Course syllabus - Scientific Methods

Objectives

The aim of the course is that the student will acquire deeper knowledge of scientific methodology and develop his/her critical approach to knowledge and research, and be able to independently integrate and use these skills.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the students should be able to:

1 critically review and reflect on different perspectives within scientific theory and the use of different research methods in relation to an independently formulated research problem
2 independently identify and formulate a research problem based on a completed literature review
3 plan an independent work in writing, with the necessary research design, data collection and analysis methods, oral and written independent motivation for the same, and be able to critically review an equivalent planned work
4 identify and apply the relevant quality criteria based on the selected research method
5 identify ethical problems, take ethical stands, and be able to suggest how to take into account ethical considerations in their own and others´ scientific work
6 generally describe and discuss the principles of evidence in public health work and care, based on research results

Course content

Perspectives within scientific theory
The research process
The research problem, design and methods
Literature searches
Data collection and data analysis
Research ethics and researcher ethics
Scientific writing
Critical reviews
Perspectives on evidence

Tuition

Teaching is carried out through lectures, seminars and group exercises. The teaching forms aim to train to train the students in independent, active knowledge searches, cooperation, discussion, argumentation and critical reflection, individually and in groups.

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor´s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 credits (180 ECTS credits) within the fields of public health, caring, nursing or medical science. In addition Swedish course B/Swedish course 2 and English course A/English course 5 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course B/Swedish course 2.

Examination

Exercise (GRU1), 1.5 credits, oral and written report of group assignment for learning objective 6. Marks Pass (G).
Exercise (PM01), 6 credits, report will be examined orally and in writing, and with opposition as regards Learning Objectives 1-5. Marks Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).

To receive Pass with distinction on the course it is necessary to have VG in PM01. For further details, please refer to the relevant documentation.
 

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail