BLS, Research Overview & Design, Second Cycle, 15 credits

Learning outcomes

For a pass grade, the student shall demonstrate:

Knowledge and understanding

• The ability to describe ethical issues and study design in relation to a scientific research question

Skills and abilities

• The ability to autonomously plan, describe and discuss a scientific study and apply aspects of research ethics
• The ability to autonomously plan and write an application for research funding for a scientific study
• The ability to communicate scientific findings to the scientific community and to the general public in a manner suitable for the target group

Judgement and approach

• The ability to discuss and evaluate study design and ethical considerations in medical research
• The ability to discuss and evaluate applications for research funding
• The ability to discuss aspects of scientific communication
• The ability to evaluate, critically review and analyze scientific studies related to chosen topics

Content

The course includes research design, research application writing, research ethics, statistics, and power calculations as well as scientific communication.

Examinations and grades

Research Design, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Grants Application, 5 credits (Code: A002)
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Research Communication, 2 credits (Code: B003)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Study Design, 3 credits (Code: B004)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Comments on grades

To receive grade pass (G), every examination must have been passed. To recieve the mark Pass with distinction (VG) for the entire course, Research design and Grant application must be assessed with the grade Pass with Distinction (VG).

Modes of assessment

Research Design, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Written assignment and oral examination.

Grant Application, 5 credits (Code: A002)
Written assignment and oral examination.

Research Communication, 2 credits (Code: B003)
Written assignment and oral examination.

Study Design, 3 credits (Code: B004)
Oral examination.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

The course BLS, Research Process, Second Level, 15 Credits or equivalent.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is mandatory in the program Methods in Medical Diagnostics.

All teaching is carried out in English.

The course ends with a course evaluation

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Transitional provisions

Should the course undergo changes to such an extent that it is not possible to examine the student in accordance with this course syllabus, opportunities for special examination sessions will be provided in accordance with the university's local guidelines. If this occurs, the university will inform the students involved.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

CODEX - regler och riktlinjer för forskning (CODEX - rules and guidelines for research)
http://www.codex.vr.se

World medical association declaration of Helsinki
http://www.wma.net/en/20activities/10ethics/10helsinki/

Ämnesguide i medicin (Subject Guide in Medicine)
http://oru.se/ub/Soka/Amnesguider/

Bland, Martin (latest edition)
An introduction to medical statistics
Oxford University Press

Day, Robert A & Gastel, Barbara (latest edition)
How to write and publish a scientific paper
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

European Medicines Agency
ICH Topic E6 (R1) Guideline for Good Clinical Practice
http://www.emea.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Scientific_guideline/2009/09/WC500002874.pdf

Vetenskapsrådet. (2011)
Good research practice.
Vetenskapsrådets rapportserie 3:2011

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Some of the books are not used in their entirety
Articles and scientific publications will also be used as literature for the course
The latest edition of each book listed is always the edition to be used