Qualitative Methodology for Public Health, part 2, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course starts with an overview of qualitative data analysis and trustworthiness of qualitative information. The focus is on “the Grounded Theory approach” which is an interpretation technique aimed at generating concepts, hypotheses and theories from collected data. Interpretation using Grounded theory is compared to other analytical approaches such as content-, narrative- and phenomenological analysis. Meetings with existing social science theories as part of the interpretation process are presented and discussed, as well as specific requirements for communicating findings from qualitative studies. Participants are given the opportunity to perform an analysis of their own or of a teacher provided material.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to • Describe and understand the demands for achieving trustworthiness in qualitative research • Explain the basic concepts and processes relevant for a Grounded theory based analysis • Explain and discuss the main differences and similarities between Grounded Theory, and other qualitative approaches • Evaluate and discuss qualitative research articles on the basis of their analytical approach • Perform a Grounded theory analysis of own or teacher provided qualitative information

Required Knowledge

For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which a minimum of 30 ECTS are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental health or social sciences. Students are required to have taken 3FH012 Qualitative Methodology for Public Health, part I or have equivalent knowledge. 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 participation in training sessions and presentation of home assignments. 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 Attendance 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-attendance 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.