Scientific Research Methods, 7.5 credits

A Bachelor's degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits in healthcare, biomedicine, medical technology, computer and systems sciences, informatics or the equivalent. And proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6.

The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of research design and methodology and to train the student in writing a study plan and critically reviewing scientific litterature.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
* Understand different scientific research designs and methods
* Learn how to set up a research study
* Understand correct ways to refer to and cite from scientific literature

Skills and ability
* Discuss and explain differences between different research methods
* Perform literature reviews and reference relevant scientific literature

* Formulate a research plan

Assessment ability and attitudes
* Critically assess different research designs
* Analyse, set as contrast, compare and review scientific literature
* Discuss own view in relation to the published research

The course includes:
* Research design
* Literature search and review
* Scientific writing
* Scientific presentation
* Critical scientific review
* Data types and data collection techniques
* Quantitative and qualitative methods and data analyses
* Ethical issues

• Lectures
• Self-study
• Teacher-led group activities (workshops)
• Peer assessment

Individual assignment (A-F)
Oral presentation of group assignment (Pass/Fail)

The final grade is based on the grades of the individual assignments and an approved oral presentation of the group assignment.

Compulsory participation
All assignments and the oral presentation of the group assignment are compulsory. The course director decides if, and in that case how, absence may be compensated.

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 counsellor.

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.

Examination will be provided during a time of two years after a possible cancellation of the course. Examination can take
place according to an earlier literature list during a time of one year after the date when a major renewal of the literature
list has been made.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Higher Education.

The course language is English.