Applied Scientific Methods (MPH170)
The course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed in order to apply scientific methods in their study and work, including their master thesis.
Course description for study year 2023-2024
Course code
MPH170
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
Norwegian
Content
- Overview of research methods, aiming at understanding what method to apply for a certain research question
- Outline and design of a research project
- Literature search
- Scientific writing
- Get feedback from a fellow student (peer reviewer) on a chosen previous exam assignment
- Rules and regulations for ethical conduct of research, incl. privacy data protection issues
- Presentation technique
Learning outcome
A candidate who has completed this course should have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:
Knowledge
The candidate
- Has thorough knowledge of writing in research processes
- Has thorough knowledge of forums and channels in which research results are published
- Has thorough knowledge of the formal academic writing conventions
- Has thorough understanding of the common research methods in their field
Skills
The candidate
- Can conduct searches in literature databases and identify applicable research results
- Can analyze and critically evaluate various information sources
- Can write summaries using their own words
- Can formulate scientific reports
- Can use electronic referencing tools
- Can carry out objective and constructive peer reviews on written work
- Can identify the research method used in a scientific text
- Can explain the application of a research method in a research project
- Can discuss and compare research approaches in the domain of quantitative or qualitative methods
General competence
The candidate
- Can identify research fraud and plagiarism
- Has a thorough knowledge of responsibility for author and co-authorship in accordance with the Vancouver Convention
Required prerequisite knowledge
Recommended prerequisites
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home exam | 1/1 | 14 Days | Letter grades |
The assessment in the course is a 14-day home exam.
Coursework requirements
1) Oral presentation
2) Written assignment
3) 80% class attendance. If more than 50% attendance is achieved the student may, if the faculty finds the basis sufficient, be given an individual evaluation.