Master´s Programme in Health and Technology - Specialisation in Biomedicine Programme description

Studiet er hjemlet i lov om universiteter og høyskoler og forskrift om studier og eksamen ved Høgskolen i Oslo og Akershus. Det går over to år på heltid og har et omfang på 120 studiepoeng. Studiet tilbys også som 3-årig deltidsstudium.

Bestått studium kvalifiserer for graden master i biomedisin (engelsk: Master of Biomedicine) i henhold til § 3 i forskrift om krav til mastergrad.

Biomedisinske fag har en rivende utvikling. Ny kunnskap innen molekylærbiologi og teknologisk utvikling innen laboratorievirksomhet, bildedanning og stråleterapi gir nye utfordringer for diagnostikk og behandling. Spesielt har DNA-teknologien åpnet for nye muligheter innen diagnostiske og terapeutiske prinsipper. Implementering av nye diagnostiske og terapeutiske prosedyrer som følge av utviklingen innen biomedisinske analysemetoder og strålingsbaserte teknologier, stiller økte krav til validering, kritisk tenkning og analyse tuftet på evidensbasert kunnskap.  Valg av analyser, teknologier og prosedyrer har stor betydning for riktig diagnostikk og behandling.

Studiet omhandler biomedisinske basalfag som er nødvendige for forskning, metodeutvikling og kvalitetssikring innen biomedisinske fag og laboratorier.  Studieprogrammet består av emner som gir muligheter for forskjellige løp. Avhengig av hvilket løp studentene velger, vil studiet være en fordypning i kvalitetsutvikling og -sikring av metoder/ prosedyrer som anvendes ved henholdsvis biomedisinske laboratorier, bildediagnostiske avdelinger eller avdelinger for stråleterapi.

Formålet med studiet er å utdanne kandidater på høyere grads nivå for å dekke det økende behovet for avansert kunnskap som følge av den faglige og teknologiske utviklingen innenfor biomedisinske laboratorier, radiologi og stråleterapi. Studentene skal tilegne seg kompetanse i å etablere og utvikle analysemetoder, tolke resultatene og foreta utvelgelse av egnet metode til ulike faglige problemstillinger.

Yrkesmuligheter og videre utdanning

Aktuelle arbeidsfelt og karriereveier etter endt studium kan være

• forskning og fagutvikling innenfor biomedisin
• utviklings- og rådgivingsoppgaver innenfor faglig drift og kvalitetsutvikling av laboratorievirksomhet og stråleterapi
• utviklings- og rådgivingsoppgaver innenfor helsefaglig veiledning, forvaltning og kunnskapsformidling
• undervisnings-, veilednings- og utviklingsoppgaver ved institusjoner med ansvar for utdanning innen biomedisin

En kandidat med mastergrad er kvalifisert for å søke opptak til doktorgradsprogrammer.

Programplanen blir konkretisert i form av undervisningsplaner som gir mer spesifiserte opplysninger og bestemmelser som gjelder for det enkelte emne.

Studiets målgruppe har minimum 3-årig utdanning innenfor biomedisinske fagområder.  Studiet er spesielt aktuelt for søkere med utdanning innenfor bioingeniørfag, farmasi, radiografi og kjemiingeniører med bioteknologi.

Det vises til forskrift om opptak til studier ved Høgskolen i Oslo og Akershus.

Det kreves bachelorgrad, cand.mag.-grad eller grad eller yrkesutdanning av minimum 3 års omfang. For opptak til masterprogrammet må søker ha karaktersnitt C eller bedre i det faglige grunnlaget. I tillegg gjelder følgende bestemmelser:

I fagkretsen må det inngå biomedisinske eller naturvitenskapelige fagområder med fagfordypning på minimum 80 studiepoeng i en emnegruppe som omfatter kunnskap i kjemi, biologi, fysikk og laboratorieteknikk.

Det gis tilleggspoeng for relevant utdanning utover det faglige grunnlaget, jf .forskriften § 13 (1). Med relevant utdanning menes utdanning innen medisinske, naturvitenskapelige eller tekniske fagområder.

Det gis tilleggspoeng for relevant yrkespraksis, jf. forskriften § 13 (2). Med relevant yrkespraksis menes all yrkespraksis relatert til biomedisin. Dette kan være oppgaver knyttet til laboratoriediagnostikk eller medisinsk forskning og behandling. 

65 % av studieplassene er forbeholdt søkere som kun konkurrerer på grunnlag av karakterpoeng.

