Research Methods and Nursing Research, 6 credits

Admission to semester 5:
All courses from semesters 1-3
Semester 4: Passed assessment from placement 7.5 credits + 7.5 credits (1SJ023 and 1SJ024).

The general aim of the course is that students acquire advanced knowledge of scientific methodology, the research process and the importance of research for clinical nursing.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• explain and compare different types of study designs and methods
• understand how to analyze and judge the quality of a scientific study and to explain how the accuracy and trustworthiness of a study's results are influence by study methodology
• explain how different study designs are applicable to different sorts of research questions

Skills and abilities
On completion of the course, students should be able to:

• formulate a research question of relevance to clinical nursing
• systematically search for scientific articles
• assess the quality of scientific studies
• apply the scientific research process within areas relevant to nursing
• apply research ethics
• use scientific language, write clearly, and use appropriate reference systems

Values and perspectives
On completion of the course, students should be able to:

• evaluate the clinical relevance of nursing research and argue for its relevance in clinical settings

• systematic searching of articles in scientific databases
• quality-assessment of scientfic studies
• study design
• research methods: sampling, data collection, data analysis
• planning and implementation of an empirical study on a small scale
• quality indicators in scientific research
• scientific approach
• research ethics

The teaching is based on a problem-oriented and collaborative approach to learning in which the tasks provide opportunities for the student to take active responsibility for their learning. The used teaching methods are
active knowledge acquisition, problem-solving and critical reflection.

Both the campus and distance courses are web-based and involve both individual and collaborative learning activities The course is based on lectures, workshops, seminars, readings, and both individual and group assignments. Teacher support is offered via web-based learning management system. The number of physical meetings at the course site is limited to at most 2 days.

The course is assessed through a written and oral group examination, a written individual take-home examination as well as a written test. The student has to have passed the written test in order to be eligible to register for the thesis course in the 6th term. To pass the course, students must demonstrate fulfillment of the course's learning outcomes. 

Students who do not pass a regular examination are entitled to re-sit the examination on five more occasions. If a student has not passed the course after taking the examination six times no further chances to take the exam will be given.
Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination. Submission of a blank exam paper is regarded as an examination. If a student is registered for an examination but does not attend it is not regarded as an examination.

If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

The course evaluation will be conducted according to the guidelines that are established by the Committee for Higher Education.

The course is offered in English.

The course will not be credited in a degree together with another course the student has completed and passed which completely or partly corresponds to the contents of this course.