Sida 1 av 2 Course evaluation template
Course evaluation template
Course code 4BIO92
Course title
Applied communication in biomedicine 1, including philosophy in science and bioethics
Credits
8 Semester
Autumn 2018
Period
2020-08-31 – 2020-10-05
Course coordinator Lars-Arne Haldosen
Examiner
Lars-Arne Haldosen
Other participating teachers
Niklas Juth, Anki Östlund-Farrants, Peter Lind, Charlotta Gottfries
Other participating teachers
Number of registered students 40
Number who have not completed the course
0
Number passed after regular session 40
Conclusions from the previous course evaluation
This course stems from 1998 but has thanks to discussion and feedback from students and teachers over the years slowly developed into a totally different course as compared to start.
From last years survey and discussion with students the major suggestion for change was within the bioethics part. They would like to have more face-to-face sessions with bioethics teacher to discuss bioethical cases in support of the virtual bioethics course they take.
Description of conducted changes since previous course occasion
The bioethics part consists of the virtual bioethics course that the masters programme has developed within the Nordic biomedicine masters network NordBioMedNet. Before the virtual course bioethics responsible teacher had an introduction – and after the virtual course the same teacher had a concluding lecture and discussion seminar with the students. New for this year was that the teacher had in real life sessions with the students within the virtual course.
Method(s) for student influence
After the course there was a discussion with student representatives about the course. After finished course there was a concluding survey with only a 50% response frequency. The result of the survey is presented on the course web.
Summary of the students’ response to the course valuation In all the students consider the course of value. Regarding scientific writing there are mixed opinions –some students find this part of value – and some students have already been exposed and trained well in scientific writing – this dependent on content of their bachelor´s. Regarding bioethics the students found the virtual course good – but would like to have more contact and
discussion sessions with the responsible teacher.
Sida 2 av 2 Course evaluation template
The course coordinator’s reflections on the implementation and results of the course
Strengths
Organized so students get the opportunity to work in a team and get to know each other at an early stage in the training and coming to KI. The course was first given 1998 and has been refined over the years and with sticking to the competent and dedicated lecturers involved.
Weaknesses
The subject - philosophy of science and bioethics - is for many students new area and belongs to the "soft science". Some students see themselves as pure and natural scientists and
consider the topic not interesting. It is and has been a challenge to address this. In itself is not exactly a weakness, but can be marked here. The clear majority of the students, however, see the topic very interesting and think it is relevant.
Reflections
The course is ok on the whole, but all can be better. For the first time bioethics was mainly given with the newly developed virtual course and found good. However, the students suggest more contact and discussion seminars with responsible teacher.
Description of how the course works with quality, research-basis and collaboration with other professions
Based on discussions with students and results of surveys the course has changed over the years – this with improved results and students finding the course overall good and relevant.
Major part of this course concerns soft skills – read, write, talk and reflect on ethical ssues – thus no immediate connection to research. However scientific literature is used for
assignments and bioethics part relates to research and biomedicine. No interprofessional parts in this course.
Course coordinator’s conclusions and suggestions for improvement This course was run for the last time this autumn. However in the new masters programme the subjects in this course will be found. Thus, experiences and comments from students over the years from this course are very valid and useful.
Views on the course and improvement suggestions from others Please see above
Description of how the course valuation has provided feedback internally and to the students
The course valuation will be available on the course home page – this page will be up for two years. The course evaluation has also been sent to responsible teachers.