ERG220 Enabling occupation

Contents and structure

The course emphasizes the understanding of occupation and enabling participation, through addressing theoretical frameworks and interventions, related to the following topics:

• Housing, housing adjustments and independent home living
• Workplace health, workplace assessment and workplace adjustments
• Hand injuries and splint making

Cultural aspects relevant for occupational therapy is included in this course.

Learning Outcome

A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge: The student...

• can discuss the characteristics of and importance of occupational therapy for the society
• can account for client participation, guidance, communication, ethics and building of relations
• has broad knowledge of the living environment, universal design and adaptations of the surroundings
• has broad knowledge of technology and assistive devices, and how they can enhance or be a barrier in regards of activity and participation
• can discuss how ergonomics and workplace adaptations is related to disability, health and work participation
• has broad knowledge of the importance/significance of work to health and identity
• has knowledge of and can apply up-to date knowledge of the health and welfare system, legislations, and guidelines when assessing and suggesting adaptations of living environments and workplaces
• has knowledge of the anatomical and functional background of the hand

Skills: The student can...

• choose, perform and discuss different assessments and Intervention Process Models relevant in interventions for hand function, living environments and workplaces
• apply professional knowledge in adjustments of the design of surroundings and living environments in order to enhance independence, health and quality of life
• use professional knowledge of ergonomics in assessment and adaptation of workplaces
• reflect upon the relation between health and work and the significance of inclusion of individuals and groups in work settings
• find and refer to relevant legislation and political guidelines relevant for housing adjustments and workplace health
• carry out interventions for persons with hand injuries, including making selective hand splints
• can reflect upon the cultural significance of activities

General qualifications: The student can…

• discuss different viewpoints of welfare technology and collaborate with others in using welfare technology
• has knowledge of and can reflect upon consequences of digitalization in regards of housing adaptations

Entry requirements

The course is open to students from institutions with which the programme has entered into an agreement. The students must have passed their first year of the study.

For students admitted to the bachelor's programme, the requirement is that subjects in the first year of study must have been passed.

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge from ERG200, ERG210 and ERGP2.

Knowledge of rehabilitation.

Teaching methods

The course emphasises the use of practical approaches to enhance the students’ skills relevant to the three themes. The practical part of the course will take place both at the University and in the society (at workplaces and within homes of students or citizens). As part of the workplace module, the students will both do an assessment of a workstation (at the University) and an assessment of an optional external workplace.

The course includes group work, practical workshops, written assignments and seminars. Learning methods which actively involve the students will be applied, in addition to digital learning resources. Assignments can be placed in clinical settings.

Students receive written feedback based on specific criteria for all written compulsory learning activities, related to academic content and academic writing. The purpose of this feedback is to help students understand what is well-done and what needs improvement in their responses. It is expected that students will utilize and build upon this feedback to enhance their performance in subsequent written assignments and exams.

A workload of 40 hours studying per week is expected.

Compulsory learning activities

The following learning activities must be approved for the student to present oneself to the exam:

1. Attendance of 80% at student active and experience-based teaching. This includes group work, workshops, seminars, supervision, excursions and experience-based teaching.
2. Written group report on housing adjustments, 1500 words +/-10 %, in accordance to the assignment.
3. Written group assignment on workplace assessment: report on workplace assessment 1000 words +/-10% with photos.
4. Individual presentation, in "World Cafés" regarding hand injuries, splint making and occupational therapy, based on the students' group work.
5. Attend a seminar where international students have their exam presentation. Norwegian students will give oral feedback on the presentations.

Students receive feedback on academic content and academic writing for the written compulsory learning activities. If assignments that do not meet the minimum requirements specified in the assignment text are submitted, the assignment must be revised and completed before feedback is provided by the teacher. The written compulsory learning activities are valid for four semesters.

Assessment

Oral exam

Individual oral examination of 20-25 minutes.

Time and place for the exam, see Studentweb.

Grading scale

A to F will be used. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is fail.

New exam

New exam is carried out as the ordinary exam.

Examination support material

None.

More about examination support material

Course reductions

• BER205 - The challenge of enabling occupation - Reduction: 10 studypoints
• BER312 - Aktivitet og deltaking som samfunnsansvar - Reduction: 5 studypoints