Qualitative Methodology for Public Health, part 1, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course is grounded in a phenomenological research tradition focusing on the human being as a subject. The course gives an introduction to the theoretical origins of qualitative research, i.e. the roots in the interactionist and phenomenological paradigms of social sciences. The course gives an overview of qualitative research design and discusses the combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches in relation to public health research. Different aspects and methods relevant to qualitative data collection, i.e. in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and observations are presented. The OpenCode software programme, for facilitating qualitative data analysis, is introduced. Participants are given the opportunity to practice and evaluate data collection methods both in class and as part of home assignments.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to • Describe and understand the theoretical origins of qualitative research • Explain different qualitative research designs and their relation to data collection methods • Explain and discuss the requirements for performing qualitative research interviews, focus group discussions and observations • Evaluate and discuss qualitative research articles on the basis of their research design

Required Knowledge

For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which S are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental health or social sciences. a minimum of 30 ECT. English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic Training – minimum score 5.0 with no individual score below (4.5) (Tests taken before January 2005 not admissible) or TOEFL – minimum score 500 on paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE, Alternatively 173 on computer based test with iBT 61 is also required. Language test scores are not required if you have completed a minimum of two years of studies at an accredited university or college with English as the medium of instruction or you have had one year of graduate studies and have written your thesis in English. For more information please see: http://www8.umu.se/phmed/epidemi/utbildning/mph-requirements.htm

Form of instruction

The course is concentrated to two weeks during the course period. Teaching is performed through plenary lectures, group work, hands-on training and home assignments. Teaching is given in English.

Examination modes

The examination has three parts; 1) Participation in hands-ontraining sessions 2) Presentation of home assignments and 3) a written exam. The written exam will award the following grades: Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. Only grades of Fail or Pass will be awarded for the hands-on-sessions and presentation of home assignment. Overall grades for the course are: Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. In order to be awarded Pass for the entire course it is required that all of the examinations must be Passed. To be awarded Pass with distinction it is required that the written exam is awarded Pass with distinction.

Other regulations

Start-of-study respite A respite for the start of studies may be granted under special circumstances. Examples of such circumstances are illness, military service, pregnancy, care of children or other nursing responsibilities etc. A negative decision about start-of-study respite may be appealed to Överklagandenämnden för högskolan. Course roll call Attendence is compulsory for the course roll call. A student may be relieved from this obligation only through a decision by the course coordinator and only under special circumstances. Non-attendence without a valid reason may lead to the seat being given to another applicant. A decision about this is made by the course coordinator.

Academic credit transfers are always reviewed individually according to the University’s set of rules and academic credit transfer regulations.