Mathematics 1MU, grade 5-10 Programme description

The overall learning outcomes for the Master’s Programme in Health and Technology fully cover the description of master’s degree level (level 7) of the Norwegian Qualifications Framework.

A candidate who has completed their qualification should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

• has advanced knowledge in disciplines relating to their own specialisation and specialised insight into the topic of the master’s thesis
• has insight into technological developments in disciplines relating to their own specialisation and their importance for health services nationally and globally
• has thorough knowledge of philosophy of science traditions, research methods and the basis for research ethics of particular relevance to health sciences and their own field
• can apply knowledge in new areas in their own field and in interdisciplinary collaboration with other fields
• can analyse health science issues on the basis of the field’s history, traditions, culture, distinctive nature and place in society

Skills

The candidate

• can analyse and critically assess knowledge from different sources and apply this in a structured manner to formulate scholarly arguments
• can analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations in their own field and work independently on practical and theoretical problem-solving
• can write academic texts and present research results in accordance with applicable conventions in the field
• can work independently and in an ethically aware manner on a supervised research or development project
• can analyse and manage health-related data in an ethically sound manner and in accordance with relevant legislation
• can contribute to research, development of the field and innovation based on evidence-based knowledge, research-based knowledge and user participation

General competence

The candidate

• can analyse relevant issues in their own field and decide on suitable research design and choice of methods
• can analyse and discuss ethical issues relating to the use of technology in health services, at both the individual and system level
• can apply their own knowledge to new areas and in interdisciplinary cooperation to carry out complex tasks, processes and projects
• can communicate an extensive independent work and master scholarly forms of expression in the field, both orally and in writing
• can participate in discussions about professional issues and communicate about their own field in both scientific and popular science form
• can contribute to re-thinking and innovation in their own field and take part in interdisciplinary cooperation in technology and health science
• can contribute to the implementation of new technology in their own field and explore how technology can contribute to solutions that support sustainable communities

More detailed learning outcomes for the specialisations

Specialisation in assistive technology in health

The following additional learning outcomes apply to candidates taking the specialisation in assistive technology in health:

The candidate

• can critically assess the purpose and application of different types of assistive technologies throughout the lifespan at both individual and system levels in health promotion, prevention, treatment, and (re)habilitation.
• can develop, apply, and communicate complex interventions with assistive technologies in interdisciplinary collaboration and in their own field based on needs analyses and user involvement
• can critically evaluate ethical issues in the implementation and communication of assistive technologies
• can critically assess what facilitates and hinders successful sustainable implementation of assistive technologies

Specialisation in biomedicine

The following additional learning outcomes apply to candidates taking the specialisation in biomedicine:

The candidate

• has specialised knowledge about health and technology in a biomedical perspective
• has in-depth knowledge about normal and pathological molecular and cell biological mechanisms
• can critically assess and apply biomedical analysis methods in diagnostics and research and has advanced knowledge about statistical methods, quality assurance and quality control in the laboratory
• can discuss and convey relevant issues in the field and research relating to biomedicine

Specialisation in radiography

The following additional learning outcomes apply to candidates taking the specialisation in radiography:

The candidate

• has advanced knowledge of diagnostic imaging methods, treatment and radiation protection
• can apply, analyse and critically assess methods for diagnostics/treatment in the relevant modality
• has an in-depth understanding of the role of radiographers as active contributors to developments in radiography and the specialist health service’s use of technological methods in the relevant modality

The master’s programme is designed to be comprehensive, and the academic content and educational tools are interlinked, showing a clear context between learning outcome descriptions, learning activities and forms of assessment. The courses in the programme description build to some extent on each other to ensure progress, with increasing requirements for knowledge and understanding within each specialisation.

The Master’s Programme in Health and Technology includes common courses and compulsory specialisation courses. The thesis has a scope of 50 ECTS credits. Students are offered various elective courses depending on the specialisation chosen. Some elective courses are offered to all students across the specialisations, while others are only offered to students taking the individual specialisation. Normally, at least ten registered students are required for a course to be taught.

The academic year is 40 weeks long, and the expected workload for a full-time student is 40 hours per week. This includes scheduled activities, students’ own activity and exams. The course descriptions provide more details about learning outcomes, work methods, coursework requirements and exams.

The specialisation in biomedicine is organised as a full-time course of study over two years, while the specialisations in assistive technology in health and radiography are organised as three-year part-time courses of study. The normal structure for each specialisation is shown in the figure below.

