ACIT4045 Projects in Human Computer Interaction Course description

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

On successful completion of the course, the student has acquired the following learning outcomes classified as knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can define what EBP is and recognizes the rationale for EBP and shared decision making
• knows the steps of EBP
• is familiar with the levels in the S-pyramid and acknowledges the difference between single studies and systematic reviews
• knows the characteristics of a scientific article, e.g. IMRAD
• can explain the purpose and characteristics of qualitative and quantitative studies and syntheses of studies, e.g. systematic reviews
• understands the principles for critical appraisal and knows how to use check lists for different study designs, clinical guidelines and professional procedures
• knows different types of categorical and continuous measures of association and effect, and key graphical presentations  

Skills

The student

• can identify different types of professional/clinical questions, such as questions about treatment, diagnosis, prognosis, experiences and etiology
• can, for each type of clinical question, identify the preferred order of study designs
• can formulate searchable professional/clinical questions using e.g. PICO and variations of PICO
• can construct and carry out an appropriate and simple search strategy for professional/clinical questions from the top of the S-pyramid  

General competencies

The student

• can critically assess health claims in the media
• can discuss the importance of user knowledge, clinical experience, and summarized research in clinical decision-making 

Grade scale A-F.

All examinations are assessed by an internal and an external examiner.

The 30 ECTs thesis will consist of a condensed research project where focus is on identifying and investigating a problem or challenge in the specialization area and to display good scientific craftsmanship in the pursuit of an answer. Throughout the semester, a thesis is written which will be submitted at the end for assessment.

In addition to the project work, there will be a series of online, asynchronous classes during which students will be provided with a range of analytical tools and methods to help develop their writing skills. Students will also receive formative feedback on draft versions of their texts from the course instructor and their peers, with a focus on the final thesis.

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

1. A first draft of the Introduction and Background chapters of the thesis, including an asessment of any relevant potential ethical considerations
2. a peer review of another students draft text
3. A second draft of the masters thesis
4. a Process Memo (reflection on the feedback received from the thesis supervisor(s)).

The thesis project consists of the following:

• A written Master thesis (Length: 15,000-30000 words, using one of the available document templates)
• Individual oral presentation (30 minutes)
• Submission of an artefact (either physical or digital) as part of the thesis is optional. Any artefact that has been developed by the student as part of the research project must be approved by the supervisor, the Master Thesis Coordinator must be informed, and the artefact must be made available in such a way to be inspected by the examiners. In the case of a physical artefact, video and images may be used to document its properties, eliminating the need for a physical inspection.

The master's thesis is assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• the originality and / or relevance of the issues or research questions to the field of study
• clarity in the development of issues or research questions being addressed
• documentation and use of relevant theory and research, as well as systematic use of sources
• clarity in the relationship between issues / research questions being addressed, the method choices / methodologies employed and the resulting discussions / conclusions
• ability to collect, systematize, interpret / deconstruct and present knowledge in a clear way
• reflection on ethical issues in the research process
• written presentation (clear table of contents, accurate literature references, bibliography and appendices).

Theses are written in Norwegian or English. The oral exam can be taken in Norwegian or English, regardless of which language the thesis was written in.

The written thesis must be awarded a grade of A-E (preliminary grade) in order for a student to take the oral exam. The final grade is set after the oral exam. The grade can be adjusted up or down by one grade based on the oral exam. All exams must be passed in order to pass the course.

Students can appeal against the grade set for the written part of the exam. If the grade is changed after an appeal against the grade, and the oral exam has already been held, the oral exam must be retaken.

New/postponed exam

In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. The student is responsible for applying for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The Regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in Regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.

No aids are permitted

A-F

The language is normally English.

This joint course is developed for all the Bachelor programmes at the Faculty of Health Sciences which are part of RETHOS (National guidelines for the Health and Social Studies), and is considered as an introductory course, preferably taken during the first part of the study programme.

In this course, starting with relatable examples, students will learn about asking critical questions about health claims and the sources of claims. This is followed up by focusing on the rationale for evidence-based practice (EBP) and its Core Competencies: Ask, Acquire, Appraise and Interpret, Apply, and Evaluate, and shared decision-making. The course provides a foundation for learning and applying more advanced and field-specific skills.