FHA1112 Bachelor thesis

Contents and structure

The bachelor's program concludes with students completing a bachelor's thesis during the 6th semester of their studies.An informal information meeting is held in the fall to provide details and initiate the thesis process; however, the course itself begins and is conducted in the spring semester of the 6th semester.

The bachelor's thesis is primarily a collaborative effort, with two students working together. The thesis is a written project focusing on public health aspects with an emphasis on diet and/or physical activity, reflecting the students' understanding and specialization in the subject.

Students are required to carry out an independent analysis and discussion of a specific and feasible research question that is relevant from a public health perspective within diet and/or physical activity. The bachelor's thesis must be based on a topic of academic relevance and can be structured as either an empirical or theoretical study.

Learning Outcome

Upon completing the course, the student will achieve the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student:

• has fundamental knowledge of how to conduct an independent scientific project.
• understands how various research methods can be applied in public health work.
• has knowledge of writing research questions and project plans.
• has knowledge of different methods for data collection and analysis.

Skills

The student

• is capable of applying acquired knowledge and delving into a chosen academic field.
• demonstrates scientific thinking and presentation skills, as well as ethical reflection in research.
• is able to plan and structure a scientific project.
• can use relevant research methods in their specialization work.
• possesses the ability to independently analyze and interpret collected data.
• is able to receive supervision and discuss key issues related to their bachelor's thesis.
• demonstrates the ability to apply acquired knowledge and deepen their understanding of a chosen academic field using international scientific literature.

General Competence

The student

• can work on a selected topic using scientific methods.
• showcases their academic field and can communicate it effectively by addressing a chosen topic in a written assignment.

Entry requirements

FHA112, FHA212, FHA318, FHA412, FHA518, FHA612, FHA-P1, FHA-P2, og FHA712

Teaching methods

The Bachelor's Thesis

The bachelor's thesis is a group project where two students collaborate. However, with approval from the course coordinator, it is possible to apply to write the thesis either as a group of three or individually.

The responsibility for achieving goals, generating ideas, ensuring progress, scheduling supervision sessions in advance, and deciding on the structure of the thesis lies with the students.

Mandatory learning activities are designed to align with specific learning objectives, encouraging students to take an active role in the learning process.

In addition to the thesis work, the course includes lectures on relevant research methods and analytical tools.

Student-centered learning approaches will be utilized, such as seminars or poster presentations with oral discussions involving peers, instructors, and potentially other stakeholders relevant to public health work.

The thesis work is structured based on a project plan, with academic staff serving as supervisors throughout the process.

One of the three mandatory supervision sessions must focus on the research question and project plan. Students should arrange meetings with their supervisor during different phases of the thesis work:

• Early in the process: Refining the research question and approving the methodology for the thesis.
• During the project: Academic guidance on argumentation, thesis development, and preparation for the seminar.
• In the final phase of the scientific work: No later than one week before submission. Supervision is based on submitted written material.

Compulsory learning activities

All mandatory learning activities must be approved by the course instructor for the student to qualify for the exam. The activities and their corresponding learning outcomes are as follows:

• Submission and approval of the research question and project plan by the supervisor within the specified deadline.

  • Learning Outcome:
    • Demonstrates the ability for scientific thinking and presentation, as well as ethical reflection in research.

• Passing the methods quiz.

  • Learning Outcome:
    • Has knowledge of how various research methods can be applied in public health work.

• Completion of three supervision sessions.

  • Requirement: Written material for discussion must be submitted at least three working days before the supervision session.
  • Learning Outcomes:
    • Demonstrates the ability for scientific thinking and presentation, as well as ethical reflection in research.
    • Has the ability to receive supervision and discuss key issues related to the bachelor's thesis.

• Participation and contribution to a group seminar or poster presentation.

  • Learning Outcomes:
    • Demonstrates objectivity and the ability to reflect.
    • Showcases their academic field and can communicate it effectively by addressing a chosen topic in a written assignment.

If mandatory activities are not approved

If a mandatory learning activity is not approved, the student will receive written feedback. Students who fail to meet the requirements for one or more learning activities will be given the opportunity to correct errors and deficiencies (once) or complete an alternative activity provided by the course instructor. The new attempt must be conducted within the current semester and by the specified deadlines, but no later than three weeks before the exam period begins.

Assessment

Written bachelor's thesis

• Word limit: 9000 words +/- 10%. (The word count excludes the cover page, preface, table of contents, abstract, reference list, footnotes, figures, tables, and any appendices.)
• Language: The thesis may be written in Norwegian or English.
• Grading Scale: A-F, where F indicates failure.

If the thesis is not approved, students may submit a revised version in the following semester. However, a revised version with the same research question can only be submitted once. After this, a completely new bachelor's thesis must be written.

Examination support material

All aids are permitted.

More about examination support material