Scientific Theory and Research Methods, 7.5 credits

Qualification as a nurse certified by the National Board of Health and Welfare

The main aim of the course is that the student should have advanced his knowledge and his understanding in scientific theory, method and research ethics and in application of research in nursing with a specialisation in the expert area. Furthermore, the student should have acquired an advanced scientific, critically reflective and research-ethical attitude.

Module 1: Scientific theory and method (3.5 credits) After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• Account for and integrate science and knowledge concept related to the main field of study nursing with a specialisation in the expert area
• Review and evaluate scientific results of quantitative and qualitative research with relevance for nursing within the expert area critically.
• Apply the research process and good academic custom and reference management at the scientific writing.

Module 2: Research design (4 credits) After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• Based on an own formulated aim and issues, assess and analyze strengths and weaknesses with different research methods. Apply and evaluate research-ethical aspects within the expert area
• Demonstrate the ability to identify his need of additional knowledge within scientific theory and method
• Demonstrate an understanding of the possibilities and limitations of the science, its role in the society and the responsibility of people for how it is used.

The course consists of two parts:

Engelsk beskrivning

• scientific methods in nursing research related to the expert area
• assessment and values of qualitative and quantitative nursing research 
• research designs within quantitative  and qualitative research and systematic literature studies.
• good academic custom and reference management at scientific writing

Engelsk beskrivning

• research-ethical principles
• designs and methods for selection data collection and analysis related to aim and issues

The teaching is based on a problem-oriented and collaborative approach to learning in which the tasks provide opportunities for the student to take active responsibility for their learning. The used teaching methods are individual assignments, group discussions, seminars and lectures. Participation in seminars is compulsory. Teaching support is given via web-based learning management system.

The education is carried out on 3/4 pace equivalent to 32 hours a week.The number of physical meetings is limited to at most 3-5 days. Other time is carry out the studies via web-based learning management system.

Module 1: Scientific theory and method (3.5 credits) The course component is examined through individual written home examination and examination seminar.

Module 2: Research design (4 credits) The course component is examined by writing a project plan.

Students who do not pass a regular examination are entitled to re-sit the examination on five more occasions.This does not apply if the course has ceased or undergone major changes.If the student has failed six examinations, no additional examination is given. Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination. In case a student is registered for an examination but does not attend, this is not regarded as an examination. Submission of a blank exam paper is regarded as an examination. An electronic examination that has been opened via the learning management system counts as an examination session even if the examination is not submitted. Late submissions of examinations are not accepted. Students who have not submitted on time, are referred to re-examination.

Students without approved results after three examinations can be offered to retake the course or parts of it once more; subject to availability.

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.

Course evaluation takes place in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education.