Course Overview

The PhD Thesis, Health Sciences course is a 150 ECTS program reserved for candidates admitted to the PhD program in Health Sciences. The course aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge, skills, and general competence in health sciences research.

Course Content

The PhD thesis shall deal with a topic in the field of Health Sciences and is the main work that forms the basis of assessment for the PhD degree in Health Sciences. The dissertation is an individual scientific work done by the candidate under supervision, which may consist of several smaller works or a monograph.

Objectives of the Course

The objectives of the course are to:

• Possess a comprehensive understanding of the international research landscape within their field
• Demonstrate the ability to critically assess the methodological and academic quality of existing knowledge within their field
• Contribute to the advancement of new knowledge, theories, methodologies, and modes of dissemination within their academic discipline
• Evaluate the appropriateness and application of diverse perspectives, methodologies, and modes within their academic domain

Skills and General Competence

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Critically assess and formulate research questions, plan, and execute research and academic development work in their own research project
• Propose and justify new research questions within their field of expertise
• Critically evaluate and justify the conclusions drawn from their own research project
• Explain and critically reflect on value and interest conflicts related to their own field
• Evaluate and apply various communication channels for their own research project and field of study

Teaching Methods

The work on the dissertation is the most important contribution to the PhD candidate acquiring research expertise and achieving expected learning outcomes. The dissertation forms largely consist of independent work and research activities under supervision, as well as participation in a research group.

Examination

The examination consists of three parts:

• Oral exam (trial lecture)
• Oral exam (public defense of the dissertation)
• Assignment (PhD thesis)

Coursework Requirements

To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements:

• Mid-term evaluation
• Approved educational component

More Info About the Coursework Requirements

• Midway assessment: The candidate's progression shall be evaluated midway in the program.
• Approved educational component: The educational component must be passed and approved before the PhD thesis can be submitted for assessment.

More Info About the Assignment

• PhD-thesis: The dissertation can consist of a compilation of several smaller works or a monograph.

More Info About the Oral Exam

• Trial lecture: The candidate shall hold a trial lecture on an assigned topic.
• Public defense of the dissertation: The candidate shall present an overview of their doctoral work and engage in a discussion with the audience.

Re-sit Examination

The PhD thesis must be approved before the candidate can proceed with the trial lecture and the public defense of the thesis. If the PhD thesis is not deemed satisfactory, it can be resubmitted for re-evaluation once. If the trial lecture is not passed, the candidate may conduct a new trial lecture once. If the defense of the thesis is not passed, the candidate may be presented for a new defense of the thesis once.

Info About the Weighting of Parts of the Examination

To complete the course and be rewarded with the title of philosophiae doctor, all three exams must be approved. The PhD thesis must be approved before the candidate can proceed with the trial lecture and the public defense of the thesis. The trial lecture must be approved before the candidate can proceed with the public defense of the thesis.

University of Tromso: A Summary

---

Overview:

UiT Norges arktiske universitet (University of Tromso) is a public university located in Tromso, Norway. It is known for its focus on Arctic research and education.