Degree Project for Master's Degree (60 credits) in Physiotherapy - Dementia Care, 15 credits

At least 180 credits in which it should be included a candidate or professional qualification degree in physiotherapy/physical therapy. Proficiency in English, equivalent to English B/English 6 is also required. 

It is also required to have completed the following courses of totally 45 credits: 

• Scientific theory and method (15 ECTS)
• Dementia from cell to society (15 ECTS)
• Implementation of evidence-based physical therapy for individuals with dementia (15 ECTS)

The overall aim of the course is that the participant should show skills in applying relevant research methodology in an independent degree project.
This is done, by the participants carry out a research project on an optional topic within the dementia field, with relevance for his/her professional role.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to independently:

• Identify a problem area related to dementia and justify the choice based on the perspectives of patients, community and the profession
• Plan and carry out a scientific study based on ethical principles and guidelines and within given time frames
• Argue for the chosen study design based on the research question, critically analyse and discuss the quality of the study as well as the results in relation to current evidence within the field
• Give and receive constructive feedback with the aim to help others and to develop their own knowledge
• Present and communicate scientific results orally and in writing and adapt the presentation for the current audience

The course covers:

• Identifying and delimit relevant research questions
• Ethical considerations
• Data collection, analysis and synthesis 
• Writing an independent scientific work
• Presentation and defence of a degree project
• Critical review of other students' work

The course is carried out as distance education and has student-activating learning as educational model. The distance education is IT-based and is characterised by independent and collaborative learning. During the course, there are individual work, group work, virtual discussions and seminars.

Attendance in the practical components of the course is compulsory. The examiner decides whether, and if so how, absence from compulsory course elements can be made up for. The course results cannot be reported until the student has participated in compulsory course elements or compensated for any absence in accordance with instructions from the examiner.

The examination consists of presentation and defence of an independently written degree project with relevance for the professional field, and of a critical review and discussion of another student's degree project. The examination is assessed, both regarding the written content and performance as a respondent and opponent. 

Late submissions of examination tasks are not accepted. The examiner assesses if a participant has a special reason for the delay. The examiner has the possibility to decide on  supplementary tasks to achieve passed result. 

The number of examinations is regulated according to agreement. Dates for the examination sessions are given at course start.

Interim regulations are regulated according to agreement.

Course evaluation takes place according to the guidelines established by the Committee for higher education.