Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Introduction to Research
Course Code
MF_056
Branch of Science
Basic medicine
ECTS
2.00
Target Audience
Medicine
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Rudīte Koka
Structure Unit Manager
Jana Pavāre
Structural Unit
Faculty of Medicine
Contacts
Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, mf@rsu.lv, +371 67409125 +371 67409255
About Study Course
Objective
To develop or promote research thinking and action skills, cooperation, and co-responsibility skills for study programme "Medicine" students.
Preliminary Knowledge
Compulsory content in general secondary education (acquired skills: critical thinking and problem solving; creativity and entrepreneurship; self-directed learning; collaboration and digital literacy).
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Understanding of the scientific method; systematic methodology in evidence-based research; understanding how the scientific method is applied in scientific research; contrasting the different types of health research types and designs; relating how clinical research question arise; develop a research question using the PICO format; analyze a research question using the FINER frameworks; describe the relation between a research question, research objectives, tasks and research hypothesis; describe the structure of PubMed; identify the tools available on PubMed to identify scientific studies using keywords; Conduct a PubMed search using MeSH and/or keywords; apply search filters in PubMed when searching for scientific studies; conduct an efficient basic or advanced search in the Cochrane Library; Identify the main variables in a scientific study; distinguish between the independent and dependent variable; describe NOIR measurement scales; distinguish measurement scales in relation with study variables; differentiate between accuracy and validity of measurements.; describe the main sources of random error and bias in health research; calculate summary measures (mean, median, mode), measures of central tendency (standard deviations, reference range), and variability for quantitative variables using software; calculate summary measures for qualitative variables using a software (proportions, odds, ratios).; identify the structure of a scientific research paper; analyze the structure of a scientific research paper; understand how to plan a scientific manuscript; develop a strategy on how to read scientific publications efficiently; and know the basic principles of scientific writing.
Skills
1.Cooperate in a group; formulate the purpose and tasks of the research; analyze the theoretical literature; perform a PubMed search using MeSH and/or keywords using keywords; apply PubMed search filters; choose appropriate methods for the research; perform descriptive statistics calculations for quantitative and qualitative variables (mean, median, standard deviation, proportions, coefficients) using a statistical processing program; collect data; analyze data; present the results, evaluate the work of group members, recommend proposals for improving the work, perform mutual evaluation and reevaluation.
Competences
1.Combining theoretical knowledge with skills, will be able to integrate them in the development of the next studies and then also in the working career.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Independent work |
-
|
-
|
|
5th Semester: Selection of the research topic and discussion of responsibilities in the group; presenting an understanding of the topic to the supervisor; formulation of the goal and tasks of the research work; and theoretical literature research. Key elements of the Research paper introduction and initial structure. Using automatic tools for the reference design . |
||
|
2.
Key elements of Research paper introduction and initial structure |
1.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
5th semester: Briefly describe what is currently known and the planned research methods. The aim and tasks of the research are named. Keywords (5-7 max) are called, and the keyword definitions are found with references. Key elements of the Research paper introduction and initial structure submitted in e-studies.. |
||
|
3.
A theoretical part of the research |
3.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
5th Semester: students work independently, submit, and present a theoretical part for their research (see self-checklist for the Theoretical justification for the research). Submit peer evaluation (e-studies). |
||
|
4.
Peer review |
7.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
5the Semester: Students perform peer review and submit to e-studies, how group members attended group meetings, participated in group discussions with ideas on how to accomplish assigned tasks, collaborated with the group, and took into account recommendations from both the work leader and group members on the quality of assigned tasks. |
||
|
5.
Group work, attitude, culture of cooperation |
1.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
5th semester: The work supervisor shall evaluate the attitude of the student, attendance at the meetings of the working group, participation in group discussions, quality of tasks performed and compliance with deadlines, collegiate attitude to the recommendations of the group members, and the work supervisor. |
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Reviewer assessment |
35.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Final assessment is a cumulative assessment of successful course completion and consists of: job reviewer assessment (35% of final assessment) |
||
|
2.
Job manager rating |
25.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
6th Semester: Job manager assessment (25% of final assessment) |
||
|
3.
Defending |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Defence Panel assessment (20% of final assessment) |
||
|
4.
Mutual evaluation |
8.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
6th Semester: Mutual assessment of students (8% of final assessment). |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Introduction to health research
|
|
Developing a research idea
|
|
Choosing a topic and applying in e-studies
|
|
Individual preparation for the working group meeting
|
|
The group's first meeting with the supervisor. Analysis of the topic, creating a unified vision of the topic, distribution of duties and responsibilities.
|
|
Developing a research introduction.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Search for scientific literature
|
|
Creation of a plan for the theoretical basis of the research and discussion with the supervisor.
|
|
Development of the theoretical basis of the research, analysis of the literature, creation of references.
|
|
Submission of the theoretical part of the research to the supervisor.
|
|
Presentation of the research theoretical part to the supervisor.
|
|
Development of the plan for the practical part of the research (choice of methods).
