Degree Project in Optometry, 15 credits

Qualification in Optometry of at least 180 credits and professional status qualification as an optician with contact lens qualification. Or Bachelor of Science in Nursing of at least 180 credits, professional status qualification as a nurse and supplementation of 60 credits in eye care.

In addition to this:
Knowledge in Swedish and English equivalent to Swedish B and English A (with at least the Pass grade).

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 should 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 scientific projects and development
• 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 degree project is highly dependent on the student's own initiative and independent work. 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 of 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 other 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 course is examined in the following way:
a) written thesis, is graded U (Fail) or G (Pass)
b) respondentship (oral presentation, defence and discussion of thesis), is graded U, G or  VG (Pass with distinction)
c) opponent performance (for another project paper), is graded U, G or  VG

Course grade
The grade G on the entire course, requires G on all three parts of the examination (a, b and c).
The grade VG requires VG on the respondentship and the opponent performance (b and c), and G on the written thesis (a).

In the event of failed respondentship or opponent performance, supplementary assignments will be required by the examiner. In the event of a failed thesis, the student receives some guidance in order for the thesis to obtain the grade G. Submission times for revised theses or supplementary assignments follow the times for regular re-examination.

Guidlines for immediate interuption of data collection
The examiner may, with immediate effect, interrupt a student's data collection 
if the student demonstrates such serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills or attitude that patient/research participant safety or confidence in healthcare unit is at risk. If data collection is interrupted in this way, an individual action plan should be set up stating which activities and tests are required before the student is qualified to continue data collection.

Limitation of the number of examination opportunities
If the thesis work is not completed within the course, the student cannot 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 skills, knowledge and attitudes may not be changed, removed or reduced.

If the course is cancelled or undertakes major revisions, you will find information on transition rules under this heading.

Course evaluation takes place according to KI's local guidelines. Students are informed of the results and any measures taken on the course website.
 
Teaching in English may occur.
Student who prefers to write the thesis or opponent in English may do so.