The aim of the course is for the student to acquire advanced knowledge in the main field of criminology, with a special focus on assessment, prevention, intervention, and treatment within the fields of crime, substance abuse and mental illness. An additional aim is for the student to acquire advanced knowledge in research methodology and research ethics.

The course addresses the knowledge and the skills necessary for the student to be able to conduct and defend a degree project of high quality, which entails methodological, scientific and research ethical issues at an advanced level.

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to

1. independently, under supervision, conduct a degree project relevant to the study of criminology,

2. Identify and formulate relevant criminological research questions,

3. apply and analyze scientific models, theories and methods,

4. apply principals of research ethics and regulations for an ethical review of an academic paper, and

5. orally defend the degree project.

The teaching takes the form of lectures, seminars and supervision, individually as well as in groups (learning outcomes 1-5). At every meeting the student will present material for review and peer review other students’ material. At the final examination the student will defend the degree project (learning outcomes 1-5).

Student performance is assessed individually through the degree project (learning outcomes 1-5) and through activities in seminars (learning outcomes 1-5). Focus of assessment of the degree project is the student’s ability to independently identify and formulate relevant criminological research questions, apply and analyze scientific models, theories and methods, apply principals of research ethics and regulations for an ethical review of an academic paper, and orally defend the degree project. Focus of assessment for the seminars is the students ability to discuss and present individually written material. In order to achieve the grade pass (C- E) the student must achieve the grade E on all assignments. Achievement of the Grade of Distinction (A or B) requires that originality and meta-theoretical understanding characterize the degree project.

Students who fail the exam are given the opportunity to do two re-takes with the same course content and with the same requirements. The student also has the right to take the examination in the same course in the subsequent course according to the same rule. Examination and re-takes are carried out at the times specified in the course schedule.

Lag (2003:460) om etikprövning av forskning som avser människor.

The course literature should be selected in consultation with the lecturer/supervisor

The course coordinator is responsible for con-ducting a formative course evaluation (temperature taking) after half the course is finished. This feedback is given in writing and orally to the students as soon as possible. The course coordinator is also responsible for conducting a summative evaluation in connection with the course's completion. Notes from the feedback are made available to the course's students, and feedback is given to the students who will start the course in the next course session.

If a course is no longer offered or has undergone major changes, students are offered two re-take sessions based on the syllabus in force at registration during a period of one year from the date of the implementation of the changes