Degree Project for Master's Degree (60 credits) in Optometry, 15 credits

Degree of Bachelor of Science in Optometry of at least 180 credits or Degree of Bachelor with the main field of study optometry, or Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing of at least 180 credits and 60 credits supplementation in eye care.

For applicant with Degree of Bachelor of Science in Optometry or Degree of Bachelor in the main field of study optometry, 45 additional credits in completed courses are required. Of these 45 credits should at least 30 credits be at second cycle level of which at least 15 credits in the main field of study optometry.

For applicant with Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing of at least 180 credits and 60 credits supplementation in eye care, 30 credits been required at second cycle level of which at least 15 credits in the main field of study optometry.

In addition, proficiency in Swedish and English equivalent to Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English A/English 6.

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 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 analyse, assess and handle complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• show more in-depth 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 different research methods in theoretical and clinical optometric research and adjacent research

Skills and abilities

• show advanced 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 research and development work

Values and perspectives

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

The student will under supervision carry out a descriptive or experimental study including all parts of the research process: literature search, project plan, research questions, data collection, data processing, interpretation and presentation. The thesis is written alone or together with a fellow student in the course. If the thesis is written in collaboration with another student, each student should on request be able to present his/ her contribution in the completed thesis. The work should be carried out independently and quantity and quality should correspond to an article for a scientific journal of optometry.

The student/ the students should contact a supervisor who accepts this assignment. An examiner of the work is appointed 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 thesis is written alone or together with another student in the course. If the thesis is written in collaboration with another student, each student should on request be able to present his/ her contribution in the completed thesis.

The various parts are awarded the following grades:
a) Written thesis is given the grade Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
b) Respondentship (presentation, defence and discussion of thesis) is given the grade Fail (U) or Pass (G).
c) Opponent performance (for another project paper) is given the grade Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Course grade
For the grade Pass (G) on the entire course, Pass (G) on all three parts (a,b and c) is required.
For the grade Pass with distinction (VG) on the entire course, Pass (G) is required on the respondentship and the opponent performance (b and c), and Pass with distinction (VG) is required on the written thesis (a).

At failed respondentship or opponent performance, supplementary written assignments may be required by the examiner.
At failed thesis, the student receives some supervision in order for the thesis to obtain the grade Pass (G).
Submission dates for revised written theses or supplementary assignments are the same as the accepted dates for re-examination during the following semester.

Limitation of the number of examinations
If the thesis work is delayed (longer than two semesters from course start) can the student not count on supervision from the original supervisor. This may limit the possibility for the student to complete the thesis work 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 closed down or undergoes major changes, students who have not completed the course are given the possibility, during four semesters from the date when the student first registered in the course, to be examined under the then current syllabus. After four semesters, the student is examined under the new syllabus.

Course evaluation takes place according to guidelines established by Karolinska Institutet.

Some teaching may be in English.