ACIT4005 Technology and society: Critical perspectives in practice Emneplan

The rapidity and radicality of new and emergent technological developments have potentially far-reaching consequences that may lead to major changes in our civilization and confronts us - as individuals and societies - with new ways of knowing and acting, and pivotal questions, challenges, and opportunities. Addressing these issues requires a broad and interdisciplinary approach: it is increasingly important that future engineers, computer and data scientists, and technologists in general, can reason about the possible implications of technology in their own field as well as society at large.

Concrete questions concerning technology and technological development are examined through historical and contemporary texts, concrete and hypothetical technologies, and relevant real-world cases. Through lectures, colloquial presentations, discussions and writing, students will develop an advanced understanding of the interconnectivity of technology and society and familiarise themselves with theoretical and analytical tools and terms that enables discussions and critical assessments of technological trends, tasks, and practices. This course gives the students opportunities to explore and critically examine key dimensions of technologies and methods that will be part of their master’s thesis.

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements.

Language of instruction: Norwegian

This course covers more recent knowledge on the most common musculoskeletal injuries, illnesses and conditions (MSDs) in a life course perspective from childhood to old age. Teaching and learning activities are based on a knowledge-based practice model, which incorporates theoretical and research-based knowledge, clinical experience, the patient’s preferences and contextual factors. The course has an emphasis on the critical assessment of current examination and treatment methods, the organisation and quality of the health services and the role of physiotherapists in interdisciplinary cooperation and interaction. It will also include teaching of implementation methods of documented knowledge and on physiotherapy in the primary health services of the future, for example physiotherapists’ tasks as part of a follow-up or primary health team.    

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences and hold authorisation as a physiotherapist.

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 assess recent knowledge on the most common MSDs
• can critically assess current examination and treatment methods, including the use of standardised instruments for the most common MSDs
• can critically assess the organisation and quality of health services, and the role of physiotherapists in interdisciplinary cooperation and interaction
• can describe knowledge on work and MSDs, and can critically assess current measures for promoting participation in working life and preventing long-term sickness absence 
• can describe implementation methods for well-documented knowledge

Skills

The student

• can use the knowledge-based practice model to analyse the most common MSDs
• can use and critically reflect on recent knowledge on the most common MSDs
• can apply and critically reflect on the use of standardised instruments in clinical practice
• can use and critically reflect on recent knowledge on work and musculoskeletal health
• can implement well-documented knowledge in their professional practice

General competence

The student

• can communicate up-to-date disciplinary knowledge to collaborative partners and the population at large
• can contribute to improving the quality of today’s health services
• can contribute to promoting participation in working life and preventing long-term sickness absence

The following must have been approved in order for a student to be permitted to take the examination:

• group work in groups of two to three students with submission of a written assignment. Scope: 1,500 words (+/- 10%).
• submission of written feedback on another group's assignment

Individual home examination over two weeks. Scope: 2,500 words (+/- 10%).

If the course is taught in English, students can also choose to write/conduct the examination in a Scandinavian language (Norwegian, Swedish or Danish).

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

Grade scale A-F.

Two examiners will assess all examination papers. At least 20% of the examination papers will be assessed by an external examiner. The external examiner’s assessment should benefit all students. 

10 ECTS credits overlaps with MAFYS4000 Theoretical Basis and Evidence Based Practice in Physiotherapy 20 ECTS credits.