Introduction to Gerontology
2013-2014 - MGE4001 - 15 ECTS

Expected learning outcomes

Within knowledge:

The student

• shall understand and apply basic terminology and factual knowledge within the main areas of Gerontology

Within skills:

The student

• shall feel at ease using ICT and in searching for literature
• is able to search for research-based knowledge as support for his/her professional practice
• is able to assess various scientific publications

Within general competence:

The student

• has a critical attitude to professional and scientific publications within the professional field

Topic(s)

Forms of study and work. Division into groups, awarding of tutor  
Training in the use of ICT in connection with course studies
Briefing on the use of the library and training in the search of literature
Introduction to Gerontology

What is Gerontology?

• Psychogerontology
• Social Gerontology
• Health Gerontology

Research methods in Gerontology

• Design of gerontological research
• Basic features of quantitative methods
• Basic features of qualitative methods
• Life course analyses
• How to read and assess academic publications

Teaching Methods

Essay
Lectures
Group works
Net Support Learning
Meeting(s)/Seminar(s)
Tutoring
Other

Teaching Methods (additional text)

The study programme starts with a session of one week for an Introduction of the course programme, and where one explains the main features of Gerontology as a subject. Pedagogical methods will be lectures, demonstrations with training within ICT and searching for literature.

Further work in MGE4001 is characterized by a heavy workload of subject material. Study of literature individually and in groups will be the most important method of study. The basic units will process the        course assignments within the various topics. Resource lectures will be given connected to each of the five topics that make up Module 1 "MGE4001 Introduction to Gerontology".

Tutoring for essay-writing will be given underway.

Form(s) of Assessment

Essay

Form(s) of Assessment (additional text)

The student, in collaboration with the tutor, chooses a research question within a field of MGE4001 Introduction to Gerontology, and writes an essay. The essay will be assessed according to the current grade scale based on the following criteria:

• Research question, aim and purpose are clearly presented
• The student has found and used literature in a relevant way
• Summing up/Conclusion is clearly based on the text
• Scope 2000 words

The essay is stored in the portfolio and may be a starting point for further work with later assignments.

Grading Scale

Alphabetical Scale, A(best) – F (fail)

External/internal examiner

Internal examiner

Re-sit examination

A new essay is handed in for assessment in agreement with the person in charge of the module

Coursework Requirements

Mandatory work requirements:

1. As the first requirement, the student will write a memo with one's own area of interest as a starting point and one's expectations for the course programme. The memo shall be in the form of and be similar to an individual curriculum and is to be handed in to the tutor for feedback. This a a contribution to the portfolio and is indicative for the student and the tutor.
2. Furthermore, course programme assignments connected to each of the five topics will be given (see Pedagogical methods), that each group discusses with their tutor.
3. Participation in essay tutorials.