INTHE4020 – Introduction to Quantitative Methods
Course description
Course content
The course introduces basic concepts and methods used in quantitative research to study various community health outcomes and health related services. Students learn various types of research questions that can be answered using quantitative methods and the most common quantitative designs. Using lectures and seminars with applicable exercises, students will learn different quantitative study designs including observational studies, surveys, and randomized controlled trials, in addition to the fundamental statistical methods used to analyse, interpret and display them. The students will also learn to recognize ethical challenges of particular importance in the design and conduct of quantitative research.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the basics of quantitative research designs and when it should be used
- Describe the main methodological approaches used in quantitative research
- Summarize various data collection approaches in quantitative research
- Explain validity and reliability as they relate to quantitative research
- Outline the basic principles of data analysis
Skills
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Discuss the fundamentals of quantitative research
- Evaluate different quantitative research designs and their applications
- Use software for statistical analyses
- Use basic statistical analyses, interpret and present results
General competence
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Critically evaluate research methodology
- Reflect upon scientific and ethical standards of quantitative research
Admission
This course is only available for students at the following master's programmes:
Overlapping courses
4 credits overlap with INTHE4017 – Quantitative Methodology (discontinued)
Teaching
The course consists of lectures and seminars. In the seminars, the students do exercises and assignments related to the course. 80% attendance in the seminars is required to be eligible to take the exam. Attendance will be registered.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Home exam (4 days)
Grading
The Board at the University of Oslo has decided to introduce detailed guidelines for all examinations, which take place at the University. The description of the grading should be clear and transparent. This is done to ensure alignment between learning outcomes, assignments, and grading. The Faculty of Medicine has developed a web page with information regarding exams and the grading procedures (norwegian version).
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit your assignment.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English.You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.