MAPD4000 Philosophy of Science and Design Research Course description

The language is normally English.

This joint course is developed for all the Bachelor programmes at the Faculty of Health Sciences which are part of RETHOS (National guidelines for the Health and Social Studies), and is considered as an introductory course, preferably taken during the first part of the study programme.

In this course, starting with relatable examples, students will learn about asking critical questions about health claims and the sources of claims. This is followed up by focusing on the rationale for evidence-based practice (EBP) and its Core Competencies: Ask, Acquire, Appraise and Interpret, Apply, and Evaluate, and shared decision-making. The course provides a foundation for learning and applying more advanced and field-specific skills.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

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

Knowledge

The student has knowledge of

• the philosophical underpinnings of scientific research
• various theories and methods in science and design research
• ethical implications of scientific and professional work

Skills

The student is able to

• plan and complete their own research projects
• identify, discuss and evaluate relevant research theories and methods
• integrate academic scientific methods and coherence in practice based and creative research

General competence

The student

• has a developed understanding of academic and practical design research and its relevance to practice
• -can contribute to collaboration for the sustainability goals

The most important teaching and learning methods for this course are lectures, seminars, group work, self-study, studio work and tutoring.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• Attendance of minimum 80%
• 2 milestone deliverables (oral presentation and/or written)

Individual or group assignment, consisting of:

• Individual written home examination, 2500 - 4000 words long, or in accordance with specifications set by a publication channel of the student's choice
• Students can choose to work in groups, but must submit 1 (one) written assignment per student
• Language: English, or after discussion with course leader, in Norwegian

The examination result can be appealed.

Project examination, consisting of a group assignment with up to 7 students, based on a case with a health claim in the media. The assignment will include the levels of the EBP model. The assignment is submitted as a written paper of 1500 words (+/- 10 prosent) according to further specified criteria.

Each group decides whether their assignment is to be submitted in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Resit exam: If the assignment is given the grade fail, the group can submit a revised version once.

If this attempt fails, the group is entitled to a third and final attempt. In a third attempt, the group must choose a new health claim and submit a new examination paper.

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

Pass/Fail. The same grade is given for all students in the group.