Degree project in speech and language pathology, 30 credits

For admission to Degree project in speech and language pathology, the student must have a Pass grade in all previous courses, semester 1-6, and may only remain a maximum of 7.5 credits from semester 7. Passed grade is mandatory for the course Research Seminars and Ethics (2LG049), semester 7.

On completion of the course, the student is expected to 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 analyze, assess and handle complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• show more indepth knowledge and understanding of speech and language pathology, comprising an overview of the field and deeper 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.
• be able to describe at a general level different research methods in theoretical and clinical speech and language pathology research and related research in linguistics and psychology

Skill and ability

• show advanced ability to critically review, evaluate and use relevant information and discuss new facts, phenomena and issues with different groups and thereby contribute 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 research and development work

Judgement ability and approach

• consider the ethical aspects of research and development work
• discuss the relevance of the degree project for individuals and society including limitations, possibilities, and people's responsibility for the way science is used
• identify his/her own need of additional knowledge and continuous skill development

The course contains two parts:

The student should, after literature search and review, individually write a solid and current background, "state of the art" for the chosen project area. The report is examined and must be approved before the completion of part 2, the project work.

Under the supervision the student will carry out a despriptive or experimental study that is based on previously approved project plan and state of the art report and includes the remaining elements including all parts of the research process: literatur searches, projects plans, issues, data processing, interpretation and accounting. The study should contain descriptive statistics in combination with either analytical statistics or analysis of the interview data. The study should be conducted and the report written indvidually. The study can be conducted and the essay is written individually or togheter with a classmate. The work should be done independently and the scope and quality should correspond to an article for a scientific journal in speech therapy. The report is presented and reviewed at an examination seminar during semester 8 and at a scientific day.

The course comprises, all in all, 20 weeks of full-time work, the main part of which is devoted to the independent project work under supervision. The preparation of seminars and final seminars for presentation and opposition are included.

The timetable for the completion of the final version of the thesis must be made according to special study guide. If the student does not achieve the learning objectives during the current course opportunity, continued tutoring can to a reasonable extent be given in the coming academic year.

The examiner assesses, and if so, how absence from compulsory educational elements can be made up. Before the student has participated in the compulsory educational elements or has taken absence accordance with the examiner's instructions, the study results cannot be finalized. Absence from a compulsory educational element may mean that the student cannot take the opportunity until the next time the course is offered.

A passing grade in the course requires:

• passes part 1 (state of the art-report, is a requirement för implementation of part 2)
• passed scientific report and popular science summary
• passed oral presentation and passed defence of the degree project
• passed critical review on other degree project
• participating at  at least 10 presentation seminars
• oral presentation at a Science Day
  
  The time plan before completing of final version of the degree project should take place according to special study guide.

Students who do not pass a regular examination are entitled to re-sit the examination on five occasions more. 
The third examination occasion is the next regular examination occasion on the course. If the student has failed a total of six examinations/tests, no additional examination is given. Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination. Submission of a blank exam paper is regarded as an examination. In case a student is registered for an examination but does not attend, this is not regarded as an examination.

If there are special reasons, or need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to depart from the syllabus's regulations on examination form, number of examination opportunities, possibility of completion or exemption from compulsory educational elements, etc. Content and learning objectives as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities must not be changed, removed or lowered.

Examination can take place according to an earlier literature list during a period of one year after the date when a renewal of the literature list was made. Examination will be provided during a time of two years after a possible discontinuation of the course.

Course evaluation is carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Committee for higher education.