Master's Degree Programme in Universal Design of ICT - part-time Programplan

The Master's programme in Universal Design of ICT (MAUU) aims to meet the growing need of society for knowledge and expertise in universal design of ICT solutions such as web and mobile applications, e-services, e-commerce and self-service machines. With an emerging e-society, it is becoming essential that all electronic information and services are accessible for all, regardless of the device, the situation, or the abilities of the user.

In Norway and many other countries, it is becoming a legal requirement that ICT solutions can be used by as many people as possible, including people with disabilities, so that all citizens can take an active part in social activities, education and employment. This poses great challenges for competent ICT professionals and society's ICT infrastructure and services. This Master's Programme provides a specialisation in Universal Design of ICT, which goes beyond the current Bachelor programmes in engineering, including electronics, computer science, information science and applied computer technology.

The full time Master's programme is intensive. Combining the full time Master's programme with other courses or employment is not recommended.

The Master's programme targets individuals who wish to qualify as specialists in universal design of ICT solutions. It is relevant for those with competences in human-computer interaction, as well as interaction designers, software engineers, related professionals in public sectors, non-profit organizations and private sectors, and those who are interested in further studies at doctoral level.

After completing the Advanced Programme in Theatre Nursing, the student is expected to have achieved the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

• has advanced knowledge within a theatre nurse¿s functions and areas of responsibility
• has in-depth knowledge about surgical examination and/or treatment of acutely and/or critically ill patients
• has advanced knowledge of infection medicine
• has knowledge of scientific theory and research methods
• has in-depth knowledge of the experiences, reactions and needs of patients and next of kin in connection with acute and/or critical illness in an age-related and multicultural perspective
• is capable of analysing problems relating to theatre nursing on the basis of the discipline¿s history, traditions, distinctive nature and place in society

Skills

The candidate

• is capable of analysing and taking a critical approach to different sources of information and using them to structure and formulate theatre nursing argumentation
• is capable of analysing and taking a critical approach to existing theories and methods in advanced medical treatment and theatre nursing
• is capable of preventing complications in connection with acute and/or critical illness, advanced medical treatment and theatre nursing
• is capable of carrying out infection prevention work relating to patients, the environment, equipment and personal hygiene
• is capable of checking and using medical equipment in a correct and sound manner
• is capable of reducing stress, pain and discomfort in connection with surgical treatment and/or examinations and theatre nursing
• is capable of applying pedagogical and subject didactics principles when informing, teaching and providing guidance to patients and caregivers from different cultures, as well as to colleagues and other members of the healthcare team
• is capable of independent work on practical and theoretical problem-solving relating to the theatre nurse¿s functions and areas of responsibility
• is capable of practising theatre nursing in accordance with ethical principles and healthcare legislation

Competence

The candidate

• has action competence in the field of theatre nursing
• is capable of carrying out wholly or partly compensatory theatre nursing in the event of serious self-care deficits in relation to a patient's fundamental needs
• is capable of analysing relevant ethical issues in theatre nursing based on relevant discipline knowledge, research, experience and patient knowledge
• is capable of applying his/her knowledge and skills to new fields to carry out advanced tasks and projects in theatre nursing
• is capable of communicating extensive independent work and masters the forms of expression used in theatre nursing
• is capable of communicating about issues, analyses and conclusions in theatre nursing, both with specialists and the general public
• is capable of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary cooperation in patient treatment
• is capable of contributing to new ideas and innovation processes in his/her own professional practice

The programme comprises 8 compulsory courses, which make up a total of 90 credits. Theoretical studies make up 45 credits, while clinical training accounts for 45 credits. The programme is taken over a period of one and a half years.

National curriculum for further education in theatre nursing

In order to ensure that students who complete the Advanced Programme in Theatre Nursing are qualified to work as theatre nurses, the programme meets the requirements set out in the national curriculum for further education in theatre nursing with pertaining regulations adopted by the Ministry of Education and Research on 1 December 2005, both in terms of content and the breakdown of credits.

Progress requirements

• All coursework requirements in a course must be met before a student can take the exam.
• Students must have passed ABIO6000 Natural Science related to Nursing in order to take the exam in OPERA6000 Surgical Examinations, Treatment and Infection Medicine
• Students must have passed OPERAPRA10 Clinical Studies in Theatre Nursing, Level 1 in order to start OPERAPRA20 Clinical Studies in Theatre Nursing, Level 2.
• Students must have passed OPERAPRA20 Clinical Studies in Theatre Nursing, Level 2 in order to start OPERAPRA3 Clinical Studies in Theatre Nursing, Level 3.

The two-year programme consists of 120 ECTS credits.

