Quantitative and qualitative methods

The course can be part of the following programme: 1) Master's Programme in Global Health (V2GLH)

• School of Global Studies
• Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion
• Department of Economics
• Department of Social Work

Entrance to the course requires

• a Bachelor's degree or professional degree of at least 180 higher education credits and
• English B /English 6/ English level 2 or equivalent

During the course both theoretical foundations and scientific implementations of research methods will be covered in lectures, seminars and workshops. The main part of the course focuses on quantitative methods, with specific focus on epidemiology and biostatistics. Measurement of disease occurrence and association, epidemiological study designs, threats to validity, and descriptive and inferential statistics will be covered. The course will encompass training in practical competencies necessary for the interpretation, assessment and implementation of mainly quantitative research in global health. The course also contains an outline of theory of science and qualitative methods, and students will be introduced to the complementary nature of the two methodological approaches. In addition, common ethical issues in research within the global health field will also be given attention.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Kunskap och förståelse

• Present the foundations and principles, and identify appropriate areas for the application of quantitative and qualitative research respectively.

• Describe key concepts as well as the strengths and weaknesses of different quantitative methods for research and analysis of population health data in the field of global publich health,

• Explain basic concepts and principles of hypothesis testing and estimation as well as their usefulness and limitations in the analysis and reporting of quantitative data,
  Färdigheter och förmåga

• Apply basic concepts and appropriate statistical methods for epidemiological research.

• Summarize data and conduct basic analyses using software appropriate for quantitative analyses, such as STATA, and be able to interpret the results,

• Discuss basic principles for quality and ethics in quantitative and qualitative research, and identify threats to validity in different study designs and global health contexts,

Värderingsförmåga och förhållningssätt

• Critically examine and assess quantitative and qualitative studies under various quality criteria,
• Identify and reflect on ethical and sustainability-related aspects in research

The lectures are complemented by seminars and practical workshops (individual and in group) where the students can practice practical skills that are relevant for quantitative and qualitative research.

Language of instruction: English

The learning outcomes of the course are assessed through three individual written in-class exams (one on qualitative methods and two on quantitative methods), five mandatory computer exercises, and three mandatory seminars.

Absence from any of the mandatory computer exercises or seminars should be supplemented in accordance with the course leader’s instructions

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). To receive a Pass (G) grade, the student must have completed and earned a Pass on all three exams, as well as the mandatory computer exercises and seminars. To receive a Pass with Distinction (VG) grade for the course, the student must receive a Pass with Distinction grade on both exams in quantitative methods, as well as a Pass grade on the exam in qualitative methods, and the mandatory components (data exercises and seminars).

Course evaluation is carried out in writing and orally via a dialogue with the students. The teacher responsible for the course compiles an analysis of course evaluations and makes suggestions for the development of the course. Analysis and suggestions are shared with students and the program board. The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

This course is sustainability-related, in accordance with the University of Gothenburg's guidelines for sustainability labeling, in that it relates the course topics to social, economic and ecological sustainability.