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SYKS390 Bachelor thesis

Course description for academic year 2023/2024

Contents and structure

In this module, students will explore nursing subject area problems and questions, and clarify them through the use of theory, research and experience-based knowledge. The module aims to create a basis for knowledge and awareness of nursing as a subject, a profession and a science.

 The systematic academic work carried out in this module aims to shed light on new knowledge, and contribute to quality development and innovation in nursing. After submission of the thesis the students are going to continue to work with a conveying of their work. The conveying might be a poster presentation, or an oral presentation,10 minutes. The conveying of the bachelor's thesis is going to be at the Health and Social Sciences - EXPO at HVL at each of the campuses.  

The thesis can take the following forms:

1. Literature study, two alternatives:

  • Alternative A: A focused examination of a specific issue
  • Alternative B: A systematic overview of subject knowledge literature within one field

  2. An essay based on experiential knowledge, which is discussed with reference to relevant subject knowledge and research.  

3. Empirical thesis, two alternatives:

  • Alternative A: Based on the student’s individual data collection
  • Alternative B: Based on participation in an ongoing research or subject development project

The choice of thesis is made in consultation with a supervisor.

Students can write a thesis individually or in pairs.

Students must follow HVL’s Bachelor thesis guidelines.

Learning Outcome

Upon module completion, students will have attained the following total learning outcomes, divided into knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:
The student...

  • will have a broad knowledge of the central values, theories and concepts of nursing as a subject and as a profession
  • will have knowledge of scientific theory, research methods and research ethics
  • will have knowledge of how one can keep their subject knowledge up to date

Skills:
The student...

  • will be able to use subject knowledge of health, illness and society
  • will have mastered systematic literature searches, and will be able to use and critically assess search results and other academic literature
  • will be able to use subject knowledge and relevant results from research and development work covering theoretical and practical issues, and make choices in line with knowledge based practice
  • will be able to reflect on and handle professional, ethical and legal issues
  • will be able to reflect on existing routines and methods, and will be able to take initiative to implement new knowledge and new methods of working
  • will be able to find, assess and refer to academic texts in English

General competence:
The student...

  • will be able to plan and complete a project
  • will be able to plan, complete and disseminate a systematic academic work
  • will be able to convey key subject matter such as theories, problems and solutions, both orally and in writing
  • will be able to convey opinions and share experiences with others in the field, and through this contribute to the development of best practice

Entry requirements

SYK100, SYK110, SYK130, SYK120P, SYK140, SYK200, SYK220P, SYK230P

Recommended previous knowledge

SYK300, SYK250, SYK260P, SYK320P, SYK330P, SYK360P

Teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Group work
  • Multimedia resources
  • Student presentations
  • Supervision
  • Peer feedback
  • Written work
  • Self-study

Compulsory learning activities

The following compulsory learning activities must be approved before students can sit the final examination:

1: Guided seminar in connection with the project plan included peer feedback

2: An approved project plan, up to 1500 words

3: Two individual/pairs supervisions 

Approved compulsory activities are valid for four semesters. In the case of absence from cumpulsory learning activities, the same rules apply as for absence during practical training according to the regulations relating to programmes of study and examinations at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

Assessment

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing thesis written assignment, done individually or in pairs

Assessment grading
Graded using a scale from A to F, where A to E are passing grades and F is a fail.

Resitting examinations
If a student fails their bachelor thesis, they can submit a revised version for marking. Students are entitled to new supervision.

Examination support material

All

More about examination support material