Content of compulsory common courses

Two courses are compulsory for all students on the programme and will be taught jointly for the specialisations:

HETEK4000 Interactions in Health and Technology (10 credits) introduces students to key concepts relating to technological development, system design and service innovation. Students will explore how new technology can contribute to sustainable solutions in health and care services, and in research and development work, but should also be able to reflect on ethical challenges that arise when new technology is employed. Interdisciplinary collaboration competence in the development and implementation of new technology in the health and social services is emphasised.

HETEK4100 Theory of Science, Ethics and Research Methods (10 credits) comprises fundamental aspects and methodologies of philosophy of science that are used in the planning, execution and dissemination of research projects in general. Focus is also on particular issues relating to health science and medical research, research ethics and relevant legislation.

Master’s thesis

The programme normally includes a master’s thesis worth 50 credits (MAATH5900/MABIO5910/MARAD5900). Students who choose to take one semester abroad will be given an opportunity to write a master’s thesis worth 30 credits (HETEK5910). See more detailed information under Internationalisation. Regardless of the scope of the master’s thesis, the project description is developed with the support of the lecturer, who quality assures the project with respect to scope and degree of difficulty. The same requirements apply to scientific and research-related work regardless of the length of the thesis.

The thesis can be written individually or in groups of two students. Students choose the topic of the thesis based on their academic background and interests. They can take the initiative for a master’s project themselves. Students can also be offered the chance to be involved in projects affiliated to research projects at OsloMet or external Norwegian and foreign partner institutions.

Elective courses

In the course of the master’s programme, the students can choose between several different elective courses. Some elective courses can be taken regardless of the specialisation chosen, while some are aimed at students taking the individual specialisation. The range of elective courses varies from one semester to the next. Students must apply for a place on elective courses no later than the semester before, subject to specific deadlines. There may be an upper limit for places on each elective course. Normally, at least ten registered students are required for a course to be taught.

The following courses are elective for all students taking the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences, regardless of the specialisation chosen:

• HETEK4300 Bacteriology and Antimicrobial Resistance, 10 credits
• HETEK4200 Monitoring, Activity- and Movement Analysis, 10 credits
• HETEK4400 Digital Health and Homecare, 10 credits
• MAFAR4100 Innovation within Healthcare, 10 credits
• MAVIT5800 Introduction to Clinical Studies for Healthcare Personell, 10 credits
• MAVIT4800 Personalized Nutrition, 10 credits
• MAVIT5100 Health Communication, 10 credits
• SFV5100 Digital Revolution? Social Science Perspectives on Technology in the Health and Social Care Sector, 10 credits
• MSLV4200 Collaboration and Collaborative Managment, 10 credits

In addition, students taking the specialisations in assistive technology in health or biomedicine may choose the following course from the specialisation in radiography:

• MARAD4300 Medical Use of Radiation, 10 credits

Students taking the specialisations in biomedicine or radiography may also choose the following course from the specialisation in assistive technology in health:

• The Knowledge Base in Assistive Technology in Health, 10 credits

Study progress

The following progress requirements apply to the programme:

• Specialisation in biomedicine (full-time): The student must have passed all compulsory courses in the first year of study before starting on the master’s thesis
• Specialisation in assistive technology in health (part-time): The student must have passed all compulsory courses in the first year of study and the autumn semester in the second year before starting on the master’s thesis
• Specialisation in radiography (part-time): The student must have passed all courses in the first year of study and the autumn semester in the second year before starting on the master’s thesis
• Specialisation in radiography with special admission (part-time): The student must have passed the courses HETEK4000 and HETEK4100 before starting on the master’s thesis
• Some courses may have separate progress requirements; see the individual course descriptions.

Varied and student-active forms of teaching are used in the programme. Good learning outcomes are first and foremost dependent on the students’ own efforts. The number of hours allocated to structured teaching by the university will be relatively low. Own effort means both benefiting from teaching and academic supervision and following this up with independent work in the form of theoretical studies and, if relevant, practical skills training. Normal study progression demands a high level of self-activity. The most important work and teaching methods used in the courses in the programme are described below. The individual course descriptions state which work methods each course employs.

Web-based work and teaching methodsSeveral forms of digital learning resources are used in the programme, such as digital platforms, digital lectures, video clips, podcasts, tests and assignments. These resources can be used to prepare for teaching sessions, during seminars using the flipped classroom method, and as part of self-study. This form of teaching requires the students to come prepared for scheduled teaching sessions. Interaction may also take place digitally in the form of virtual meetings, webinars, workshops etc.

Self-study and student cooperation/group workLearning requires a high degree of own activity and self-study, including both individual work and cooperation with fellow students. Through activities such as exchange of ideas, presentations, discussions, written assignments and problem-based assignments, students will be encouraged to learn by conveying knowledge and experience, expressing their own opinions and, together, reflecting on their own attitudes, actions and understanding of the field. Students are encouraged to take the initiative to schedule and actively participate in study groups to promote learning.