Oppstart av studiet forutsetter tilstrekkelig antall studenter.

Opptak til enkeltemner

Med unntak av masteroppgaven tilbys alle studiets emner som enkeltemner. Ved opptak til enkeltemner gjelder ikke C-kravet. Nærmere informasjon om opptak til enkeltemner finnes på studiets nettside: http://www.hioa.no/Studier/HF/Master/Biomedisin

Kandidaten har etter fullført studium følgende totale læringsutbytte definert i kunnskap, ferdigheter og generell kompetanse:

Kunnskap

Kandidaten

• har avansert kunnskap i biomedisin og spesialisert innsikt i masteroppgavens tema
• har avansert kunnskap om normale og patologiske tilstander og cellebiologiske mekanismer
• har avansert kunnskap om biomedisinske analysemetoder
• kan anvende sine kunnskaper og ferdigheter på nye områder for å gjennomføre avanserte arbeidsoppgaver og prosjekter
• har inngående kunnskap om vitenskapsteoretiske tradisjoner

Ferdigheter

Kandidaten kan

• analysere en biomedisinsk problemstilling og velge riktig metode
• kvalitetssikre biomedisinske analyse- og/eller behandlingsmetoder innen valgt fordypning
• arbeide selvstendig og etisk bevisst med et veiledet forskningsarbeid tilknyttet en forskningsgruppe
• skrive vitenskapelig og presentere forskningsresultater i henhold til gjeldende konvensjoner i biomedisin

Generell kompetanse

Kandidaten kan

• analysere og diskutere etiske problemstillinger i biomedisinsk forskning
• analysere og presentere forskningsresultater skriftlig og muntlig
• delta i diskusjon om biomedisinsk forskning og fagutviklingsresultater med kolleger og allmenheten
• bidra til nytenking og innovasjon i biomedisin, medisinsk teknologi og på andre helsefaglige områder 

Studiet består av emner som gir muligheter for forskjellige løp. Ett løp er egnet for bioingeniør/ingeniører/farmasøyter som ønsker fordypning i biomedisinsk forskning og utvikling.  To løp er egnet for radiografer som ønsker fordypning innen henholdsvis CT eller stråleterapi. Det fjerde løpet er for bioingeniører og radiografer som ønsker fordypning innen nukleærmedisin. Se figuren nedenfor for oversikt over de anbefalte løpene. Studentene kan velge andre emnekombinasjoner enn de anbefalte.

Faglig bakgrunn og ønsket fagområde eller tema for masteroppgaven vil være avgjørende for studentens valg av studieløp. Studieledelsen gir veiledning og råd.

Masteroppgaven er på 60 studiepoeng og sikrer fordypning innenfor et spesialisert område i form av et selvstendig vitenskapelig arbeid. Studentene får tilbud om masteroppgaver tilknyttet sykehus, forskningsinstitusjoner eller universitetets forskningsmiljøer. Oppgaven inkluderer som oftest et praktisk forskningsarbeid, men kan være et teoretisk arbeid som bygger på empiriske data. Studentene blir som regel del av en forskningsgruppe. Oppgaven kan også være et selvstendig utviklingsarbeid på egen arbeidsplass.

Studentene får informasjon om studieløpene og de ulike emnene i første studieuke og må skriftlig velge studieløp senest 3-4 uker etter studiestart.  Forutsetningen for at et emne kan tilbys, er normalt et minimum på 10 påmeldte studenter.

Studentene får tilbud om alternative emner dersom det likevel ikke er tilstrekkelig antall påmeldte.  På den annen side er de garantert plass på emner som blir tilbudt.  Grensen på 10 studenter vil kunne føre til at studenter må velge ett av de andre anbefalte løpene eller bygge opp et alternativt løp for å kunne gjennomføre studiet på normert tid.

Studentene rådes til å ta emnene i den oppsatte rekkefølgen, men dette er ikke noe krav.

Progresjon i studiet

Studentene må ha bestått alle eksamener i 1. studieår før de kan få tilgang til laboratorier og veiledning i arbeidet med masteroppgaven.

OsloMet focuses on having a good and developing learning environment that students can thrive in. The work and teaching methods have been developed on the basis of a socio-cultural view of learning, where the overriding principle is to make use of your own thoughts, knowledge and experience. The student's own efforts, individually, or together with others, are decisive for good learning outcomes. Students are expected to prepare ahead of organised teaching activities. Varied work methods are used both in theoretical subjects and in practical training and these can be carried out physically on campuses or on digital platforms. In some contexts, teaching activities only take place on one campus, and students must expect to travel to the relevant location.

