SGLK23003U Empirical data thesis seminars

Volume 2023/2024
Education

MSc in Global Health - elective element

MSc in Public Health Science - elective element

Content

To partake in this course, the students should be in the process of collecting or analyzing primary data or writing up their thesis. 

During this course, students will develop knowledge, skills and competencies that will support the completion of their field-based thesis project. Whereas the Global Health course in Health Research Methodology focuses mainly on the preparatory phases (conceptualizing the research problem and developing the methodology), this course focuses on the field work process, managing and analyzing primary data as well as producing the methodology, findings and discussion chapters of the thesis. The theoretical and analytical dimensions of field research are also addressed.

During the course, the student should be in the process of collecting or analyzing primary data or writing up their thesis. 

The course consists of class-based sessions held over two weeks with a week's break in between, dedicated to working on a thesis-related assignment. The courses includes student preparations, class teaching, on-line components, group discussions and a seminar with student presentation and feedback from peers and course teachers. Participation and presentation during the seminar is mandatory. All participating students must contribute feedback to the thesis presentation of other students.

An abstract must be submitted prior to course start. The abstract should be structured, concise, and no longer than 300 words. It must include:

  • An introduction - brief restatement of the problem studied.
  • The research question, and objectives of the thesis.
  • A summary of the methodology.
  • The findings (anticipated or obtained) and expected conclusion of the thesis.
  • Analytical and theoretical inspiration and ambitions

 

See the course Absalon site for more information after course registration.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course the student is expected to:

Knowledge

  • Establish familiarity with state of the art and context-related knowledge of the topic area of the thesis.
  • Identify relevant scientific research methodologies and their application in global health.
  • Identify different relevant methods for data collection and analysis.
  • Discuss the relationship between ontology, epistemology, methodology and methods.
     

Skills

  • Retrieve and critically review scientific literature and information from peer-reviewed and grey literature sources.
  • Identify a research problem and critically discuss relevant research questions within the field of global health and define and delimit study objectives.
  • Critically interpret and discuss research findings in relation to existing evidence within the field.
  • Apply and discuss appropriate methods and theories to analyse field data.
  • Discuss possible ethical considerations and limitations.
     

Competences:

  • Present a consistent and clear thesis synopsis, including methodology, analytical and theoretical inspiration, study findings and discussion.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking on conceptualization, methodology, methods, findings, analysis and completion of a field-based research project.
  • Communicate academic content clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
  • Complete a comprehensive project within a set time-frame.
The student must have completed all mandatory courses and have submitted a thesis contract prior to the course.
The course includes student preparations, class teaching, online components, group discussions and a seminar presentation. Participation and presentation during the seminar is mandatory. All participating students must contribute with feedback to the thesis presentation of their peers.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 6
  • Preparation
  • 50
  • Project work
  • 16
  • Seminar
  • 16
  • Exam
  • 50
  • Total
  • 138
Oral
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
Credit
2,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Course participation
Type of assessment details
The student should have a minimum attendance rate of 80% of the days in which classroom activities are scheduled.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiners.
Criteria for exam assesment

To pass this exam, students must be able to:

Knowledge

  • Establish familiarity with state of the art and context-related knowledge of the topic area of the thesis.
  • Identify relevant scientific research methodologies and their application in global health.
  • Identify different relevant methods for data collection in the field.
     

Skills

  • Retrieve and critically review scientific literature and information from peer-reviewed and grey literature sources.
  • Identify a research problem and critically discuss relevant research questions within the field of global health and define and delimit study objectives.
  • Critically interpret and discuss research findings in relation to existing evidence within the field.
     

Competences

  • Demonstrate critical thinking on conceptualization, methodology, methods, findings and analysis.
  • Retrieve and critically review scientific literature, including relevant theory, and information from peer-reviewed and grey literature sources.
  • Identify a research problem and critically discuss relevant research questions within the field of global health and define and delimit study objectives.
  • Critically interpret and discuss research findings in relation to existing evidence and theory within the field.
Credit
2,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination
Type of assessment details
The student must participate in and present a thesis synopsis during the course seminar scheduled during the last days of the course.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
Exam period

See the exam schedule

Re-exam

See the exam schedule

Criteria for exam assesment

To pass this exam, students must be able to:

Knowledge

  • Discuss the relationship between ontology, epistemology, methodology and methods.
     

Skills:

  • Discuss possible ethical considerations and limitations.
  • Apply and discuss theories and methods relevant for analysis of field data.
  • Collect and handle personal data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

 

Competences:

  • Present a thesis synopsis by power point presentation, which includes conceptualization and objectives, methodology, findings, discussion, including theoretical and analytical perspectives.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking on conceptualization, methodology, methods, findings and analysis.
  • Communicate academic content clearly and concisely orally and in writing at a high academic level.
  • Complete a comprehensive project within a set time-frame.