Skills training/laboratory workDifferent forms of skills training or laboratory work may be included in the programme. Students will work on issues of relevance to the topic concerned, either individually or in groups, and will perform experiments, simulations or solve practical tasks that will demonstrate their theoretical understanding of different methods and techniques used in the field. They will also acquire the skills required to carry out the assignments in an independent manner.

Skills training may also include the use of digital tools to solve assignments or improve communication skills.

LecturesLectures are primarily used to introduce new subject matter, provide an overview of and highlight main elements and links within different topics, and also to convey relevant research-based issues and literature.

SeminarsSeminars emphasise dialogue and discussion between the lecturer(s) and students in order to stimulate students’ academic development. Oral student presentations and discussions are emphasised.

In connection with the master’s thesis, seminars are held where the theses are presented and discussed. The students receive feedback from their fellow students and teachers, which enables peer learning. Research-related issues, methods and academic supervision are among the topics discussed in the seminars. Seminars may also take place on digital collaboration platforms.

Projects, assignments and supervisionThrough project work, case studies, written assignments and the master’s thesis, students will formulate research questions for assignments that they work on over time, either individually or in cooperation with other students. They will learn theory and develop skills in using and referencing sources, analysis, discussion and written and oral communication. The primary purpose of this is to develop their ability to reflect critically, see elements in context and develop a deeper understanding of a subject.

Developing academic writing skills is a key aspect of all parts of the programme.

Supervision is an important component of the work on the master’s thesis. The supervision is intended to ensure that the project complies with principles of research ethics and help students to formulate research questions and ensure quality in the collection and analysis of data.

The increasing globalisation of the labour market and rapid social changes make it increasingly important to have international professional experience and knowledge of disciplines, language and culture. Internationalisation strengthens the academic community and promotes quality through international research collaboration, student and staff mobility and by highlighting international perspectives and challenges in teaching.

The students will gain access to specialist terminology in English through the syllabus, which comprises both textbooks and international research literature. Some of the courses will be taught in English and the programme will employ lecturers and guest lecturers with international experience.

The staff’s professional networks, research collaborations and cooperation with colleagues in other countries contribute to internationalisation. The programme is represented in international networks.

Courses adapted for incoming exchange studentsThe following courses have been adapted for incoming exchange students:

• HETEK4000 Interactions in Health and Technology (AUTUMN)
• HETEK4100 Theory of Science, Ethics and Research Methods (AUTUMN)
• MAATH4100 The Knowledge Base in Assistive Technology in Health (AUTUMN)
• HETEK4200 Monitoring, Activity- and Movement Analysis (AUTUMN)
• HETEK4400 Digital Health and Homecare (AUTUMN)
• HETEK4300 Bacteriology and Antimicrobial Resistance (AUTUMN)
• MABIO4600 Statistics, Quality Control and Quality Assurance (SPRING)
• MARAD4300 Medical Use of Radiation (AUTUMN)

Courses from HETEK can be combined with courses from other master’s programmes at OsloMet that are adapted for incoming exchange students.

Facilitation of outbound exchangesStudents taking the biomedicine specialisation who wish to take courses at an educational institution abroad as part of their master’s degree normally go on an exchange in the third semester. Students going on exchanges will be given an opportunity to write a master’s thesis worth 30 credits after the exchange stay. The students are responsible for finding relevant courses at partner institutions and must apply to have them approved in advance. An international coordinator is available to provide guidance on the choice of topic.

Master’s degree projectStudents taking the specialisations in assistive technology in health, biomedicine and radiography can complete their master’s project in full or in part at other educational institutions or with research groups abroad, and possibly also combine it with an elective course (10 credits). Incoming exchange students may also write their master’s thesis at OsloMet. Incoming and outbound exchanges in connection with master’s degree projects will depend on the availability of relevant assignments and supervisory capacity. Students can choose whether to write their master’s thesis in English or Norwegian. Outbound exchange students must write their thesis in English if the exchange is in a country outside Scandinavia.

Reference is otherwise made to the criteria that apply to student exchanges and the information about stays abroad.

Different forms of assessment are used that are adapted to the learning outcomes of the different courses in the programme. The forms of assessment used are intended to support learning and document the students’ level of competence in relation to the expected learning outcomes.

The forms of assessment used in each course in the programme are described below. All exams taken and the title of the master’s thesis will be stated on the diploma.

In general, the following forms of assessment are used in the programme:

Home examTaken over a set period of time at the end of the course, normally with a set question/assignment text unless otherwise stated in the course description.

