Degree project in global health, 30 credits

Bachelor's degree or vocational degree worth at least 180 higher education credits. Proficiency in the English language documented by an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL with a total score of at least 79 (internet based), 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), IELTS with a total score of at least 6,0 (no band less than 5,0), or other documentation that certifies English language skills equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school.

After completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- Describe how a research project is developed from problem
identification to development of study design and implementation of data collection.
- Describe and use methods for how collected data are handled regarding validity and reliability.
- Analyse data material with correct methods.
- Document in writing the research process, including interpretation of data and implications for global health.
- Orally present and discuss the research findings.

A research project shall be developed, implemented and analysed. The degree project can, however, also be based on secondary data from registers, e.g. demographic health surveys (DHS) and then the project has already been developed and implemented.
Finally a thesis shall be written and examined.

The research for the degree project can be carried out in a low- or middle income country where there is already an existing collaboration. The students have the possibility to seek funding through Minor Field Studies (MFS). All students will not have this possibility due to the limitations of the MFS guidelines. Only students with a Swedish citizenship or permanent residence in Sweden can apply for MFS.
Students will carry out a research project and submit it as a thesis addressing a relevant subject in the arena in question. Issues shall be formulated as problems and clearly demarcated. Choice of method(s) shall be reported and justified, and also be appropriate with appropriate design, sample and sampling frame. Limitations of any method selected shall be discussed. Results and data shall be clearly and accurately reported and correctly analysed. Problems of interpretation are considered, with regard to the correctness of methods, conceptual frameworks and samples. Judgements concerning results, interpretations and conclusions should be supported by data.

In general, the dissertation shall meet requirements of: a) scientific content; b) research methodology; and c) academic format and linguistic presentation.
The student will make an oral presentation of her/his thesis in an open seminar with an examiner.

Supervision in all phases of the project – problem formulation, design, implementation, analysis and writing. In addition joint seminars will be held to highlight aspects of the research process.

Written and oral presentation.

The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written thesis including the oral presentation.

Compulsory participation
The half-time control is compulsory. The course director assesses if, and in that case how, absence can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the course director's instructions, the student's results for the course/respective part will not be registered in LADOK.

Limitation of number of occasions to write the exam
The student has the right to write the exam six times. If the student has not passed the exam after four participations he/she is encouraged to visit the study advisor.

The number of times that the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session. Submission of a blank examination is regarded as an examination. An examination for which the student registered but not participated in will not be counted as an examination.

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

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education.

The course language is English.