INTHE4004 – Research Methodology, part 1

Course content

This course is made up of two major components: Introduction to statistics and epidemiology and Introduction to qualitative methods. Shorter introductory components that prepare students for their master's thesis are integral parts of the course and are offered during the autumn.

Introduction to Statistics and Epidemiology

Statistics: Aims to enable students to perform simple statistical analysis for their MPhil thesis and to increase their understanding of statistical methods used in the scientific literature.
Epidemiology: Aims to prepare students for epidemiological research. This involves helping students through the main steps in planning and designing a research project: defining research questions, objectives, and hypothesis, designing the project; and defining populations and samples. This course component includes measures of disease occurence and measures of association between exposure and outcomes.

Introduction to Qualitative Methods

The aims are to introduce the students to the theoretical foundation for the qualitative methods, give them knowledge about the basic techniques, and to provide them with an understanding of the relevance and usefulness as well as limitations of qualitative methods in health research.

  • Short introductions:
  • How to search for relevant literature
  • Project planning

Learning outcome

The students will acquire a solid knowledge about the scientific methods used in health research, be able to identify the appropriate methods for their projects and to develop a research protocol.

Admission

Only students who are admitted to the MPhil programme in International Community Health (master's two years) may attend this course.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

Only students who are admitted to the MPhil programme may attend this course.

Teaching

Access to teaching

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.

Examination

This course consist of two home exams:

  1. Quantitative exam
  2. Qualitative exam

Use of sources and citation

You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Explanations and appeals

Special examination arrangements

Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.

Facts about this course

Credits
8
Level
Master
Teaching
Every autumn
Examination
Every autumn
Teaching language
English