SIW4220 Qualitative Methods and Research Design Course description

This course will use collaborative and portfolio methods to provide training in the use of qualitative research methods and design. We give particular attention to methodological reflection, comparative analysis and the links between research questions and research design.

We will practice the primary steps of the qualitative research process, and reflect on the process of carrying out these steps, in order to understand the strengths and limitations of various designs.

Language of instruction is English.

None.

Individual home examination (multiple choice), 45 minutes.

The exam is in English, with the exception of health management which is in Norwegian for Norwegian students.

Pass/fail

The following coursework requirements must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: Participation in at least 80% of the seminars
• Coursework 2: An oral presentation, presented by the student project group, as well as peer feedback to another group's work. The presentation can be anything from a presentation of results from that group's work, to presenting the most interesting group discussion or reflection on course related topics.

Attendance during the group presentation is mandatory, and presentations and feedback must be approved by the course lecturer. Students who are not present or who have not provided input to the group or have not participated in providing feedback to a peer group, or have presentations that are not approved, will have to submit an alternative qualification to be able to sit for the examination.

Lack of an approved course work requirement will disqualify the student from taking part in the final examination.

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

Knowledge

The student

• can explain the medical reasons for lower-limb amputation
• can refer to anatomical landmarks/structures that are significant to the adaptation of transtibial and transfemoral prostheses
• is familiar with amputation surgery at the transtibial and transfemoral level
• can explain pain and other consequential conditions after an amputation, and psychosocial aspects of amputations and the use of prostheses
• is familiar with symptoms of cognitive deficits and the consequences of this when communicating about the use of prostheses
• can describe key terms in socket technology, alignment and biomechanics in connection with adaptation of transtibial and transfemoral prostheses
• can give an account of materials used in prosthetic liners, such as silicone, elastomers and foam materials

Skills

The student

• can conduct a visual gait analysis and correct gait deviations
• can use functional tests, make plaster moulds, take measurements and use 3D scanning, printing and modelling
• can carry out clinical processes following amputations at transtibial and transfemoral level
• can explain choices of components and materials based on patient history and functional assessment
• can apply outcome measures and ICF and use the information in patient records and to define goals
• can write patient records
• can prepare work descriptions and carry out technical production procedures in the production of transtibial and transfemoral prostheses
• can search for, summarise and reference research articles

General competence

The student

• can apply fundamental clinical reasoning to become familiar with the needs of the users
• can conduct him/herself in a professional manner and take care of users in clinical settings
• can communicate both orally and in writing with users, fellow students and staff in clinical and technical situations

The work and teaching methods used vary between seminars, skills training, a clinical and technical module, lectures, digital learning resources, student cooperation and self-study.

The following coursework requirements must be met before the student can take part 2 of the exam:

• minimum attendance of 80% at seminars and skills training
• two individual process descriptions (clinical/technical) of 1,500 words (+/- 5%) based on the learning outcomes listed under ‘Skills’.

Combined assessment:

Part 1) Written home exam over 4 weeks in groups of 2-3 students with a scope of 3,300-3,800 words.

Part 2) Individual oral exam, up to 20 minutes.

Weighting: One overall grade is awarded for part 1 and part 2. Parts 1 and 2 count equally with respect to grading. Students must be awarded a pass grade A-E for part one and part two in order to pass the exam.

Resit exam: If the student is awarded an F in one part of the exam, that part of the exam must be retaken. If a fail grade (F) is awarded for the written work (part 1), the student has the right to submit a reworked version once.

Students can appeal the grade awarded for part 1 of the exam.

Part 1) All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Part 2) None.