Language of instruction

English.

Course content

The main objective of the course is to render candidates familiar with basic research methodologies used in medical and health related research. The course will provide insight into the phases of the research process, from defining the problem and formulating testable hypotheses through project planning, methods for data collection and analysis, to the presentation, writing and publishing of research results. The course will also comprise the compulsory part of education in research ethics and philosophy of science.

The overall aim is to present a comprehensive overview of the different stages in the research process. Doctoral training is a focus area for the University of Bergen, and the goal is to keep a high-quality Basic course with an international profile, with a cross- and multidisciplinary emphasis. The course will also give a brief introduction into some new and advanced research technologies.

The students are expected to use My Space to find all relevant course information and hand-outs.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

After completing the course, the candidate is able to:

• Master fundamental elements in the theory of science within the respective field
• Consider the suitability and utilization of different methods and processes in research
• Comprehend and be able to contribute to the development of new knowledge, new theories, methods, interpretations and forms of documentation within the respective field

Skills

After completing the course, the candidate is able to:

• Conceive research ideas, plan and implement research projects
• Contribute to the forefront of research and hold International research standards
• Challenge established knowledge and practical training of his/her own and adjacent research fields

General qualifications

After completing the course, the candidate is able to:

• Identify relevant ethical issues and conduct his/her own research with academic integrity
• Participate in interdisciplinary fields of work and projects
• Disseminate research and development through recognized national and international channels
• Understand the need for innovation
• viklingsarbeid gjennom velrenommerte nasjonale og internasjonale kanalar.

Study period

Study period Autumn (week 46-47) and Spring (week 10-11). This is followed by a take-home exam over two weeks.

Pre-requirements

Masters degree or equivalent education level is required, with the exception of students on the Medical Student Research Programme.

Recommended previous knowledge

Medical or health related educational background or PhD project related to medical / health related research.

Part of training component

The course is recommended for all PhD candidates at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentsitry, and students at the Medical Student Research Programme, and fulfils the mandatory requirements of scientific theory and research ethics in the training component of the PhD degree. It is highly recommended that the candidates participate in the course during the first year in the program, and for students at the Medical Student Research Programme during their year of full time research.

Form of assessment

The course examination is in the form of an individual written assignment (essay/paper of 1000 words) to be submitted on My Space within 10 working days after the course. More information about the exam will be presented during the course. The assignments will be sent to electronic plagiarism control. Grading scale: pass/ not pass

Who may participate

PhD candidates from Norwegian and international universities are applicable. Students at the Medical Student Research Programme are given priority, and PhD candidates within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, are given priority before external applicants. Students on the Medical Student Research Programme are given priority.

Programme

The course consists of lectures and exercises. There is a major emphasis on group work, and the participants are expected to do work during the evenings during the two weeks of the course.

The course duration is two weeks, with mandatory lectures and group work between 9am and 4pm, Mon-Fri.

It is recommended that participants bring their own laptop for the group work.

Academic responsibility

For more information, contact administrative coordinator at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, phone +47 55 58 66 69, e-mail: phd@mofa.uib.no.

Participation expenses

There is no fee for candidates/students affiliated with the University of Bergen. For other participants the course fee is set to NOK 3000,-.

Reading list

Reading list

 -Carlsen KCL, Staff A, Arnesen H, Bechensteen AG, Jacobsen AF, Omenaas E, Thorstensen R. Forskningshåndbok, fra idé til publikasjon(3. utgave)

Oslo, 2009

-Laake P., Benestad H.B., Olsen B.R. (eds.). Research Methodology in the Medical and Biological Sciences. Academic Press, London, 2007.

-Day, R. A. & Gastel, B. How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper: 6th ed., 2011. Hand-outs (available on My Space)

Course location

Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen