CH205V Scientific Methods in Work Environment and Health 7.5 credits

ATTENTION! The course is given in collaboration with KI and all course content and information to complete the course will be found in Karolinska Institutet's course 3AH014. If you are accepted to the KTH-course, you first need to register at KTH. You will then be invited to the course at KI. Information about registration at KI will then be given.

Note that the course is given at half speed, i.e. it will require approx. 20 hours per week. Most are scheduled for Mondays and Tuesdays. The course is entirely distance learning. But there are mandatory zoom seminars and 1-2 on-site meetings. For the on-site meetings, replacement tasks can be given if you cannot attend. This is determined by the course supervisor and examiner at KI. Contact the person in charge at KI to plan absence and if it is allowed.

The course covers scientific theory, scientific methods and ethics. The theory of science lays the foundations for the methodology and includes deductive and inductive approaches as well as the history of science. However, the main focus of the course is on the scientific methods. The course goes through both quantitative methods (Epidemiology, experimental design and basic statistics) and qualitative methods with a focus on thematic analysis. It also includes valuing the ethical aspects within the research and the basic principles of research ethics.

The overall aim of the course is to give the student the knowledge and skills needed to compile and evaluate scientific literature in work and health, conduct a small study/survey about work and health and prepare the students for postgraduate studies.

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

1. explain scientific theoretical concepts in relation to the scientific field Work and health
2. formulate and identify the problem behind scientific questions of relevance to the scientific field Work and health
3. evaluate the differences between diverse research methods in terms of study design, data collection, and analysis methods; identify advantages and disadvantages of the different methods and understand how they complement each other
4. critically review scientific literature and research in quantitative and qualitative research
5. carry out a small, scientific study with a qualitative and quantitative approach
6. explain and critically reflect on the basic principles of research ethics

120 credits in technical science, natural science, medical science or human resources mangement. Alternatively, 2 years of professional experience in work environment development. English B/6.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• PRO2 - Project work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• SEM1 - Seminars, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Written exam, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

* In the event of absence from one seminar in the SEM1 module can, if the examiner deems it so, a replacement task may be assigned. In that case, this could be to submit a written reflection on the material studied before the respective seminar.'

A written project report together with an oral presentation, (PRO2, 3.0 credits), grading scale P/F, examines course objectives 2, 3, and 5.

Seminars (SEM1, 1.5 credits) with compulsory attendance, grading scale P/F, examines course objectives 2, 4 and 6.

The exam (TEN1, 3.0 credits) grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, Fx, F, examines course objectives 1, 3 and 6.

The final grade is based on TEN1 from its grade, scale A, B, C, D, E, Fx, F.

Mikael Forsman

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.