EPN-V2

MAVIT4050 Theory of Science and Research Methods Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Vitenskapsteori og forskningsmetode
Study programme
Interdisciplinary Advanced Programme in Mental Health and Addiction - Full Time
Suplementary Education in Cardiological Nursing
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Physiotherapy for Children and Adolescents
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Physiotherapy for the older adult
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Empowerment and Health Promotion
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Nutrition Competencies for Health Professionals
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Rehabilitation and Habilitation
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Public Health Nursing
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Nursing; Clinical Research and Professional Development
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Cancer Nursing
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Health
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Psychomotor Physiotherapy
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Public Health Nutrition
Master’s Programme in Health Sciences – Interdisciplinary Specialisation in Mental Health and Addiction, part-time
Master's Programme in Health Sciences
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Occupational Therapy
Interdisciplinary Advanced Programme in Mental Health and Addiction - Part Time
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2024/2025
Curriculum
FALL 2024
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

Language of instruction: Norwegian and English

Development and changes in the health and social care field are often based on new research. To become a good professional practitioner within health sciences, it is necessary to understand and apply research literature and to see it in conjunction with clinical experience and professional development. Theory of science is an important part of the basis for understanding scientific activity. The course stimulates students to take an inquisitive and critical approach to knowledge development in order to make them better equipped to assess the grounds on which health-related decisions are made. The course also provides an overview of the most commonly applied methods in qualitative and quantitative research, and of key principles of research ethics. Insight into the various methods means that as professional practitioners, they will be able to identify research literature that is suitable to answer questions related to the health sciences.

Recommended preliminary courses

I dette emnet tilegner studentene seg grunnleggende kunnskaper i bedriftsøkonomisk teori og metode, samt innsikt i og trening i bruk av sentrale bedriftsøkonomiske modeller og analysemetoder. Studentene oppøver sine kunnskaper om fremskaffelse, analyse og kommunikasjon av relevant beslutningsinformasjon, slik at de kan diskutere og vurdere alternativer, treffe beslutninger og formidle relevant og nyttig informasjon til brukere.

Required preliminary courses

Admission to the programme.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • can identify and compare the most common methods used in qualitative and quantitative research
  • can discuss the most common theories of science and the relationship between theory of science and research method

Skills

The student

  • can identify different types of clinical questions, such as questions about effect and prognosis, and knows which study design is most suitable for answering different clinical questions
  • can critically assess research articles
  • can understand the choice of different qualitative and quantitative analysis methods and can interpret the results
  • can identify and discuss issues related to research ethics

General competence

The student

  • can analyse relevant academic, professional and issues related to research ethics and propose solutions
  • can disseminate research results of relevance to the discipline
  • can analyse academic problems on the basis of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the health sciences

Teaching and learning methods

The course will use varied, student-active work methods. The teaching will be digital, including blended learning.

Work and teaching methods include digital lectures, digital group assignments, in-depth and reflection assignments at seminars on relevant topics, and self-study. The students will give oral presentations at the seminars, and receive oral feedback from fellow students on their group work and oral feedback from the lecturer.

The lectures on campus are given in Norwegian, for English-speaking students digital lectures are published in English. In group work, mutual assessment, etc., the students will be divided into groups according to language. Most of the syllabus is in English, but there are good alternative syllabus books in Norwegian.

Course requirements

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the examination:

  • Describe the academic content of the seminars (one qualitative (1) and one quantitative (2a or 2b)); including a description of experience/reflection of own learning outcomes by participating in this (500 to 700 words)
  • Assess an academic description/reflection of the seminars from a fellow student (peer assessment) (200-300 words)

Assessment

Individual in writing home examination (multiple choice test), two hours.

The examination will be in English.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grading scale

Grade scale A-F.

Examiners

Two examiners control the exam questions and answers. An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

Overlapping courses

Ingen forkunnskapskrav.