SGLK18002U Health Research Methodology
MSc Programme in Global Health - compulsory
The course introduces the principal theoretical and
methodological approaches used in global health research; with a
focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as
methods for undertaking systematic reviews. The aim is to develop
the ability of the student to critically assess and apply the
appropriate research method(s) for addressing specific research
questions in global health, while at the same time respecting
international and national regulations, declarations and ethics in
global health research.
Teaching in quantitative methods will build on the student’s
pre-requisite knowledge of the basic principles of statistics and
epidemiology. The course will cover methods for primary 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 (such as SPSS) are also
covered during the course.
Teaching in qualitative methods will build on the student’s
pre-requisite knowledge of the basic characteristics and methods of
qualitative research and provide insight into different approaches
to qualitative research, e.g. ethnography. The course covers
theoretical and analytical conceptualization of qualitative
research, development of research tools and introduction to
different approaches to analysis and application or development of
theory.
The course will provide an introduction to the mixed methods
approach in terms of the rationale for use, common procedures, and
limitations.
Selected types of literature review will be covered. Specifically,
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.
The course will present an opportunity to work in cross-disciplinary project teams and consciously develop skills in maintaining an effective team work process. In an integrated approach, the students will develop their competencies in constructive research-related communication and in providing feedback to peers and team members.
Knowledge
On completion of the course, the students should be able to:
Explain and discuss the theoretical basis for qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research
Identify and discuss the concept and role of pre-understanding in research
Identify relevant research questions in global health
- Demonstrate knowledge of general concepts, ethical considerations and methods used when addressing research problems
- Demonstrate knowledge of important steps and processes in developing a research proposal and of central quality criteria in qualitative and quantitative research.
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 and objectives
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
Contribute constructively to peer-review.
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 particular problem areas or issues of global health
Contribute to a constructive and effective team process within an international environment
- Based on the knowledge and skills above, to demonstrate competence in open and constructive communication in the team work process and in provision and reception of feedback from peers and academic staff.
Primarily research articles and chapters from selected methodology books
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 57
- Exercises
- 28
- Lectures
- 33
- Preparation
- 68
- Study Groups
- 20
- Total
- 206
Open for credit transfer students and other external students. Apply here:
Credit transfer students:
http://healthsciences.ku.dk/education/other-programme-options/credit-transfer-students/
Other external students:
https://healthsciences.ku.dk/education/student-mobility/guest-students/
4slots are allocated for credit transfer students and other external students.
- Credit
- 0 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written examinationCourse certificate: an online test which is mandatory to pass before being allowed to proceed to the final exam (exam 2). The online test will be taken via Absalon. The test may combine multiple choice questions and open questions.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- passed/not passed
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
- Exam period
The online test will take place during the course period.
- Re-exam
Agreed separately with the course leader, but no later than week 5 of the course.
Criteria for exam assesment
To pass the online test the student should be able to:
Knowledge
- Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles, methods and procedures of qualitative and quantitative research methodology
- Describe the basic measures of interest in quantitative research e.g. probabilities, prevalence, incidence, and risk estimates
- Demonstrate familiarity with basic concepts in qualitative research e.g. transparency, reflexivity, pre-understanding and iterative approaches.
Skills
- Evaluate the suitability and appropriateness of different study designs for different research objectives, settings and research participants.
Competencies
Discuss the strengths and limitations of quantitative versus qualitative research methodologies.
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written assignment, 7 daysThe length of the written take-home assignment (research proposal) must be max 10 pages (24000 keystrokes i.e. 2400 keystrokes per page), excl. cover page, list of contents, list of references and appendices.
- Exam registration requirements
Passed online test (SGLK18002U) as described above.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
One internal examiner
- Exam period
- Re-exam
Criteria for exam assesment
To achieve the maximum grade 12, the student should be able to:
Knowledge
- Identify and discuss the theoretical basis for research, and relevant research problems based on a critical evaluation of own pre-understanding, 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 practices 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
- SGLK18002U
- Credit
- See exam description
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 1
- Schedule
- See syllabus
- Course capacity
- 44 participants. 4 slots are allocated for credit transfer students.
- Study board
- The Study Board for Public Health Science and Global Health
Contracting department
- Department of Public Health
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Course Coordinators
- Karin Linda Schiøler (4-6e76666b4376787167316e7831676e)
Chief responsibility