Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Research Methodology and Epidemiology
Course Code
SVUEK_121
Branch of Science
Health care sciences and services; Health sciences
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Medicine
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Mirdza Kursīte
Structure Unit Manager
Anda Ķīvīte-Urtāne
Structural Unit
Institute of Public Health
Contacts
Riga, 9 Kronvalda boulevard, svek@rsu.lv, +37167338307
About Study Course
Objective
To provide the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in research methodology necessary to read scientific literature, apply principles of evidence-based medicine, develop critical thinking, and promote further research activities.
Preliminary Knowledge
Basics of human anatomy, histology, and physiology; basic arithmetic.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Describe research paradigms, basic principles and stages of the research process.
2.Identify types of scientific publications and data, along with their respective characteristics.
Individual work and tests
Independent group work • Preparing for the independent group work • Participation in classes
3.Explain the nature of the multifactorial theory of causation and the key concepts used.
Individual work and tests
Study materials
4.Describe methods of data collection, sampling and test evaluation, and types of biases.
Individual work and tests
Participation in classes • 1st in-class assignment
5.Identify basic epidemiological measures and association measures, their application and differences.
Individual work and tests
2nd in-class assignment • Study materials • 1st in-class assignment
6.Outline the nature of the study designs, their strengths and limitations.
Individual work and tests
Participation in classes • Study materials • 2nd in-class assignment
7.Describe the research results' presentation forms and their basic principles.
Skills
1.Create a research question and aim, and an appropriate causal model.
Individual work and tests
Independent group work • Practical tasks
2.Construct the tasks to be performed in various stages of the research process.
Individual work and tests
Practical tasks • Participation in classes
3.Explain the study methodology described in scientific publications.
Individual work and tests
2nd in-class assignment • Independent group work
4.Calculate and interpret basic epidemiological measures and association measures.
Individual work and tests
2nd in-class assignment • Practical tasks • 1st in-class assignment • Participation in classes
Competences
1.Assess the relevance and limitations of the research methodology described in scientific publications.
Individual work and tests
Independent group work • Preparing for the independent group work
2.Develop a research plan.
Individual work and tests
Participation in classes
3.Predict factors that affect the implementation of a study and the validity of its results.
Individual work and tests
Participation in classes • Independent group work
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Study materials |
-
|
-
|
|
Independent learning of study materials specified in E-studies before each class, in accordance with the topics of the class. |
||
|
2.
Practical tasks |
-
|
-
|
|
Performing practical tasks assigned by the lecturers between classes to strengthen research skills. |
||
|
3.
Self-assessment tests |
-
|
-
|
|
Taking self-assessment tests available on e-studies after studying the topic. |
||
|
4.
Preparing for in-class assignments |
-
|
-
|
|
Preparing for in-class assignments using study materials, notes from classes and tasks in Miro. |
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|
5.
Preparing for the independent group work |
-
|
-
|
|
Finding and critically reading three primary scientific publications. |
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Participation in classes |
15.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Active participation in study course classes by engaging in discussions and carrying out tasks in groups. |
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|
2.
1st in-class assignment |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
In-class assignment test about basic epidemiological measures and test evaluation methods. |
||
|
3.
2nd in-class assignment |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
In-class assignment test about observational study designs and association measures. |
||
|
4.
Independent group work |
45.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Presenting the independent group work on three primary publication methodologies during the last class. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
3
|
Topics
|
Introduction to research methodology. Basic principles of research and stages of the research process.
|
|
A scientific problem. Research question, hypothesis, research aim and objectives.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
3
|
Topics
|
A scientific problem. Research question, hypothesis, research aim and objectives.
|
|
Types of scientific publications and data.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
3
|
Topics
|
Epidemiology and evidence-based medicine.
|
|
Theories of causation. The causal model of a study.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
3
|
Topics
|
Basic epidemiological measures.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
3
|
Topics
|
Data sources. Methods of data collection.
|
|
Methods for test evaluation.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
3
|
Topics
|
Sample and sampling methods.
|
|
Random errors and biases.
|
|
Observational studies.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
3
|
Topics
|
Observational studies.
|
|
Association measures.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
3
|
Topics
|
Observational studies.
|
|
Association measures.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
3
|
Topics
|
Experimental studies.
|
|
Association measures.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
3
|
Topics
|
Presenting research results and scientific writing.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
3
|
Topics
|
Presentations of students’ independent work.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
33 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Jacobsen, K. H. 2021. Introduction to Health Research Methods. A Practical Guide. Jones & Bartlett LearningSuitable for English stream
2.
Bouter, L. M., Zielhuis, G. and Zeegers M. P. 2023. Textbook of Epidemiology. Bohn Stafleu van LoghumSuitable for English stream
3.
Baltiņš, M. 2003. Lietišķā epidemioloģija. Rīga: Zinātne. (akceptējams izdevums)
4.
Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. un Kamerāde, D. (red.) 2016. Pētniecība: teorija un prakse. Rīga: RaKa
Additional Reading
1.
Mārtinsone, K. un Pipere, A. (red.) 2019. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana. Rīga: RSU
2.
Fletcher, R. H., Fletcher, S. W. and Fletcher, G. S. 2014. Clinical Epidemiology: The Essentials. 5th ed. Philadelphia: LWWSuitable for English stream