Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - HSCI 307 D100

Research Methods in Health Sciences (3)

Class Number: 2126

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 17, 2021
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Two HSCI 200 division courses with a minimum grade of C-, one of which may be taken concurrently.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Principles and applications in health sciences research methodology. Quantitative and qualitative methods. Research process and design. Appropriate approaches for diverse research questions. Research ethics, sources of data, sampling, measurement, data collection, initial data analysis techniques.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is designed to provide students with substantive and fundamental knowledge of health sciences research methodology, and emphasizes the steps involved in the research process. It will introduce the key methodological approaches used in health sciences research, both quantitative and qualitative. This course covers topics ranging from the research process, study design, ethics, sampling techniques, measurement of variables, data collection, and simple data analysis techniques.  

TEACHING FORMAT:  This course will include live recorded lectures as well as opportunities for synchronous engagement. Lectures will be synchronous and recorded, and the quizzes will be scheduled during the designated course lecture time slot and the following 24 hrs. Tutorials will be held synchronously and will not be recorded. There will be one 2-hour lecture session each week and one 1-hour tutorial session each week that will include in-class exercises and small group assignments to assist in assignment and exam preparation.

EXPECTATIONS / IMPORTANT NOTES: Changes to the syllabus will be made, as necessary, within Faculty / University regulations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

OVERALL GOAL:  By the end of the course students will have a strong foundational knowledge of the research methods used in health research.  

EXPECTED OUTCOMES: 
By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Students will be able to describe the basic elements of the research process, differentiate between quantitative and qualitative methods, describe the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of different study designs, articulate the principles of ethical research practice, and demonstrate competence in applying these concepts in a research paper.

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Homework Assignment 1 10%
  • Homework Assignment 2 10%
  • Tutorial Assignments (3x5) 15%
  • Quizzes and posts on discussion boards 15%
  • Final Exam 25%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All the required readings will be assigned from the peer-reviewed literature and will be available through SFU library or as PDFs uploaded to Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.