Qualitative Methods for International Public Health
Course offered :
- Current semester
- Next semester
Current programmes of study
Course offered by
| Number of credits | 3 |
| Course offered (semester) | Spring |
| Schedule | Schedule |
| Reading list | Reading list |
Language of Instruction
English
Pre-requirements
A bachelor´s degree in medicine, dentistry or related disciplines of science or social sciences.
Good working knowledge of English (TOEFL score of at least 550 points paper-based or 213 points computer-based, or an equivalent approved test).
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course students should be able to
- explain the main qualitative research methods (in-depth interview, focus group discussion, participant observation) and the rationale for their use in enhancing practical international health work
- recognise the strengths and limitations of qualitative research methods
- design qualitative research with the use of one or more of these qualitative research methods
- apply the principles for coding and analysis of data obtained through the use of qualitative methods.
- assess the quality of qualitative research
- recognise how different public health programmes can be planned and studied combining quantitative and qualitative methods to strengthen validity and reliability
Contact Information
Centre for International Health
Tel.: + 47 55588560; e-mail: studie.cih@uib.no
Course offered (semester)
Spring
Language of Instruction
English
Course Unit Level
Master and PhD
Access to the Course Unit
Open to all registered students at Master and/or PhD level at the University of Bergen.
Students admitted to a Master´s Degree Programme may also join this course (e.g. tropEd European Network).
Aim and Content
This is an in-depth course in qualitative methods for international public health professionals to develop skills in the use of different qualitative research methods. The course aims to prepare the students for the use of qualitative research in cross-cultural work dealing with sensitive public health issues.
The course will demonstrate the use of these methods in the planning of health promotive and preventive interventions. Different approaches in coding and analysis of data obtained from qualitative research will be demonstrated and practiced in exercises. The strengths and weaknesses of both qualitative and quantitative methods will be examined and the usefulness of a multi-method complementary research approach will be discussed. The course includes both didactic and practice sessions in the classroom. Students will design a mini research project and will apply qualitative methods in a fieldwork research exercise.
The main topics covered in the lectures/seminars:
Introduction to anthropological approach to public health research
- Introduction to qualitative methods; strengths and weaknesses
- In-depth interview, Focus Group Discussion and Participant observation
- How to design a qualitative research project
- How to develop interview guides
- How to report data: thick descriptions
- Confidentiality issues and informed consent
- Qualitative data analysis; grounded theory & content analysis
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course students should be able to
- explain the main qualitative research methods (in-depth interview, focus group discussion, participant observation) and the rationale for their use in enhancing practical international health work
- recognise the strengths and limitations of qualitative research methods
- design qualitative research with the use of one or more of these qualitative research methods
- apply the principles for coding and analysis of data obtained through the use of qualitative methods.
- assess the quality of qualitative research
- recognise how different public health programmes can be planned and studied combining quantitative and qualitative methods to strengthen validity and reliability
Pre-requirements
A bachelor´s degree in medicine, dentistry or related disciplines of science or social sciences.
Good working knowledge of English (TOEFL score of at least 550 points paper-based or 213 points computer-based, or an equivalent approved test).
Teaching Methods
Didactic and practice sessions in the classroom, with an emphasis on classroom discussion and an interactive seminar-like approach for at least half of each session. Students will also study in small groups to formulate, develop and carry out a short qualitative research project using one or more of the methods discussed in the course. Students will analyse the results and make presentations during the final session.
Students are required to participate in group work on assigned topics. The groups will present their work in sessions.
Compulsory Requirements
Attendance of all sessions
Assessment methods
- Attendance of all sessions
- Completing all needed reading and doing a classroom review of one of the required articles/chapters,
- A 500 words (one page) written description exercise
- Oral presentation and evaluation of the qualitative research project in the class.
Grading Scale
ECTS credits A-F (F = fail)
Place of Teaching
Centre for International Health, University of Bergen
Course Unit Evaluation
Students evaluate the teaching according to the quality assessment requirements of the University of Bergen. The evaluation method is through an online questionnaire (My Space).
Contact Information
Centre for International Health
Tel.: + 47 55588560; e-mail: studie.cih@uib.no