More about methods and ethics, 10 credits

Bachelor of science or professional qualification of at least 180 HE credits within public health, health care, or a subject area relevant to social sciences.

The course aim is to enable the student to reflect upon, critically assess and employ scientific methods in practice, including theoretical and ethical considerations. On completion of the course, the student should be able to: - compile, critically assess and discuss research results - reflect upon and present scientific work in different formats and appropriate to different target groups - critically reflect upon the role of science in global knowledge production - describe, understand and employ basic theory of science concepts, such as realism/relativism, objectivity/situatedness, ontology/epistemology and induction/deduction - describe the historical development and milestones of informed consent, including the Helsinki and other Declarations, codes and other instruments used as guidance principles - present his/her research within an ethical framework, facilitating the identification of ethical dilemmas, i.e. situations where different ethical principles, interests and norms may come into conflict with each other

The course is divided into three parts: Scientific methodology (5.5 hp), Theory of science (1.5 hp) and Ethics in research (3 hp). Part 1, Scientific methodology, 5.5 hp, is implemented as a seminar series during three terms. During the first two terms, the practical skills that are needed to implement and present research and development work are considered, while the third term focusses on preparations for the thesis work. The part include database literature search, research fraud and plagiarism, and methods for literature reviews. Critical assessment of scientific work also include training in constructive seminar discussions. Formats of presentation considers oral presentation including powerpoint design, and written presentation in the form of poster, report, thesis, scientific article, research protocol including applications for research grants, and design of tables and diagrams. Oral and written presentations aimed at different target groups, such as scientists, politicians and officials, the media and the general population. Part 2, Theory of Science, 1,5 hp, is implemented as a mixture of lectures, reading exercises and seminars during the 3rd semester. This part seeks to increase the students’ capacity to understand, analyze and critically reflect upon scientific knowledge production in the era of globalization. The learning outcomes are obtained by the students' acquaintance with the art of philosophical thinking, basic concepts and discussions within Theory of science and their understanding of how this can be employed on specified empirical cases. Part 3 , Ethics in research, 3hp, seeks to increase the student capacity to analyze questions related to research ethics involving human subjects. This will be attained by the students assimilating greater knowledge about the basic concepts, norms and principles of research ethics, and learning more about national and international legislation governing the subject. This includes becoming familiar with ethical declarations, codes and other instruments used as guidance principles within different medical or healthcare science research fields. It also includes training in the identification of dilemmas in public and global health research as regards human subjects and training in writing subject information letters and standard applications for ethical review.

The learning takes place by means of lectures, seminars with student presentations and discussions, group and individual assignments; with course literature and distributed material such as scientific articles and internet publications.

Part 1 is examined through an individual assignment and a group assignment: The individual assignment consists of a portfolio with samples of practical tasks and written reflections, submitted by a stated date. The individual assignment is graded as U/G/VG. The group assignment is presented at a seminar, and consists of a presentation of a given scientific paper. The group assignment is graded U/G. Part 2 is examined through an individual assignment; an essay where a number of concepts are defined and employed in a critical analysis of an empirical case, related to the planned master thesis subject. Part 2 is graded as U/G. Part 3 is examined through an individual assignment, closely related to a standard application for ethical review, in order to enhance the students' ability to analyse ethical dilemmas in his/her own work and in the work of others. Part 3 is graded as U/G. The final grade at the course is based on the grade on the individual assignment in Part 1. The grade G on Part 2, Part 3 and the group assigment in Part 1 are required to obtain the final grade. Compulsory attendance Attendance and individual active participation at the seminars are compulsory. Accomplished individual and group assignment are compulsory. The course leader decides if and how absence from compulsory activities can be compensated. Before the student has participated in compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the course director's instructions the student's results for respective part are not registered in LADOK.

The course is cancelled. Examination under the syllabus is offered until Spring 2012 for students who do not complete the course successfully

The course language is English.