The programme also prepares students for the labour market’s requirement of lifelong learning. Students are therefore expected to take ownership of their own learning process throughout the study programme, and will learn to both ‘become a nurse’ and ‘learn how to learn’. Students are also expected to contribute to creating a good learning environment for their fellow students through active participation in the different teaching activities.

Self-study and student cooperation

The attainment of the learning outcomes requires a high degree of self-study. Self-study entails both individual work and cooperation with fellow students, and it entails awareness of how you best learn. Students are recommended to take the initiative to form study groups.

Group work

Group work means working with other students. In the groups, students will discuss each other’s contributions and share knowledge and perspectives. They will gain experience of cooperation and of assessing, developing and disseminating relevant literature. The students will give and receive feedback from others.

Digital learning resources

Digital learning resources are for instance OsloMetX https://www.oslomet.no/ub/oslometxbokskapet@oslomet.no, or video clips, podcasts, games, academic texts, articles and interactive assignments used as part of the learning methods. Digital co-writing tools are used in some courses for the purpose of sharing knowledge and producing texts together. Digital self-corrected tests (quizzes) provide an opportunity for the students to practice and test their knowledge of the course content. Students receive an immediate response, which can serve as a basis for their continued learning.

Simulation and skills training (SF-unit)

Simulation and skills training gives the students the opportunity to learn everything from simple practical skills to making assessments in complex patient situations. Simulation and skills training will be a recurring part of the study programme and often taken place in simulation and skills training units (SF-unit) on campus. Reflection before, during and after actions will be emphasised. Some simulations may be filmed. Videos will always be deleted directly after the teaching session unless consent has been given to keep the videos.

Skills training in the programme will not be divided by gender.

Lectures

Lectures are used either to gain an overview of the course’s content or to delve into a specific topic. Lectures are used particularly when introducing new subject matter.

The flipped classroom

The flipped classroom is when the roles of lecturer and students are reversed, and students work with digital learning resources before attending class. Students work on problem-solving activities during teaching sessions, often in the form of group work or seminars.

Seminar/workshop

Students practice formulating an argument, expressing own opinions and reflecting on own attitudes and actions, in addition to presenting and discussing subject matter and assessing other people’s academic presentations.

Project work

Students study a topic relevant to the programme in depth, and develop skills in the systematic use of methods, including theoretical basis, data collection, analysis, discussion, written formulation and verbal communication.

Interprofessional cooperative learning (TPS)

Interprofessional cooperative learning comprises all ways of working where students participate in

teaching sessions with students from other programmes, or carry out educational activities in a practical training establishment that entail cooperation with professionals from other fields. Interprofessional cooperative learning can be arranged at the university, in the practical training establishment and through digital cooperation (webinars) with students in other countries.

Student BEST – Better and systematic team training

Student BEST is an educational activity under a cooperation between the nursing-, radiography-, biomedical laboratory sciences and paramedic science programme, specialisation in anaesthesia (master programme) at OsloMet and the medicine programme at the University of Oslo. The learning programme builds on simulation in teams and is used as a training method in the admission and stabilising of trauma patients. The main focus is communication and cooperation in interprofessional groups. The teaching takes place at the SF-units at OsloMet.

Practical training is the parts of the programme that take place in real-life working situations. Practical training is compulsory and worth 90 credits. It is organised in such a way that the students get to work with patients in different age groups and participate in interprofessional cooperation. Through the practical training, students are assigned tasks that provide the opportunity to discover and explore clinical nursing issues, and which require them to work in an evidence-based and patient-centred manner. The practical training is an important arena for developing new knowledge, skills and competence.

Efforts are made to allow all students to carry out practical training in different arenas. Students must adhere to the practical training establishment's rules for clothing, and the establishment may also have special requirements concerning tests and vaccinations. Gender-segregated practical training cannot be expected.

The practical training takes place in Oslo and in the Eastern part of the country, and commutes are therefore to be expected. Each week of the practical training is planned with an expected workload of 40 hours, and students are required to attend 90 per cent of the practical training. In the municipal health service, the practical training places will comprise health centres, municipal emergency inpatient units, nursing homes, residential care homes and home-based services; while the practical training places in the specialist health service are mainly in hospitals. A practical training schedule is prepared for each practical training period, and will show an overview of the training during the day, evening, night and weekends and all planned activities. The practical training schedule is a cooperation between the educational institution, practical training establishment and the student.

