MASYK4050 Theory of Science and Research Methods Course description

Professional practice builds on the assessment and application of research, and competence from the development of the field and clinical experience. This requires that you, in your professional practice, are able to read, understand and apply research literature and see this in the context of clinical experience and professional development. Theory of science makes up an important part of the basis for understanding scientific activity. Through this part of the course, we want to stimulate an inquisitive and critical approach to knowledge development and with the make the students better equipped to critically assess which basis professional decisions are made. The course Theory of Science and Research Methods also provides an overview of the most used methods in qualitative and quantitative research, as well as on central research ethics principles. Insight into different methods means that you, as a professional practitioner, can identify research literature that is suitable for answering various academic questions.

The student must have passed all the courses except MAJO5900 Master's Thesis.

Admission to the programme.

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

Knowledge

The student

• has in-depth knowledge of the research process
• has in-depth knowledge of the most commonly used methods in qualitative and quantitative approaches to research
• has in-depth knowledge of the relationship between theory of science and research methods

Skills

The student is capable of

• planning the collection of qualitative and/or quantitative data
• analysing and interpreting quantitative data, such as descriptive tables and figures
• analysing and interpreting qualitative data, such as different kinds of text material
• identifying and elucidating research ethics issues in their own projects

Competence

The student is capable of

• applying knowledge and skills through critical analysis and reasoning to different types of knowledge, values and perspectives on humanity
• analysing relevant discipline-related, professional and research ethics issues and proposing solutions
• disseminating academic and research results of relevance to the health and social services

Lectures, group work, seminars with presentations and self-study.

In order to take the exam, the coursework requirement must be approved.

Group assignment

• The assignment is normally written in groups of 3-6 students
• Scope: 2,000 words (+/- 10 %)
• The syllabus must be used in the assignment
• Oral presentation in groups
• The students receive oral feedback from their fellow students and from the lecturer.

Written home exam in groups of 3-4 students, 4 days. Scope: 2,500 words (+/- 20 %).

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

Grade scale A-F.

The purpose of the course is for the student to further develop his/her knowledge, understanding and skills from the preceding courses and become familiar with professional practice at a more holistic and advanced level. Midwifery competence comprises the candidate's qualifications for providing satisfactory midwifery care, and includes specialist knowledge, skills, experience, personal qualities, attitudes and morals. In the preceding courses, the student has been gradually introduced to a midwife's areas of expertise. During this course, the student will focus on developing overall knowledge and mastery, so that he/she is capable of taking independent responsibility for midwifery practice on completing the programme. The period of clinical training in this course is seven weeks.

Admission to the programme.