Course Catalogue

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This course introduces the key principles of, and practical skills used in, public health research. The course explores the entire research process from identifying a topic of interest, through study design and methodology selection, to writing up and disseminating results.

This 10 week online course comprises 10 weekly lectures, each taking the form of two or three short lectures totalling around 90 minutes duration, and nine related weekly academic exercises. Exercises will each require around four notional hours of student effort and each week an academic staff member will convene an online tutorial related to these.

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MED5082 Research Methods

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A 2,500 word research proposal will comprise 80% of the assessment. The portfolio will be a reflective blog of 1,000 words - based on personal learning arising from weekly exercises where a range of research approaches and methods are analysed - and this will comprise 20% of the assessment.

To introduce students to a range of data gathering techniques, methodologies and principles. To explore the strengths and weakness of different approaches.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Formulate, conduct, and present a detailed search strategy.

Critically compare the strengths and weaknesses of different research designs.

Critically review a range of research approaches and methods in relation to public health practice.

Design a research proposal which is appropriate for public health practice. 

Design a strategy for dissemination of research findings to appropriate audiences.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.