During the practical training period, students receive supervision from a practical training supervisor and the contact lecturer. The supervision is intended to support the learning process in order for the student to achieve the learning outcomes for the practical training period. The practical training is assessed as passed or failed by the practical training supervisors in cooperation with the contact lecturer at the university.

Students who exceed the maximum permitted absence will fail the practical training period and are deemed to have used one of their attempts. For more information about practical training, see the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University.

Inspirational practical training

The aim of the inspirational practical training is for students to gain some insight into professional practice and experience of specific nursing tasks early on in the study programme. Groups of two to three students receive supervision preferably from third year students, who have the responsibility for preparing the teaching activities. The inspirational practical training is a coursework requirement and part of the course SYKKSYKP1000.

Project-based practical training

The aim is to delve into issues related to the nursing discipline, elucidated with the help of relevant literature and practical training. Project-based practical training is carried out in groups with supervision from the contact lecturer. The project-based practical training is carried out as part of the courses SYKK/SYKPRA45. In the course SYKK / SYKP3000, the students work interprofessional.

The increasing globalisation of the labour market makes international experience and knowledge of languages and cultures more and more relevant for the profession. Internationalisation also provides insight into globalisation in general and contributes to improving the quality of the programme and strengthening the academic environment. Knowledge of international conditions is also important for developing knowledge in the nursing discipline.

Exchanges

Students at OsloMet are encouraged to take parts of the programme at an institution abroad. The programme has many partners abroad that might be relevant for students wanting to go on an exchange. Students can take three to six months of the programme in the fourth, fifth or sixth semester abroad. The students can travel on exchange a maximum of 2 times during the study programme. The 4th semester is specially arranged for exchange.

In the 4th semester, you can travel abroad for a whole semester or parts of the semester to follow practice or theory courses at one of our partner universities. You can also travel for a 3-month public health internship to one of our internship partners. You then follow the elective SYK2850 Public Health in a Global Perspective, where you are guided both by a supervisor from OsloMet and from the institution where you have your internship. In addition to being your elective in the 4th semester, the course replaces SYKK/SYKPRA45.

In the 5th semester you will find opportunities for exchange in practice for a whole semester, while in the 6th semester it is mainly possible to exchange for a 3-month practice.

Criteria for student exchanges and information about stays abroad, can be found here: https://student.oslomet.no/utveksling-hv

Internationalisation at home

The study programme boasts a multicultural student environment and focuses on cultural diversity and global issues. This approach contributes to greater understanding and improves the ability to work in a professional capacity in a diverse society. The English literature in the syllabus provides students with experience in reading academic literature and international research. An understanding of English academic literature is important to be able to actively participate in the international nursing community.

Academic staff affiliated to the study programme are part of international networks and research cooperation. Cooperation with colleagues from other countries contributes to internationalisation, for instance by inviting guest researchers and lecturers to OsloMet. This mainly takes place in the fourth semester, which consists of English-speaking courses. These courses are taken alongside inbound exchange students at OsloMet.

An overview of the courses available in the fourth semester:

• SYKK/SYKPRA45 Public Health, 10 credits
• SYK28xxA and B, Elective courses, 5 credits ((not SYK2840 (A and B) Supervision in Nursing))
• SYKK/SYKP1060 Evidence-Based Practice, 5 credits
• SYKK/SYKP1070 Technology and Society, 5 credits

Required coursework is all types of work, tests and compulsory attendance that are requirements for a student to be assessed/permitted to take the exam. Required coursework is assessed as approved/not approved. The coursework requirements for each course are described in the relevant course description.

The purpose of the coursework requirements is to:

• promote progress and academic development
• encourage students to seek out and acquire new knowledge
• facilitate cooperation on and communication about nursing issues

The programme has coursework requirements in the form of compulsory attendance, oral presentations, written assignments and tests. The coursework requirements are designed in a way that helps students to develop competence in line with the learning outcome descriptions in the course. Students are normally given three attempts at passing the required coursework. As far as possible, the second attempt will be given before the ordinary exam/assessment, unless otherwise stated in the course description. A third and final attempt is normally given before resit and rescheduled exams. If a piece of required coursework is not approved, this may lead to delayed progress in the programme. Required coursework is carried out individually or in groups.

Attendance

Attendance is compulsory for teaching activities covering subject matter that the student cannot acquire on his or her own. These requirements are made more concrete and visible in the course plans. This means that there is a requirement for attendance of 80 % in theory studies or 90 % in practical training in timetabled activities that are marked as compulsory.

