SP9110 Philosophy of Science Research Ethics for Social Work Course description

Introduction

The course deals with important issues relating to scientific and analytic processes in the fields of social sciences and social work. They include the following questions: How can certain knowledge be gained about social processes? What is meant by evidence-based practice? What is the relationship between explanation and understanding in the social sciences? What is the basis for generalisation? What is meant by freedom of research? What is informed consent, and what is the relationship between research and protection of privacy? What considerations decide the choice between qualitative and quantitative methods? What is the difference between theoretical and practical knowledge? What knowledge is tacit, and what explicit? The course focuses on answers offered to these and similar questions by the different philosophy of science traditions, and links the discussion to the candidates' own knowledge projects.

Different philosophies of science will be presented and discussed in connection with relevant methodology discussions: positivism, critical realism, hermeneutics, pragmatism, moderate and radical constructivism, postmodern critique of science etc.

The philosophy of science course is closely linked to the methodology courses in that it provides in-depth study of the philosophical roots and epistemological connections of the different analytic approaches.

No prior knowledge required.

After completing the course, the candidates are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Candidates have

• in-depth knowledge of important philosophy of science traditions that are relevant to social work studies
• thorough knowledge of concepts and approaches that make it possible to reflect systematically on different approaches to social work and other social science research, the relevance and limitations of different methods, and research ethics issues
• in-depth understanding of the theoretical basis for quantitative and qualitative methods

Skills

Candidates are capable of

• analysing and assessing philosophy of science positions in social science research literature
• considering and discussing the philosophy of science basis for their own research projects
• making and stating grounds for methodological and research ethical choices on the basis of relevant philosophy of science positions

General competence

Candidates are capable of

• systematic and independent reflection on scientific processes and research ethics issues

The course is organized as supervised self-study supported by seminars with lectures, discussions and candidate presentations. Participation at the seminars is compulsory and expected all days. Only in special cases can a minor absence (up to 20 percent) from attendence be accepted, upon application. If the absence is not approved, the participant will lose the right to have the essay assessed.

The course builds and expands on the course SYKK/SYKPPRA20. In this course, the students will practice independence in planning, carrying out and assessing nursing in acute and chronically ill patients. The prevention of complications and early detection of deterioration in the patients’ condition are key elements. Quality development, patient safety and ethics are also part of the course.

Passed the courses:

• SYKK/SYKPPRA10 The Fundamentals of Nursing, 15 credits
• SYKK/SYPP1400 Diseases and Health Deficits, 10 credits
• Part 1 of SYKK/SYKPPRA20 Nursing Patients with Acute, Critical and Chronic Diseases

or equivalent.

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 is capable of

• explaining care pathways in the event of relevant diseases and treatments
• under supervision, contributing to equal nursing services independent of patients’ gender, ethnicity, religion and view of life, functional impairment, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and age
• explaining the significance of nutrition in the event of disease and challenges linked to obesity, malnutrition and disease-related undernourishment
• assessing factors related to an increased risk of patient injuries or unwanted incidents and contributing to work processes to promote quality improvement and patient safety
• identifying ethical dilemmas in practice and reflecting on different choices of action
• explaining the significance of next-of-kin for the patients’ health and quality of life both when it comes to majority and minority cultures

Skills

The student is capable of

• interpreting the patients’ experiences and reactions such as insecurity, fear, discomfort and exhaustion
• applying mapping, assessment, documentation and communication tools in nursing practice
• carrying out and explaining nursing to patients with the most common symptoms, diseases, care pathways and treatment in the nursing practice
• identifying signs of change/deterioration at an early stage, and implementing necessary measures
• implementing national knowledge-based professional procedures and national guidelines
• applying different approaches and methods in health guidance adapted to the individual's needs
• communicating across language barriers with the help of a professional interpreter
• applying professional knowledge and scientific methods to elucidate a delimited issue relevant to the practical training establishment
• using technology and digital solutions to support patients’ and next-of-kin's resources, mastering possibilities and participation

Competence

The student

• is capable of reflecting on how unwanted incidents can occur and discussing this in relation to professional responsibility in the practice of nursing
• is familiar with quality indicators and standard terminology in the documentation of nursing
• is capable of identifying different ethical issues and dilemmas, making ethical considerations, safeguarding the patient’s dignity and integrity and promoting the patient and next-of-kin’s right of co-determination and autonomy
• is familiar with innovative thinking in e-health, welfare and care technology
• is capable of reflecting on the practical training establishment’s procedures and methods and taking the initiative to engage in dialogue about the implementation of new knowledge and new work methods
• is capable of reflecting on the connection between care pathways, patient safety and equal health services

Practical training: carried out either in the practical training field in mental health and intoxication or in home-based services (7 weeks).

Practical training has requirements for attendance, self-presentation for the start of the practice and self-assessment for the mid- and final assessment, blood test course and group assignment , and academic question is chosen with relevance to the practical training establishment and of significance to patient safety. Groups of 3-4 students.

Assessment in practice

The assessment takes its point of departure in given criteria based on learning outcomes for the course, assessment criteria, the continuous assessment, the suitability assessment and compulsory activities carried throughout the practical training. Students’ practical training can only be assessed if their attendance is sufficiently high (90%). For more information, see the general part of the programme description about the assessment of practical training.

If the student has failed the practical training, the whole practical training course must be retaken. This includes associated requirements.