Introduction to Research Approaches in Health

This course provides an overview of approaches to conducting health research. Attention is focused on understanding, defining, and appreciating different approaches to health and health-related research, considering worldviews and disciplinary approaches. Additional focus is placed on reviewing literature, understanding theory, thinking critically about questions and solutions, adhering to ethical standards and processes, and developing writing strategies. Students will learn how to understand and identify problems and issues, what is known about them, and what gaps in knowledge exist. They will gain an understanding of research considerations that influence the choice of qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research designs. Students will learn how to review, summarize, and assess the quality of existing evidence and literature. They will learn how to formulate research questions and design research that is feasible and appropriate.

• Upon completion of this course, students will:
  - have an understanding of
• the process and application of research in various settings and various health disciplines
• its importance in various career paths
  - be able to
• identify and examine focused health-related problems
• conduct and write a literature review
• assess the quality of evidence and scientific integrity of published research
• develop research questions
• appreciate different approaches to health research based on disciplines, topics, worldviews
• discuss key elements in research ethics globally and in various contexts
• write a study protocol
• communicate about research and research results

• Good health and well-being
• Quality education
• Gender equality
• Clean water and sanitation
• Affordable and clean energy
• Decent work and economic growth
• Industry, innovation and infrastructure
• Reduced inequalities
• Sustainable cities and communities
• Climate action

In presence

lectures, group work, lab work, community observations

The examination will consist of a written paper, done individually and handed in during the exam period, plus group work throughout the course. Details will be provided on iCorsi and in class.