• 50 ECTS compulsory courses
• 10 ECTS advanced and elective courses
• 60 ECTS Master's Thesis

The following table shows the overall structure of the full-time programme:

Semester 1

MAUU4100 Academic Writing, 10 ECTS

MAUU4200 User Diversity and ICT Barriers, 10 ECTS

MAUU4300 Universal Design of Interactive Systems, 10 ECTS

Semester 2

MAUU4400 Research Methods and Research Ethics, 10 ECTS

MAUU4500 Interaction Styles and Technologies for Accessibility, 10 ECTS

MAUU5910 Master's Thesis Project phase I

Semester 3

Elective course, see course descriptions (1) MAUU5010 / MAUU5020 / MAUU5030, 10 ECTS

MAUU5920 Master's Thesis Project phase II

Semester 4

Master's Thesis Project phase III Final exam MAUU5900 Master's Thesis (60 ECTS)

The Master project counts 60 ECTS credits, starts in the 2nd semester, and is distributed over three semesters. The 4th semester is dedicated solely to the Master project

(1) Please note that the elective courses will only be offered if enough student are registered for the course.

The following table shows the overall structure of the part-time programme:

Semester 1

MAUUD4100 Academic Writing, 10 ECTS

MAUUD4200 User Diversity and ICT Barriers, 10 ECTS

Semester 2

MAUUD4400 Research Methods and Research Ethics, 10 ECTS (only one course in 2nd semester)

Semester 3

MAUUD4300 Universal Design of Interactive Systems, 10 ECTS

MAUUD5910 Master's Thesis Project phase I

Semester 4

MAUUD4500 Interaction Styles and Technologies for Accessibility, 10 ECTS

MAUUD5910 Master's Thesis Project phase I

Semester 5

MAUUD5920 Master's Thesis Project phase II

Semester 6

MAUUD5920 Master's Thesis Project phase II

Semester 7

Elective course, see course descriptions (2) MAUUD5010 / MAUUD5020 / MAUUD5030, 10 ECTS MAUUD5900 Master's Thesis Project phase III

Semester 8

Master's Thesis Project phase III Final exam MAUUD5900 Master's Thesis (60 ECTS)

The Master project counts 60 ECTS credits, starts in the 3rd semester, and is distributed over six semesters. The 5th, 6th and 8th semesters are dedicated solely to the Master project.

(2) Please note that the elective courses will only be offered if enough student are registered for the course.

The learning outcomes will be achieved by means of different learning methods adapted to each individual course. Teaching methods include lectures, assignments, seminars, project work and the use of online learning resources. Project work is carried out both in groups and individually.

The programme is based on student-centred learning methods, with student-run seminars and project work that require active participation from students. Students will receive feedback on their presentations and reports.

For seminar-based courses, it is essential for students to be prepared to follow the presentations and actively participate in projects and discussions.

The field of practice is an important qualification arena for developing action competence in theatre nursing and evidence-based practice. Professionally sound theatre nursing practice must be learned in direct interaction with patients. This is the only way in which students can gain experience and encounter challenges of sufficient complexity to allow them to achieve the programme¿s learning outcomes. When nursing acutely and/or critically ill patients, decisions must often be made quickly, and through practical training, students acquire the practical experience needed to develop an immediate understanding of the patients¿ situation and the knowledge and action required.

Practical training in the programme is organised as three courses. When calculating the practical training, we assume that 5 days in practice is a week. Theory and / or study days are not included in the calculation of scope out in practice.The practical training must make up no less than 50% and no more than 60% of the programme, and at least 90% of the practical training must involve patient contact; see the requirements set out in the national curriculum for further education in theatre nursing.

Clinical Studies in Theatre Nursing

· First semester: OPERAPRA10, 20 credits (13 weeks - about 65 days of practical training)

· Second semester: OPERAPRA20, 15 credits (10 weeks - about 50 days of practical training)

· Third semester: OPERAPRA3, 10 credits (7 weeks - about 35 days of practical training)

The practical training is organised such that on completion of the programme, the student will have gained experience of and developed theatre nursing action competence in relation to all common conditions, important forms of treatment and different patient situations.

The practical training must include specialist departments where the patient¿s vital functions are threatened or failing. Students should primarily take practical training in the following areas at the surgical department: 

· gynaecology and obstetrics

· gastrointestinal surgery

· endocrine surgery

· orthopaedic surgery

· thoracic surgery

· vascular surgery

· neurosurgery

· urological surgery

Supervision 

Practical training will be supervised, and the student is guaranteed supervision by a nurse with advanced training or a master's degree in theatre nursing.

Operationalisation of learning outcomes 

The student shall specify the learning outcomes for each course based on his/her own preconditions for learning and the framework conditions at the unit where the course is taken. This must be approved by the practical training supervisor and lecturer. These learning outcome descriptions must be concrete, relevant, realistic and measurable. They must describe observable behaviour, for example actions, performance or skills, or results of an unobservable mental behaviour such as a change in attitude. They are intended to help to clarify what the student needs to learn and which learning situations are required to achieve this. This provides a direction for the supervision/instruction required and indications for use in the assessment.

