Master´s Thesis in Health Psychology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course involves planning and conducting an independent thesis work in an area relevant to health psychology. The student chooses a subject and relevant scientific methods in consultation with a supervisor. The thesis work is conducted under supervision and is presented in a written thesis. Presentation and opposition of another student's thesis, and defense of one's own thesis are also part of the course.

Expected learning outcomes

Objectives (expected learning outcomes)

Knowledge and understanding
* show extensive knowledge in health psychology.

Skills and ability
* show a deepend ability to independently identify and formulate well defined research questions
* show a deepend ability to independently plan and with adequate methods conduct and document a project in a written thesis
* be able to integrate knowledge, analyze results and discuss complex issues
* be able to apply methods for effective literature search and choose relevant literature in relation to the research questions at hand
* in English, demonstrate ability to communicate knowledge in the scope of the scientific field.

Evaluation ability and approach
* show awareness of the ethical aspects of the research project
* in a constructive manner examine, evaluate and discuss another thesis as an opponent
* independently in an oral and written form present and discuss conclusions with others.

Required Knowledge

Completed courses in health or behavioral science subjects corresponding to 90 credits, of which 15 credits are at advanced level in health psychology and the courses Scientific Perspectives and Research Design, 7.5 credits and Data Collection and Analysis, 7.5 credits.

Form of instruction

The teaching involves individual supervision and compulsory seminars with a teacher and the other students. The thesis work can be done at another university, institute, company or organization, but a supervisor from the home department must always be involved. The teaching may have online elements. The right to receive teaching and supervision applies only during the time the course, for which the student is registered to, is ongoing. The course is given in English.

Examination modes

The course is examined in five parts: a thesis PM, the content and writing process of the thesis, presentation and opposition of another thesis, publication the thesis in DiVA, and defense of the student's own thesis. Two students, at most, can together conduct the five parts.

A thesis committee of researchers will evaluate the thesis and suggest a grade to the examiner who decides on a final grade. The thesis is graded as either Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. The other examined parts are graded as either Fail or Pass. All parts must have to been passed to pass the entire course. If the student fails, new examination opportunities will be arranged according to a schedule. A student who does not fully meet the objectives of the examination, but is close to the limit for a passing grade, may, following a decision by the examiner, be given the opportunity to supplement to obtain the grade Pass on the course, and in certain circumstances the grade Pass with distinction. Completion of the examination must be adapted individually based on the goal or goals that the student has not achieved, and must take place within two weeks after the student has been notified of the examination results, but before the next examination opportunity. The student can at the most be examined five times. A student who has failed twice can apply for a new examiner. For further information, see " Regler och riktlinjer för betyg och examination", dnr: 500-4-05.

Examining elements are indicated in the schedule. All existing teaching within the course can be subject for examination. Decisions on any deviations from the current form of assessment will be made by concerned Examiner. Students who do not pass the regular examination should be provided an opportunity for further examination according to the University's "Regulations for tests and examinations at the undergraduate and graduate levels." A student who has failed two tests for a course or a part of a course, is entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it (HF 6 Chap. 22 §). Requests for new examiners are made to the head of the department of Psychology. Students have the right to be tested on the same curriculum as the regular examination at least two occasions up to two years after the first registration.

Deviations from the form of examination in the syllabus can be made for a student who has pedagogical support due to disabilities. Individual adjustments of the examination form is determined based on the student's needs. The examination form is adjusted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes of the syllabus. After a request from the student the examiner shall, in consultation with the course coordinator and study counselor, promptly decide on the adjusted form of examination. The decision is then to be announced to the student.