Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - HSCI 207 D100

Research Methods in Health Sciences (3)

Class Number: 3483

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2025
    Wed, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HSCI 130 with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: STAT 201 or 203 or 205.

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. Students with credit for HSCI 307 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  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:  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:  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 Quizzes (3 X 10%) 30%
  • Homework Assignments 15%
  • TopHat Participation (Lecture) 9%
  • Tutorial Participation 6%
  • Tutorial Exercises 15%
  • Final Exam 25%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

TopHat

REQUIRED READING:

Schmidt, M.H. (2020) Being a Scientist: Tools for Science Students. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
ISBN: 978-1-4875-8844-1

In addition to readings from the text, other required readings will be assigned from the peer-reviewed literature.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Bassil, K. and Zabkiewicz, D. Health Research Methods: A Canadian Perspective. Oxford University Press, 2014.

Bryman, A. and Bell, E. Social Research Methods: Sixth Canadian Edition. Oxford University Press, 2023.
ISBN: 9780190165772

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.