Aim and Content

The coursThe course has 5 content areas

• (1) Scientific theory underlying qualitative and quantitative research; Introduction to research ethics
• (2) Introduction to qualitative research methods; Design of qualitative and quantitative research tools: questionnaires and interview guides
• (3) Practical study implementation challenges regarding study funding, questionnaire administration, training and study preparations, and issues of accrual, retention and adherence
• (4) Finding and handling literature, reference systems (Endnote); doing a literature review
• (5) Scientific writing, including planning the research protocol from A to Z, planning and writing scientific papers for publication and a session on fraud and plagiarism

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course the student should be able to

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of research theory and philosophy, and the similarities and differences of the theories underlying qualitative and quantitative research
• Recognize the basic ethical principles and understand how these translate into concrete responsibilities of researchers
• Define the basic principles of qualitative research and how they differ from epidemiological principles
• Describe principles underlying proper design of questionnaires and interview guides
• Discuss common challenges in study implementation and potential solutions
• Explain principles of scientific writing; Discuss how to avoid plagiarism and publication bias
• Outline principles of proper citation

Skills

• Describe how to plan and write a complete research protocol
• Design and write an informed consent form
• Demonstrate how to search and find relevant literature and carry out a semi-systematic literature review
• Make use of endnote
• Design and write interview guide for in-depth interviews and focus group discussions
• Design and write a structured questionnaire
• Prepare a presentation for a scientific meeting
• Apply correct citation practise

Course offered (semester)

 Autumn

Course Unit Level

Master and PhD

Access to the Course Unit

Open to all registered students at Master and/or PhD level at the University of Bergen.

Pre-requirements

Minimum a good Bachelor or equivalent, according to the requirements for the Master programme.

Teaching Methods

A mixture of lectures, individual and group exercises and individual study.

Compulsory Requirements

Participation in lectures and group work (requirement 80 % attendance).

Assessment methods

Written home exam (individual assignments) to be delivered in the first week of Januar.

Group work presented in-class.

Reading List

Articles and book chapters will be made available on MySpace together with lecture notes and handouts.

Place of Teaching

Centre for International Health, University of Bergen

Course Unit Evaluation

Students evaluate the teaching according to the quality assessment requirements of the University of Bergen. The evaluation method is through an online electronic form.