Education Module 6. Research in Public Health. Research methods in health sciences
1800-ZP1-MKVIRMHS-S2
The course covers research methods used in health sciences, with examples directly related to issues within the field of public health. Concepts and topics that facilitate understanding of this subject matter are presented. Numerous factors involved in creating a scientific observation plan are analyzed, and sources of variability are explained. Students are introduced to the concept of measurement in health sciences and familiarized with measurement scales, common errors, and the basics of inference. Through many examples, they learn about correlation and possible causal relationships behind it, as well as confounding factors that may hinder correct reasoning.
Types of studies and issues related to research project planning are presented, with particular emphasis on potential difficulties that may arise. In the practical part, these topics are explored further using examples of scientific articles prepared by students; their reliability and validity are assessed, and methods to achieve the highest possible credibility of results are discussed.
Total student workload
Mandatory hours completed with instructor involvement:
• Attendance at lectures – 20 h
• Participation in practical classes – 20 h
40 h = 1.6 ECTS
2. Time dedicated by the student to individual work:
• Reading literature – 20 h = 0.8 ECTS
3. Time required for preparation for assessment – 12 h = 0.5 ECTS
Total student workload: 72 h = 3 ECTS
Learning outcomes - knowledge
Knows and understands:
W1 – the principles of research planning, as well as modern data collection techniques and research tools in the field of health sciences – K_W06
W2 – methods of statistical inference applied to health sciences – K_W07
W3 – sources of scientific and professional information used in health sciences, as well as the principles of constructing and writing reports and scientific papers – K_W19
W4 – the basic principles of designing and conducting clinical research – K_W27
Learning outcomes - skills
Is able to:
U1 – apply theoretical knowledge, recognize, observe, and interpret phenomena related to population health, with an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships between health and social, economic, political, and environmental factors – K_U01
U2 – assess the reliability and credibility of information and data in health assessment – K_U04
U3 – search for, analyze, select, and integrate information from various sources, while formulating critical judgments based on that information – K_U09
U4 – conduct critical analysis and interpretation of scientific publications, expert opinions, and health-related reports – K_U10
Learning outcomes - social competencies
Is ready to:
K1 – independently acquire knowledge, expand skills, and take action based on reliable sources of information – K_K02
K2 – consider all arguments in order to make an appropriate decision – K_K06
Teaching methods
informational lecture
problem-based lecture
case analysis
literature review and analysis
Prerequisites
no
Course coordinators
Assessment criteria
Credit test – W1–W4, K2
Analysis of students’ assignments prepared during practical classes – U1–U4, K1–K2.
Practical placement
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors,
localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: