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 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
2021/2022
Curriculum
FALL 2021
SPRING 2022
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

Language of instruction: English (Norwegian if no English-speaking students have registered for the course)

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

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 analyse and interpret quantitative data, such as descriptive tables and figures
  • can analyse and interpret qualitative data, such as various forms of text material
  • 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 mainly be digital, in addition to blended learning with seminars on campus during the course.

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.

Course requirements

None

Assessment

Individual home examination over four days. Scope: up to 2,500 words.

If the course is taught in English, students can also choose to write/conduct the examination in a Scandinavian language (Norwegian, Swedish or Danish).

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

All examination papers are assessed by two examiners. A minimum of 20% of the examination papers will be assessed by an external examiner. The external examiner’s assessment should benefit all students.

Overlapping courses

The course overlaps 100% with MAABI4050, MASYK4050, MASYD4050, MAPO4050, MAPSD4050, ABIO6050, KREFT6050, KREFT6200, KARD6050, PSY6050, VPSYD6050, PSYD6050, HEL6050, and BIT6000.