PARA3900 Bachelor's Thesis Course description

Through the work on the bachelor's thesis, the students will study a topic they have chosen themselves and issues relating to the empirical and theoretical basis for the paramedic profession. The work on the thesis can be linked to ongoing research and development projects at the university or external environments.

Passed the first and second years of the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has broad knowledge of prehospital work and recent research relating to the research question for the bachelor's thesis
• has knowledge of relevant theory of science and research methodology and can explain strengths and weaknesses of the method he/she has chosen
• is capable of explaining research ethics aspects of his/her own project

Skills

The student is capable of

• preparing a research question and conducting a study in line with guidelines for research ethics and the protection of privacy
• collecting, comparing, analysing and discussing findings from relevant research articles and other relevant sources in relation to a research question
• discussing issues in light of the unique features of the paramedic profession, relevant theory and recent research

General competence

The student is capable of

• exploring and discussing theoretical and clinical and/or operational issues in a systematic and reflective manner

Work and teaching methods include lectures, seminars, supervision in groups and self-study. The course starts with lectures and seminars supporting the students' work on their topic, research question and project outline.

The bachelor's thesis is written in groups of three students and is based on a topic chosen by the students themselves that can be linked to the learning outcomes for the bachelor's programme. The thesis is written in the form of a literature study. The students are offered up to three hours of supervision for work on the bachelor's thesis. The project outline must be approved by the supervisor.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• minimum attendance of 80% at seminars
• project outline 1,000 words +/- 10%
• attendance at a minimum of 2 supervision sessions

Exam content: Learning outcomes for the course

Exam form: A written bachelor's thesis in groups of three students* over a period of 9-10 weeks. Scope of 10,000 words (+/- 10%)

* Exemptions can be made in special cases to allow students to write the thesis individually or in groups of two students.

Resit exam: Students who are awarded an F for their thesis are given one opportunity to submit a reworked version for grading. Students who retake the exam are offered up to three hours of supervision. If the students keep the same research questions as they used for the ordinary exam, they do not have to redo the required coursework project outline. Students who change their research questions must redo the required coursework project outline and have it approved before they can submit their thesis for grading.

Grade scale A-F

All bachelor's theses are assessed by two examiners. Twenty per cent are assessed by one external and one internal examiner. The remaining theses will be assessed by two internal examiners. The external examiner's assessment shall benefit all the students.