Degree project in Medicine, 30 credits

Passed on all courses from semester 1-4.

The aims relate to the general learning outcomes of the whole Study Programme in Medicine. Aims concerning knowledge and understanding are structured according to the SOLO taxonomy: S1) simple (e.g. know, identify), S2) compound (e.g. account for, describe), S3) related (e.g. analyse, relate to), and S4) extended (e.g. theorize, analyze). Practical skills outcomes are structured according to Miller: M1) know, M2) know how to carry out, M3) be able to show, and M4) be able to carry out professionally. Knowledge and understanding The student should • be able to explain and discuss how you in an ethical way, both collect, handle, and describe a complex material that has relevance both for the theoretical background of the scientific project and its hypotheses (S3, S4). • be able to document scientific work in a systematically written report, where the ability to describe the scientific work and put it in its theoretical context should also appear (S4). Skills The student should • with high degree of independence be able to plan, structure, carry out and analyze a scientific work (M3). • be able to orally and in writing present and defend a delimited scientific work and put it in his theoretical context (M3). • both be able to critically review scholarly work and also serve as opponant in a public scientific discussion (M3). Attitude The student should • demonstrate an understanding of scientific methods, the scientific process and the importance of research ethics. • be able to analyze and explain the importance of cooperation and learning from others in connection with both planning, implementation and interpretation of own studies and of investigations.

n the degree project that intends to give valuable experiences within both science and research, the student should apply and deepen knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired earlier and during the course. The degree project should be about either research or development according to the aim of the program. The course is carried out in three phases. Phase 1: Planning Project planning takes place under supervision, and a written work plan is presented. Phase 2: Practically work with half-time report The practical work takes place under supervision, whereupon it be presented (half-time report). Phase 3: Presentation In the completing phase of the course, the student writes, under supervision, a report according to KI's guidelines for degree projects, and present the results of the project, both orally, and in the form of a written report. The project presentation also includes that the student should act as faculty examiner/opponent for another student 's degree project.

The degree project is carried out under the supervision of a supervisor with a PhD with skills and ability to supervise. If the degree project is done outside Karolinska Institutet (in Sweden or abroad) there should be a responsible supervisor on Karolinska Institutet apart from supervisors at the workplace. The supervision is adapted to the needs of the student and the project. Supervision can take place individually or in groups. The teaching is based on planning, research and development, a written report, oral presentation, presentation of the work plan and half-time reporting at compulsory seminars, critical review and participation in other students' examination seminars. Furthermore the student must search for and extract relevant information from literature within the field of the degree project. Reading list and other study resources that should be used are decided in consultation with the supervisor for each project. Consideration is made for the nature of the quality of the degree project , and the reading list should be presented in the work plan in phase 1. Discussions whether ethical review is assessed as necessary are done with respective supervisor according to Karolinska Institutet's guidelines. The supervisor is also responsible for acquiring such application if necessary.

The examination takes place in several separate stages. Phase 1: Planning The work plan should contain a description of the degree project. The work plan should include project background, hypothesis, plan for practical work including methods, ethical considerations, time plan and references that the student should acquire. The student presents the work plan at a seminar. Compulsory participation: at the seminar. Absence from a compulsory part can be compensated according to the instructions of the course administration. Phase 2: Practically work with half-time reporting The student presents the practical part of the degree project with an approved progress and activity report, where the student 's own role in the work is clear, at a seminar. Compulsory participation: at the seminar. Absence from a compulsory part can be compensated according to the instructions of the course administration. Phase 3: Presentation The phase is examined with 1) a written report; 2) an oral presentation at an examination seminar with another student as opponent; 3) a public discussion on another student's degree project. Assessment takes place in accordance with KI´s established criteria. The supervisor provides an assessment item on a template of the student's theoretical knowledge, practical skills, degree of independence in planning, structuring, implementation and analysis of the project and ability of critical thinking. Compulsory participation: at the roll-call and at 4 examination seminars in addition to the student's own seminar. Absence from a compulsory part can be compensated according to the instructions of the course administration. Limited number of examinations or practical training sessions: The limitation takes place according to Karolinska Institutet's guidelines.

Transition rules apply according to the guidelines of the study programme in Medicine.

The examiner may with immediate effect interrupt a student's clinical rotation (VFU), or the equivalent, if the student demonstrates such serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills or attitudes that patient safety or patient confidence in healthcare is at risk. When clinical rotation is interrupted according to this, it implies that the student fails in the current part, and that one clinical rotation opportunity is used up. Student that has failed on placement (VFU)/equivalent as a consequence of the student showing such serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills or attitudes that the patient security or the patients ' trust for the healthcare have been jeopardized, is qualified to a new placement only when the individual action plan has been completed. Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education.