A conversation between the student, the practical training supervisor and the lecturer will take place within the first two or three weeks of a practical training course. The purpose of this conversation is to maintain continuity and progress in the student's learning and development. The lecturer and practical training supervisor must have received the student¿s specification of the learning outcomes in advance so that the conversation can be as constructive as possible.

Shifts 

The practical training courses comprise approx. 32 hours per week. Students must expect to work a certain number of evening shifts during the programme. The student prepares a shift plan for each course for approval by the university and the department where the student is taking the practical training. Continuity in supervision is a goal when preparing the shift plan, and the student should therefore follow the practical training supervisor¿s shift arrangements where possible.

Compulsory attendance at practical training

Attendance is compulsory in areas that are important for achieving action competence as a theatre nurse and where the student cannot acquire knowledge through self-study. This means that attendance is compulsory during practical training courses. In order to pass a practical training course, the student must have attended at least 90% of the planned activities in each course. Students must make up for absence exceeding 10% by agreement with the lecturer and the practical training establishment. If a student¿s absence exceeds 20%, he/she will fail the course. Absence is calculated on the basis of the programme overview/practical training plan for each course.

Elective practical training 

Students have the opportunity to organise a total of 1¿5 weeks of elective practical training in the course of the programme. The elective practical training must be completed at a practical training establishment relevant to the target group and/or functions of theatre nurses. The student must contact the practical training establishment him/herself and submit a written application for elective practical training for the university¿s approval. Such approval will not be granted if the student is at risk of failing a practical training assessment. In addition, the student must have passed all previous exams in the programme. Elective practical training must be funded by the student.

A coursework requirement is a compulsory piece of work/activity that must be approved before the student may take an examination. Coursework requirements are assessed "approved" or "not approved".

Not approved coursework requirements

Legitimate absence based on, for example, a medical certificate, does not exempt students from meeting the coursework requirements. Students who due to illness or any other documented legitimate absence, who do not meet the coursework requirements within the appointed deadline, should as far as possible, be given a new attempt to meet the requirements, before the relevant examination. An agreement with the relevant lecturer must be made in each individual case.

If, due to the nature of the subject/course, it is not possible to implement a new attempt to meet the requirements, before the course exam the student must expect to submit the coursework requirements at the next possible submission deadline. This may lead to a delay in progression through the Master's programme.

If a work requirement is assessed «not approved», students have two chances to retake the work requirement. A work requirement that three times is assessed «not approved», will result in loss of the right to take the course exam.

Provisions governing examinations are laid down in the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and  the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences . Please refer to student.hioa.no.

Assessment methods vary between courses. They includes written reports, oral presentations, portfolio assessments and oral examinations. The Master's project will be assessed based on the thesis and an oral presentation and examination. The grading scale ranges from A (highest) to F (lowest) where A to E are pass grades and F is a fail grade. Both part of the examination need to be passed (i.e. minimum E grade in both parts) in order to pass the exam as a whole. Further details on assessment methods can be found in the individual course descriptions.

A portfolio assessment provides an overall assessment awarding one grade for the whole portfolio. Students may only appeal against the determination of the examination grade awarded for the whole portfolio. Any information on weighting of grades must be considered as supplementary information in connection with the final grade. If the portfolio consists of elements such as an oral presentation, practical work etc., the examination result can not be appealed against. The right to appeal is stated in the individual course descriptions.

If the examination in a course consists of more than one part, all parts of the examination must be passed in order to pass the course.

Normally each course have two internal examiners to assess students' work. Each semester one course will be chosen to include an external examiner, thus the students' work will be assessed by one external and one internal examiner. The Master's thesis is assessed by the student's supervisor and one external examiner.

External programme supervisors

External programme supervisors are a part of ensuring the quality of the individual study programmes. An external programme supervisor is not an examiner, but someone who supervises the quality of the study programmes. All study programmes at Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences are supervised by an external programme supervisor. However, how the external programme supervisors are used may vary. Reference is made to Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at HiOA (available in Norwegian only).

Required coursework is all types of work and tests that are conditions for being permitted to take the exam. In this programme, the required coursework comprises:

• written assignments
• documentation of literature selected by the student
• teaching to/or providing guidance to patients, nursing students, theatre nurse and fellow students
• specifying learning outcomes for practical training courses

The main purpose of coursework requirements is to promote the students¿ progress and academic development in the programme, stimulate students to seek out and acquire new knowledge, and facilitate cooperation and communication in relation to professional issues.

FeedbackThe students receive written and/or verbal feedback from the lecturer and/or fellow students on their written assignments based on the criteria of relevance, theoretical knowledge, in-depth study, ethical reflection, independence and how the assignment is presented.

ApprovalRequired coursework is assessed as approved/not approved. Required coursework that is not approved must be improved before re-submission. If the work is not approved on re-submission, the student cannot take the ordinary exam. Students are entitled to a third attempt before the resit/rescheduled exam. If the third attempt at a coursework requirement is not approved, the student cannot take the resit/rescheduled exam and will have to wait until the ordinary exam for the following year. The student will then be entitled to three new attempts with the new class.