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
0.50
Contact hours:
0 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Part 2
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Introduction to health research
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Developing a research idea
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Choosing a topic and applying in e-studies
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Individual preparation for the working group meeting
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
The group's first meeting with the supervisor. Analysis of the topic, creating a unified vision of the topic, distribution of duties and responsibilities.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Search for scientific literature
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Planning the measurements: Precision, accuracy, and validity
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Descriptive statistics
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Scientific writing
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Developing a research introduction.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Discussion of the research introduction in the working group.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Submission of the research introduction to the supervisor.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Presentation of the research introduction to the supervisor.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Improvement of the research introduction.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Creation of a plan for the theoretical basis of the research and discussion with the supervisor.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Development of the theoretical basis of the research, analysis of the literature, creation of references.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Submission of the theoretical part of the research to the supervisor.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Presentation of the research theoretical part to the supervisor.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Improvement of the research theoretical part.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Development of the plan for the practical part of the research (choice of methods).
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Development of the practical part of the research.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Submission of the practical part of the research to the supervisor.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Presentation of the practical part of the research to the supervisor.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Improvement of the practical part of the study.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Development of research conclusions, summary, bibliography, attachments.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Development of research conclusions, summary, bibliography, attachments, and submission to the supervisor.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Presentation of research conclusions, summary to the supervisor.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Preparation of work for submission.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Submission of research in the Moodle system.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Preparation of the presentation.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Presentation of research work.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
1.50
Contact hours:
0 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Defence (Research paper)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Dhir, S. K., & Gupta, P. 2021. Formulation of Research Question and Composing Study Outcomes and Objectives. Indian pediatrics, 58(6), 584–588.Suitable for English stream
2.
Gemayel R. 2016. How to write a scientific paper. The FEBS journal, 283(21), 3882–3885.Suitable for English stream
3.
Medical Library of Florida International University. [video] Evidence-Based Medicine: Searching with PubMed.Suitable for English stream
4.
Medical Library of Florida International University. [video] Understanding Results and Refining your Search.Suitable for English stream
5.
Medical Library of Florida International University. [video] PubMed: Searching with MeSH.Suitable for English stream
6.
Medical Library of Florida International University. [video] Evidence Based Medicine: Using Limits and Retrieving Full Text Articles.Suitable for English stream
7.
Medical Library of Florida International University. [video] Evidence Based Medicine: Using Limits and Retrieving Full Text Articles.Suitable for English stream
8.
Medical Library of Florida International University. [video] Evidence-Based Medicine: Point of Care Resources.Suitable for English stream
9.
Portney, L. Gross., & Watkins, M. P. 2020. Principles of Measurement. In: Portney, L. Gross., & Watkins, M. P. Foundations of clinical research: applications to practice / Leslie Gross Portney, Mary P. Watkins. (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall Health. P 46-60Suitable for English stream
10.
Voit E. O. 2019. Perspective: Dimensions of the scientific method. PLoS computational biology, 15(9), e1007279.Suitable for English stream
11.
Whitley, E., & Ball, J. 2002. (pēdējais izdevums) Statistics review 1: presenting and summarising data. Critical care (London, England), 6(1), 66–71.Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
1.
Alexandrov A. V. 2004. How to write a research paper. Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland), 18(2), 135–138.Suitable for English stream
2.
Aslam, S., & Emmanuel, P. 2010. Formulating a researchable question: A critical step for facilitating good clinical research. Indian journal of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS, 31(1), 47–50.Suitable for English stream
3.
Cummings S.R., Browner W.S., Hulley S.B. 2013. Conceiving the research question and developing the study plan. In: Hulley S.B., Cummings S.R., et al. Designing Clinical Research. 4th edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. P 14-22Suitable for English stream
4.
Duquia, R. P., González-Chica, D. A., Bastos, J. L., Martínez-Mesa, J., & Bonamigo, R. R. 2017. Describing numerical variables: which are the most appropriate parameters to describe the data?. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 92(6), 841–843.Suitable for English stream
5.
Farrugia, P., Petrisor, B. A., Farrokhyar, F., & Bhandari, M. 2010. Practical tips for surgical research: Research questions, hypotheses and objectives. Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie, 53(4), 278–281.Suitable for English stream
6.
Grimes, D. A., & Schulz, K. F. 2002. An overview of clinical research: the lay of the land. Lancet (London, England), 359(9300), 57–61.Suitable for English stream
7.
Grimes, D. A., & Schulz, K. F. 2008. Making sense of odds and odds ratios. Obstetrics and gynecology, 111(2 Pt 1), 423–426.Suitable for English stream
8.
Iskander, J. K., Wolicki, S. B., Leeb, R. T., & Siegel, P. Z. 2018. Successful Scientific Writing and Publishing: A Step-by-Step Approach. Preventing chronic disease, 15, E79.Suitable for English stream
9.
Kaliyadan, F., & Kulkarni, V. 2019. Types of Variables, Descriptive Statistics, and Sample Size. Indian dermatology online journal, 10(1), 82–86.Suitable for English stream
10.
Röhrig, B., du Prel, J. B., Wachtlin, D., & Blettner, M. 2009. Types of study in medical research: part 3 of a series on evaluation of scientific publications. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 106(15), 262–268.Suitable for English stream
11.
World Health Organization. 2000. Association and Causation. In: World Health Organization. R.O.F.T. Health research methodology : A guide for training in research methods : who pacific regional office, education in action series, number 5. WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. P. 125-128Suitable for English stream