SGLK15004U Health Research Methodology
MSc Programme in Global Health - compulsory
The course introduces the principal concepts and methodological
approaches used in global health research; with a focus on
quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as methods
for completion of systematic reviews. The aim is to develop the
ability of the student to critically discuss, select, and apply the
appropriate method(s) for addressing specific research questions in
global health, while at the same time respecting international and
national regulations and declarations on research in relation to
health.
Teaching in quantitative methods will build on the student’s
pre-requisite knowledge of the basic principles of statistics. The
course will cover methods for primary (field-based) and secondary
data collection - including definition of variables; target
populations; sampling; sample size calculation; and questionnaire
design. Central issues on data management, analyses and validation
using statistical software (e.g. SPSS) are also covered during the
course.
Teaching in qualitative methods will build on the student’s
existing knowledge of the basic concepts of anthropological and
sociological research. The course covers the principal methods for
primary data collection including focus group discussions; key
informant interviews; participant observation and oral history.
Central issues on data management and qualitative content analysis
are also covered.
The course will provide an introduction to the mixed methods
approach in terms of the rationale for use, common procedures, and
limitations.
The basic methodological approach to systematic reviews of health
interventions is introduced, including search strategies for
secondary data; pre-determined inclusion criteria for eligibility
and quality of identified data; specification of outcomes and
indicators; as well as narrative and statistical data analysis
(including meta-analysis).
In addition, the course covers the basic principles and statutes on
research ethics addressing the considerations and challenges of
ensuring good research practice at each of the main stages of the
research process.
Knowledge
On completion of the course, the students should be able to:
- Identify relevant research problems in global health
- Demonstrate knowledge of general concepts, ethical considerations and methods used when addressing research problems
Skills
On completion of the course, the students should be able to:
- Design a feasible and ethical research study in global health
- Determine research questions, study objectives and select appropriate research method(s)
- Plan, collect, manage and analyse qualitative and quantitative health related research data and materials
- Ensure respect for and protection of human research subjects
- Address study limitations and interpret and communicate research findings
Competencies
On completion of the course, the students should be able to:
- Critically evaluate, validate and discuss existing scientific literature and data
- Differentiate between various research study designs and methods
- Carry out and coordinate scientifically valid research
- Increase knowledge in a particular problem area or issue of global health
Primarily research papers provided during the course
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 56
- Exercises
- 18
- Lectures
- 62
- Preparation
- 58
- Seminar
- 12
- Total
- 206
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written assignmentThe length of the written take-home assignment must be 7-10 pages (2400 words/page), excl. Cover page, table of contents, list of references and appendices.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
- Exam period
http://healthsciences.ku.dk/education/guidance-information/exam-schedule/global-health/
- Re-exam
http://healthsciences.ku.dk/education/guidance-information/exam-schedule/global-health/
Criteria for exam assesment
To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student must be able to:
Knowledge
Identify and describe relevant research problems based on a critical evaluation of available scientific literature and data within the field of global health. This includes the evaluation of systematic reviews with an emphasis on health interventions of global health relevance.
Skills
Formulate specific research questions and objectives to be addressed within the framework of a mixed methods research project
Determine appropriate study designs and critically discuss relevant quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods that align with these designs.
Competences
Apply knowledge of general concepts for ensuring good academic and research practice including the key concept in research ethics.
Synthesise all of the above into a coherent research proposal adhering to the conventional structures of research literature.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- SGLK15004U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedule
- See syllabus
- Course capacity
- 44 participants. Only few available slots for credit tranfser students. Credit transfers students should apply for enrollment here: http://healthsciences.ku.dk/education/other-programme-options/credit-transfer-students/
- Study board
- Study Board for International Health
Contracting departments
- Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology
- Department of Public Health
Course responsibles
- Karin Linda Schiøler (4-6d75656a4275777066306d7730666d)
Chief responsibility