Research methodology, 7.5 credits

Bachelor's degree or vocational degree worth at least 180 higher education credits. Proficiency in the English language documented by an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL with a total score of at least 79 (internet based), 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), IELTS with a total score of at least 6,0 (no band less than 5,0), or other documentation that certifies English language skills equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school.

After completion of the course the student should be able to: - Assess strengths and limitations of different sources of epidemiological data on health status and health care utilisation in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. - Describe how to design, collect and analyse data in a qualitative project. - Use appropriate statistical method for the analysis of different data sets and interpret and present findings from statistical analyses in a clear, concise, and logical manner. - Identify problems caused by systematic errors, bias and confounding in interpreting epidemiological data.

Study design: cross-sectional, case-control, cohort, and intervention studies. Interpretation of epidemiological and statistical concepts as causality, random errors, bias, confounding. Measures of disease frequency and risk, and alternative sources of epidemiological data. Describing univariate and bivariate data: tables and graphs; proportions; measures of central tendency (mean, median), and variability (range, standard deviation, percentiles); correlation coefficients, differences and ratios. Statistical inference: confidence intervals and p-values, hypotheses tests. Simple linear regression analysis and an introduction to multivariable and logistic analysis. Statistical analyses using software. Qualitative research methods: observational method, interviews, focus group discussions, participatory methods. Sampling and data analysis, validity and triangulation in qualitative research.

Learning activities include lectures, group work and practical sessions.

Written examination. Limitation of number of occasions to write the exam The student has the right to write the exam six times. If the student has not passed the exam after four participations he/she is encouraged to visit the study advisor. The number of times that the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session. Submission of a blank examination is regarded as an examination. An examination for which the student registered but not participated in will not be counted as an examination.

After each course occasion there will be at least six occasions for the examination within a 2-year period from the end of the course.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education. The course language is English.