Content of the thesis
It is praxis at KI and other medical faculties in Sweden to compose so called compilation theses with a kappa (comprehensive summary) and separate original papers.
The requirements for the original papers are defined in the Rules for doctoral education at KI.
Layout and content of the thesis
The Committee for doctoral education has produced an instruction regarding the content of the template for a compilation thesis.
US-AB has been procured by KI for printing of theses for degree of licentiate and degree of doctor. The printing house US-AB has produced a template for theses based on instructions from KI. US-AB needs to be contacted to get access to the template and for printing of the thesis.
It is recommended to include the following headings in the kappa (comprehensive summary):
- POPULAR SCIENCE SUMMARY OF THE THESIS
- It is strongly recommended that the thesis contains a popular science summary in English
- It is permitted for anyone who so wishes to additionally write a popular science summary in Swedish or in another optional language.
- ABSTRACT
- LIST OF SCIENTIFIC PAPERS
- CONTENTS
- LIST OF ABBREVATIONS
- INTRODUCTION
- LITERATURE REVIEW
- RESEARCH AIMS
- MATERIALS AND METHODS
- It is strongly recommended to include ”Ethical considerations”
- RESULTS
- DISCUSSION
- CONCLUSIONS
- POINTS OF PERSPECTIVES
- e.g. for future research, clinical implications, or health policy
- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
- REFERENCES
The original papers numbered I, II, III etc. are put in the end after the references.
To have in mind when composing the kappa
The purpose of the kappa (comprehensive summary of the thesis) can be summarised as following:
- To demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of the research field, and ability to identify a need for further knowledge in the field
- To encapsulate the aim of the research project and the hypotheses/points of enquiry that have been addressed
- To demonstrate familiarity with the methods applied in the research field
- To demonstrate an ability to place their own research in a wider context of the latest research in the field
The kappa should be weighted towards a reflective discussion and contextualisation of the student’s own research results.
The text of the kappa must be the student’s own original work without the extensive reproduction of extracts from the constituent papers. Failing to acknowledge sources when quoting from the work of others constitutes plagiarism.
Composing the kappa contributes to achieving the intended learning outcomes (ILOs) for doctoral education set out by the Higher Education Ordinance and is a possibility for the doctoral student to show that the objectives for degree have been achieved (see also below).
The kappa is a public document and is published digitally. It may be used to present preliminary (unpublished) results, but its public nature should be borne in mind if, for example, the research group is considering patenting any aspect of their work. Including preliminary results in the kappa might also cause difficulties for the group should they wish to have their results published in certain journals at a later date.
Support for writing the thesis
Additional support to write a good thesis/kappa:
- The document Support for writing the thesis
- Workshops and seminars organised by KI University Library (KIB). Keep your eyes open for additional educational opportunities regarding writing of the kappa, for example organised by your department or a doctoral programme.
- Text matching system iThenticate
Intended learning outcomes and the kappa
The kappa (comprehensive summary of the thesis) is part of the examination and is included in the assessment of whether the ILOs set out by the Higher Education Ordinance for doctoral education have been achieved.
The doctoral student can show achievement of the ILOs for doctoral degree (and in a corresponding way for ILOs for Licentiate degree) in the following sections of the kappa:
Intended learning outcomes for the Degree of Doctor according to annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance |
Sections in the kappa |
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| A. Knowledge and understanding | |
| A1. demonstrate broad knowledge and systematic understanding of his/her research field as well as deep and current specialist knowledge in a particular aspect of this field; and |
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| A2. demonstrate familiarity with scientific methodology in general and with the methods of his/her specific field of research in particular. |
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| B. Proficiency and ability | |
| B1. demonstrate a capacity for scientific analysis and synthesis and the independent critical review and assessment of new and complex phenomena, issues and situations; |
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| B2. demonstrate an ability to identify and formulate research questions critically, independently, creatively and with scientific rigour, and to plan and conduct research and other advanced tasks using appropriate methods and within given time frames as well as to review and evaluate such work; |
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| B3. demonstrate through the writing of a thesis the ability to make a significant contribution to the development of knowledge through his/her own research; |
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| B4. demonstrate an ability to present and discuss research and research results, orally and in writing and with authority, both in national and international contexts and in dialogue with the scientific community and society in general; |
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| B5. demonstrate an ability to identify the need for further knowledge; and |
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| B6. demonstrate an ability to contribute to the development of society and to support the learning of others in research, education and other advanced professional contexts. |
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| C. Judgement and approach | |
| C1. demonstrate intellectual independence and scientific integrity as well as an ability to make ethical judgements in research; and |
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| C2. demonstrate deeper insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual in its application. |
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