Disability Research, 7.5 credits

Entry requirements

Registration as doctoral or master

student.

Entry requirement for studies on third-cycle education courses

• second-cycle degree,
• 240 credits in required courses, including at least 60 second-cycle credits, or
• acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other manner

Specific information

This course is given in English.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the students will be able to:

• Knowledge and understanding

  • describe how changes in body systems can lead to impairments.
  • describe biological, psychological, and social mechanisms in relation to impairments and disability.

  Competence and skills

  • analyze how mechanisms interact across biological, psychological, and social levels in relation to impairments and disability.
  • analyze how personal attributes affect the manifestation and experience of disability.
  • analyze how impairments can be compensated by internal and external factors.

  Judgement and approach

  • discuss how the Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030) relate to disability and disability research.
  • critically evaluate scientific articles within the research area.

Contents

The content of the course relies on a bio-psycho-social perspective of impairments and disability. The course deals with impairments and how these can lead to disability in a certain environment. Mechanisms that can explain phenomenon that arises at different levels as well as how mechanisms interact across the levels are investigated. Focus is given to the role of how personal attributes explain why people with the same type of impairment can experience different participation restrictions at large (society) and at the individual level (activities). How psychological mechanisms might decrease or enhance negative effects of impairment is also included in the course. Further, the course includes how impairment can be compensated for through internal factors (e.g. good cognitive ability, personality factors, or experiences) and external factors (e.g. aids or interventions). Current disability research topics as well as its connection to sustainable development are covered.

Educational methods

Lectures, group work, seminars, and individual studies.2209078

Examination

The students are examined by

• active participation at seminars (including groupwise preparations)
• individual, written, reflection assignments
• individual, written, examination assignment

Grading

Course literature

A list of recommended literature will be provided by the course coordinator at the start of the course.

General information

The course is scheduled to take place in the autumn of 2026, starting in week 41.

The course is planned and carried out according to what is stated in this syllabus. Course evaluation, analysis and suggestions for improvement should be fed back to the Research and PhD studies Committee (FUN) by the course coordinator.