MEDFL5010E – Introductory course to the medical PhD programme, INTRO I
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
Medical research has become interdisciplinary. Cross-disciplinary cooperation and integration of multiple research fields has allowed the development of new knowledge and enabled new applications. This development is often called convergence. In this course, we will exemplify convergence by showing how a multifaceted problem can be addressed from different angles. We have chosen morbid obesity as our case; this thematic area will be employed in order to give participants concrete examples of general principals and approaches. It should, however be noted that the course is not a formalized introduction to obesity research – the case merely exemplifies modern research trends.
Multiple, integrated methods and tools can be applied to elucidate this thematic area including randomized controlled trials , R&D initiatives in primary health care, municipal initiatives , programs for increased physical activity and cooperation with NGOs are examples. In the social context, prevention requires increased awareness in schools and in the public, as well as enhanced knowledge of nutrition, public health initiatives, product innovation, dissemination of healthcare products and political decision making.
This course provides an introduction to a variety of scientific perspectives and skills that are required to address such a complex issue. The course includes research within ethics and philosophy of science, epidemiology and statistics. In addition, genetic studies, basic research studies, cell physiology and pathophysiology, and studies of laboratory animals are introduced. The students will work in groups to elucidate the issue from their own point of view.
As of autumn 2016 the course MEDFL5010E intro I will be a 6 day course. The first day includes the startup seminar and a half day course in ethics. Participation the first day is mandatory.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
This course will give you knowledge about:
? science and knowledge acquisition , including sources of scientific knowledge, various forms of scientific arguments, and science as a social phenomenon
? different perspectives on the research object, whether it is cells, organs, symptoms, emotions, behavior, or abstract concepts and texts
? epidemiological research
? design of clinical trials, observational studies (cross-sectional studies , case -control studies , cohort studies), experimental methods (controlled clinical trials, intervention studies)
? qualitative and quantitative research tools
? genetic-, cellular, molecular and platform -based analyses within life sciences
? important statistical, bioinformatic and biostatistical concepts
? choice of research methods, negative and positive controls, sensitivity and specificity issues
? animal research models in biomedical research
? ethical perspectives in research; integrity, accountability and social responsibility
? the Norwegian Health Research Act
Skills
This course will give you the skills to:
? critically evaluate scientific knowledge
? understand scientific knowledge in light of important scientific paradigms
? explain the main principles of epidemiological research
? explain the main principles of clinical studies, describe differences and similarities
? elaborate on the selection and use of basic medical research methods
? apply statistical methods and have knowledge of statistical challenges in bioinformatics
? justify and explain choices of research methods
? explain and use qualitative methods such as observations, interviews and document analyses
? be able to explain the Norwegian Health Research Act
? identify and discuss ethical problems in medicine and life sciences
General competence
This course will give you general skills to:
? understand the convergence principle in life sciences
? gain insight into cross-disciplinary approaches to complex research questions
Admission
MEDFL5010E is restricted to students at the Medical Student Research Programme at the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry, UiO.
Course registration:
- Students apply in StudentWeb.
- Enrollment to this course is automatically registered in StudentWeb.
- Applicants will upon registration immediately receive a reply in StudentWeb if the application is granted.
The courses MEDFL5010E and MF9010E have common admission.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with MEDFL5010 – Introduksjonskurs for det medisinske ph.d.-programmet, INTRO I
- 5 credits overlap with MF9010E – Introductory course to the medical Ph.D. programme, INTRO I
- 5 credits overlap with MF9010 – Introduksjonskurs for det medisinske ph.d.-programmet, INTRO I
Teaching
The course MEDFL5010E intro I is a 6 day course. The first day includes the startup seminar and a half day course in ethics. Note that the course starts on a Friday and that participation the first day is mandatory. Attendance will be registered.
You have to participate in at least 80 % of the teaching to be allowed to take the exam. Attendance will be registered.
Examination
To pass the course MEDFL5010E:
1. Attendance the first day of the course must be registered
2. The home exam must be evaluated as passed. The exam should be submitted two weeks after the course.
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, and you submit your response in 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.