Project examTaken over the whole or large parts of the course, normally with a topic decided by the students themselves unless otherwise stated in the course description.

Oral examCan take place individually or in groups. It can either be an independent form of assessment or used to adjust the grade awarded for another exam.

Supervised individual examTaken at the university’s exam venues over a set number of hours.

Combined exam/assessmentForm of exam that combines written work and oral presentation, where both elements count towards the exam result.

The assessments are carried out in accordance with the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges, the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet, and the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet.

AssessmentThe assessment is based on the learning outcomes for the course and the extent to which the student has achieved the stipulated learning outcomes. The grades used are Pass/Fail or a grade scale with letter grades from A to F, where A is the highest grade, E is the lowest pass grade and F is a fail. In connection with group exams, all students in the group are awarded the same grade.

Resit and rescheduled examsResit and rescheduled exams are carried out in the same manner as the ordinary exam unless otherwise specified in the course description. In special cases, resit and rescheduled exams in courses with group exams may be held as individual exams.

Appeals against gradesGrades awarded for written exams can be appealed. It is not possible to appeal the grades awarded for oral exams. In connection with group exams, the result of an appeal will only have consequences for the candidate(s) who submitted the appeal. The other students will keep their original grade.

Students can appeal against the grade set for the written part of the master’s thesis. If the grade is changed as a result of re-grading, the student must take the oral exam again.

The master's programme in International social welfare and health policy (MIS) is unique in its combination of social welfare and health policy studies. The MIS programme provides students with the knowledge and skills in social science theories as well as methods to analyse, develop and manage social and health policies at a high level.

• Why do some countries have a higher share of the global burden of diseases than others?
• How can we explain social inequalities in health within a country?
• How are the changing power relations between international, national and local actors influencing the content and effectiveness of social and health policies?
• Why do some countries have smaller socio-economic inequalities than others?
• Why do some countries have higher employment rates among women than others?
• Why are some welfare systems more successful in helping families at risk of poverty than others?
• Why are there systematic and lasting differences in opportunities for persons with disabilities to exercise choice and autonomy between countries?
• How does access to education and family planning influence the employment opportunities of young women today?
• How does cross-national mobility and immigration influence access to social security and health services?
• How can we investigate if social and health policies have the intended effects?

Answers to such questions are essential to ensure sustainable and inclusive societies. The questions are related to the organisation and content of social welfare and health policies.

Social change requires that professionals in the fields of social work, health and welfare continually develop their knowledge and skills. The Master's Degree Programme applies theoretical perspectives to these fields.

An increasingly globalized world requires the development of innovative social welfare and health policies. The two policy fields are interdependent. Both are also characterized by complex governance structures: Social welfare and health policies are shaped in a multi-actor setting involving different combinations of market actors, family, public agencies and non-profit NGOs. Additionally, the social welfare and health policies take place in a multilevel setting. Increasingly the social welfare and health policy depends on the working relations between supranational organisations, such as the UN and EU, national and local entities.

The MIS programme consists of 6 mandatory courses (60 ECTS), 3 elective courses (30 ECTS) and a master's thesis (30 ECTS). Elective courses allow students to pursue topics of special interest that may be relevant for both the master's thesis, as well as for future career possibilities.

All courses are taught in English, and the diploma will be issued in English for all successful candidates. Candidates will be awarded the title Master of Applied Social Sciences, programme option International Social Welfare and Health Policy.

The programme focuses upon general critical analytical skills with an understanding of the importance of gender, ethnicity, generation, and social class, living standards and living conditions. The programme option qualifies a graduate for:

• positions in social and health services that require the knowledge and ability to undertake systematic documentation and evaluation of social and health service programmes, as well as the knowledge of international and comparative studies within health and social welfare.
• positions in government agencies, non-governmental organisations or voluntary organisations engaged in international health and social welfare programmes and developmental assistance
• research positions at lower levels in educational programmes for social or health workers, and social science positions dealing with social and health policy issues
• PhD programmes in the fields of social welfare and health policy

This programme is aimed at students who have a special interest in international efforts to develop social and health policies.

Admission to this programme is regulated by Regulations Relating to Admissions to Studies at OsloMet.

Admission requires a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) in social work, childcare and welfare, political science, sociology, economics, anthropology, law, medicine or nursing. Other degrees with a focus on social and health issues may also be considered.

Applicants will be ranked on the basis of grade average from their bachelor's degree.

Fifty percent of the places are reserved for applicants who are citizens in countries outside EU/EEA.

The master's programme aims for a diverse group of students from many countries. Given the limited number of places, normally no more than three students from each country will be assigned, with the exception of students from Norway.