If a student exceeds the maximum limit for absence, the person responsible for the course/lecturer will consider whether it is possible to compensate for absence by meeting alternative requirements, for instance oral or individual written assignments. Whether or not it is possible to compensate for absence depends on the extent of the student’s absence and which activities he/she has missed.

Written and digital work

Written and digital coursework requirements can be written work, work submitted in various forms, multiple choice questions etc. Coursework requirements that are not approved must normally be improved or retaken. The person responsible for the course/lecturer will assess whether alternative coursework can be carried out. This is agreed between the individual student/group and the person responsible for the course/lecturer.

Activities

Compulsory activities can include oral presentations, observation, participation in specific courses and workshops, simulation, practical skills tests, supervision etc. Coursework requirements that are not approved, must normally be improved or retaken. The person responsible for the course/lecturer will assess whether alternative coursework can be carried out. This is agreed between the individual student/group and the person responsible for the course/lecturer.

Different forms of assessment are used on the programme that are adapted to the learning outcomes of the various courses. The forms of assessment used are intended to support learning and document that the students’ competence is adequate in relation to the applicable learning outcomes. During the programme, the students will be given advice, supervision and assessments of their performance. It is important and necessary to assess students’ knowledge and skills often, so that the students receive feedback on whether their performance is in line with the programme's requirements and whether they have achieved the learning outcomes.

The assessment of exams and practical training is carried out in accordance with the applicable rules set out in the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges, the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, and the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University.

All courses taken will be stated on the diploma. In addition, the compulsory interdisciplinary teaching programs are highlighted on the diploma.

Assessment

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. Other teaching programs can be graded Approved-not approved. In connection with group exams, all students in the group are awarded the same grade.

Resits/rescheduled exams

Resit 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 grades

Grades awarded for written exams can be appealed. It is not possible to appeal the grades awarded for oral and practical 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.

Assessment of practical training

Practical training is assessed as pass or fail and is assessed by the practical training supervisors in cooperation with the contact lecturer at the university. The final decision on whether to award a pass or fail grade is made by the university.

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.

To pass the practical training, the student also must have met the compulsory attendance requirement. The practical training requires at least 90% attendance.

• Less than 10% absence: The student can complete the practical training course as normal.
• Between 10–20% absence: If possible, the student can make up for the practical training missed. This must be agreed with the practical training supervisor and the supervisor at the university.
• More than 20% absence: The student must retake the whole clinical training course

If the student exceeds the maximum limit for absence and does not have a valid documented absence, the practical course will be registered as failed and count as an attempt.

If the student has failed the practical training twice, he/she must normally leave the programme. Reference is also made to the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet.

One or more of these criteria is the basis for the grade Failed in practical training in bachelor's Programme in Nursing at OsloMet:

The student:

• has not complied with the attendance requirement or failed to attend practice training without a valid reason and without giving notice
• has not achieved learning outcomes and completed compulsory activities / written documentation made visible in the assessment form established for the practical training period
• has endangered the patient's life and health by going beyond the limits of their own competence
• has not requested or taken into account guidance, or shown a willingness to acquire a lack of knowledge or competence
• shows lack of self-insight
• shows a lack of language and/or communication skills (from autumn 2023)

Suitability assessment

The suitability assessment is a continuous overall assessment that takes place throughout the study programme. Diplomas for the completed programme will only be awarded to graduates who are suited to practise the profession. If the student shows signs of posing a threat to patients’ and/or colleagues' physical and mental health, rights and safety, questions should be raised about whether the person is fit to practice the profession. Staff from the university or the practical training establishment and fellow students can submit a notification of reasonable doubt. Students must be informed as early as possible that the notification has been submitted. They will be given supervision and advice on how to improve, or be advised to leave the programme.

The aim is to assess whether the students have the professional and personal preconditions required to work as a nurse. More detailed provisions about the assessment of suitability can be found here https://student.oslomet.no/en/suitability-assessment

Transfer discussion If a student or subject teacher/contact teacher reports a need for a transfer discussion, an interview can be called before the next course. In some cases, the head of studies and a representative of the Section for Academic Affairs may also attend.

The purpose of the transfer discussion is to clarify how the student can implement their learning outcomes in the best possible way in the next course, by facilitating various learning challenges and guidance needs.

External programme supervisor

The study programme has an external programme supervisor in line with the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet. The external programme supervisor is charged with evaluating the examination and assessment in:

• SYKK/SYKP1200 Microbiology and Infection Control
• SYKK/SYKP1300 Pharmacology and Administration of Medicine