the development of the profession and professional activities
• give constructive criticism of the thesis of a fellow student as opponent at a seminar
• show the skills required to participate in development work.

Values and perspectives

• consider ethical aspects of scientific projects and development
• discuss the relevance, limitations and possibilities of one's own work, in relation to optometrical professional practice and individuals
• identify his/her own need of additional knowledge and continuous skill development.

The degree project is highly dependent on the student's own initiative and independent work. The student shall under supervision make a descriptionary or experimental study, including all parts of the the research process; literature search, project plan, problem formulation, collection and interpretation of data and presentation. The project can be carried out independently or in groups of two. Students collaborating on a thesis should on request be able to individually declare their own contribution to the thesis, as well as actively participate in the examination as follows.

The course/the work is like a research project that should result in a written report and contain

• problem formulation
• background description
• design, selection and method
• ethical considerations
• discussion
• general design and linguistic availability
• oral presentation
• critical reviewing.

In addition to this the course is part of the Scientific streak of the optometry programme. In relation to the Scientific streak, the students continue to broaden their knowledge related to the scientific base of optometry, science and proven experience and scientific communication. They also develop their knowledge and understanding, skills and abilities, their judgement, scientific thought and attitude, in relation to optometry and a lifelong learning. The Scientific streak of the optometry programme is described in a separate document.

The student/the students should contact a supervisor who accepts this assignment. An examiner of the work is appointed of by the management of the education.

The project should be described in the form of a research plan, in consultation with the supervisor. Before the student can start the project, the research plan should be reviewed and approved by examiner and supervisor, in order to ensure that the project is an appropriate student assignment. Only when the research plan is approved, can data collection be started.

If the degree project is made outside Karolinska Institutet (in Sweden or abroad), the student should have a principal supervisor on KI that have a formal cooperation with the department outside KI. The student should also have a supervisor on the higher education institution/ workplace where the work is carried out, that has the role of assistant supervisor.

The written report is written alone or together with other student in the course. If the work is done in collaboration with another student, each student should on request be able to present his/ her contribution in the completed work.

The course is examined in the following way:
a) written presentation, is given the grade U (Fail) or G (Pass)
b) respondentship (oral presentation, defence and discussion of the work), is given the grade U, G or VG (Pass with distinction)
c) opponent performance (for another project work), is given the grade U, G or VG
 
Course grade
The grade G on the entire course, requires the grade G on all parts of the examination (a, b and c).
The grade VG on the entire course, requires VG on examination part b and c, and G on a, the written report.

In the event of failed respondentship or opponent performance, supplementary assignments will be required by the examiner. In the event of a failed report, the student receives some guidance in order for the thesis to obtain the grade G. Submission dates for revised written report or supplementary assignments are the same as the accepted dates for re-examination during the following semester.

Guidlines for immediate interuption of data collection
The examiner may, with immediate effect, interrupt a student's data collection if the student demonstrates such serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills or attitude that patient/ research participant safety or confidence in healthcare unit is at risk. If data collection is interrupted in this way, an individual action plan should be set up stating which activities and tests are required before the student is qualified to continue data collection.

Limitation of the number of examinations
If the written report is not completed during the course, the student cannot count on supervision from the original supervisor. This may limit the possibility for the student to complete the degree project according to original plan.

Possibility of exception from the course syllabus' regulations on 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 knowledge, skills and attitudes may not be changed, removed or reduced.

If the course is cancelled or undertakes major revisions, you will find information on transition rules under this heading.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with guidelines established by Karolinska Institutet.

Teaching in English may occur.