Crises and Catastrophes, 15 credits

A total of at least 120 credits which include a professional qualification or a Bachelor of Science in health care, Bachelor of Science in Social Work or a sports teacher degree. Or 180 credits from the Study Programme in Medicine. Furthermore, knowledge is required in Swedish and English equivalent to Swedish B and English A (with at least the Pass grade).

The aim of the course is to increase the knowledge about and understanding of crises and disasters and their consequences and increase the knowledge of evidence-based interventions through advanced studies.

On completion of the course, the student should have
- knowledge of the framework for society's work in both everyday crises and disasters.
- advanced knowledge of theoretical bases of how crises and disasters affect individuals, groups and society
- deeper understanding of reactions and consequences of crises
- advanced knowledge of evidence-based methods to prevent and mitigate negative consequences
- knowledge of conditions for professional crisis work and of how such conditions affect professionals
- ability to assess needs of crisis support and crisis intervention in the clinical work and
- an independent approach to ideas, theories and interventions within the area of crisis and disaster

The course is divided in two parts.

Part 1
Theory 9 HE credits, theoretical and empirical knowledge about how crises and disasters of various kinds affect the individual, the group and society and reactions in a short and long term perspective, diagnosis criteria for Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) and other types of strain in connection with crises and disasters, lifecycle, gender and ethnic perspective, staff perspective, governing laws and regulations

Part 2
Psychosocial Interventions (Psychosocial Interventions) 6 HE credits, interventions as crisis support, crisis intervention, debriefing on how these interventions should be directed and adapted to different crises and different target groups for best possible effect support, unburdening talks and debriefing in order to avoid professionals being affected by the trauma, the emergency preparedness and preventive actions of society/organisations

The teaching takes place in the form of lectures, seminars, group assignments and individual learning. Special emphasis is placed on student-activating teaching and working methods.

The course is examined according to the following:
Part 1
Individually written report.

Part 2
A group assignment that is presented and discussed at a compulsory seminar.

Students who have not passed the regular examination are entitled to participate in five more examinations. The number of times that the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session.

The course has been cancelled and was offered for the last time in the spring semester of 2012. Examination will be provided until the fall of 2018 for students who have not completed the course. 

Course evaluation takes place according to the guidelines established by the Board of education.