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, including 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 - present his/her research within an ethical framework and discuss it in relation to scientific norms and fraud - describe the historical development of informed consent, the Helsinki Declaration, as well as research ethics committees and their ethical and legal framework

The course is divided into two parts: Scientific methodology (7 hp) and Ethics in research (3 hp). Part 1, Scientific methodology, 7hp, 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. Presentations aimed at different target groups, such as scientists, politicians and officials, the media and the general population. Part 2 , Ethics in research, 3hp, seeks to increase the student capacity to reflect upon research ethics and to acknowledge what is acceptable and not acceptable concerning research involving human beings as well as the researcher's honesty. The part includes an overview of normative issues and moral obligations, participation in clinical trials including the importance of informed consent in using register data. Specific ethical problems in connection with public health studies in diffent cultural settings. Requirements of information to research participants and training in writing an application for an ethical committee.

The learning takes place by means of lectures, seminars with student presentations and discussions, group and individual assignments; with 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 a written reflection, 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. Passed group assignment is necessary for getting a final grade at the course. Part 2 is examined through an individual test and a complete application to ethical committee. Part 2 is graded as U/G. The final grade at the course is based on the grade on the individual assignment. Accomplished group assignment and the grade G at part 2 are required. 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 language is English.