Degree project

The course is compulsary and positioned in semester 10 in the Programme in Medicine (360 credits).

A passing grade is required in Clinical theory and practice 4, 30 credits and in addition all courses placed before Semester 8, according to the programme curriculum of the Programme in Medicine, should be approved.
Furthermore, a passing grade is required for the following course components in the course Clinical Theory and Practice 5: Clinical placement equivalent to a minimum of 12 credits.

The course aims to provide the student with in-depth knowledge of the medical research process and to develop and strengthen a scientific approach. It begins with lectures, web tests and a project plan seminar, followed by further lectures and group exercises. The student also auscultates at a public defence to gain insights into the presentation and critical review of research results.

During the course, the student carries out an individual scientific specialization work within a chosen main field of medicine, with the support of an experienced supervisor. The work covers the entire research process, from the identification and formulation of a research question and project plan, to data collection, analysis and reporting of results.

The student develops skills in research methodology, statistics, information retrieval, reference management, data visualization and critical review of research projects and scientific literature. The student is also trained in communicating research results in both a scientific and a popular scientific way. Research ethics approaches and legal aspects are integrated throughout the course.

The in-depth work is documented in a scientific report with a popular science summary, which is presented orally and in writing. The student opposes the work of fellow students, which strengthens the critical approach and the ability to give constructive feedback.

The project can be carried out in Sweden or abroad, provided that the necessary conditions are met.

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• account for ethical and legal aspects as well as regulations that govern medical research, including research ethics and good research practice
• account for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) as a standard for clinical trials
• give an overview of how scientific results are translated into a basis for decision-making in healthcare 

Competence and skills

• carry out tasks included in a systematic review
• in a project plan, identify, formulate and delimit a research question within the chosen main field of medical study, based on current literature, existing knowledge and experience
•  justify the choice of research methodology in relation to the formulated research question
• account for research ethics principles in relation to the research question and method
• interpret, evaluate and, where applicable, apply statistical analyses in medical research projects
• use scientific databases and digital tools for information retrieval, reference management, data analysis and visualization of data
• carry out a scientific project according to the designed project plan, including data collection, analysis and critical evaluation of the results
• document the project work in a written report that follows scientific standards and given instructions, with proper reference management and including a popular science summary 
• orally present, defend and discuss the project's questions, methods, results and conclusions on a scientific basis
• critically review, give constructive feedback and oppose fellow students' scientific work, both orally and in writing

Judgement and approach

• critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their own project work, put the results in relation to previous research and assess its contribution to the medical field of knowledge
• review and evaluate the research of others with a scientific and critical approach
• apply research ethics and methodology in all parts of the research process
• identify their own need for further knowledge and to take responsibility for their own knowledge development in the area of specialization
• demonstrate a professional approach towards patients, relatives and employees within the subject areas of the course

Forms of teaching:

• tutorial
• self-studies
• lectures
• seminars
• group exercises
• auscultation
• peer-learning

Language of instruction: Swedish
Some parts may be given in English.

The course is examined through the following components:

• Portfolio Examination 1 (8 credits)

  • Web tests
  • Project plan seminar
  • Written project plan
  • Written assignment (reflection)

• Portfolio Examination 2 (10 credits)

  • Oral presentation
  • Oral and written opposition
• Written report (12 credits)

All compulsory elements must be completed in order to pass the course and, if missed, should be retaken as soon as possible by agreement with the course coordinator.

Admission to portfolio examination 2 requires a pass in portfolio examination 1.

To submit a written report, a portfolio examination 2 is required.

The examination elements are integrated and cannot be replaced separately.

If a student who has twice received a failing grade for the same examination component wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Following a decision by the head of the Institute of Medicine, the time for notification after examination assessment has been extended to 20 working days.

The grading scale comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U).

Course evaluation takes place during an on-going course in the form of a Course Board, where the elected representatives of the course discuss with the course management representatives. The protocol from the course board will be published on the university's learning platform. Written course evaluation takes place after the end of the course with the help of a course evaluation survey. A compilation of the course evaluation is published in the virtual learning environment and forms the basis for development of the course.

The result and any changes in the course structure must be communicated to both the students who completed the evaluation and to the students who will start the course.

The student is responsible for establishing a contract with a supervisor at the University of Gothenburg or within Region Västra Götaland. For projects carried out outside the University of Gothenburg, Region Västra Götaland or abroad, a written agreement with a local supervisor in the country in question or at the organisation where the project is to be carried out is also required.

The course may involve costs for travel and accommodation paid for by the student.

Requirements regarding clothing, hygiene and confidentiality follow the directives of the healthcare facilities.

Elements of distance/digital teaching requires access to computer, web camera and connection.