Research Methods: Evidence-based Practice in Public Health

RATIONALE

The module is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to identify, evaluate and apply evidence to public health practice. The module presents a platform for students to engage with both quantitative and qualitative research approaches and supports the ability to begin to engage critically with specific research techniques. This synthesis of both quantitative and qualitative evidence is crucial in preparing students to become effective evidence-based public health practitioners.

AIMS

1. Provide students with an understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research, their approaches to scientific inquiry, their methodologies and related methods.
2. Introduce the use of and application of quantitative and qualitative research approaches within the public health setting.
3. Provide students with a practical understanding of the nature and use of systematic reviews as a premium source of evidence for practice.
4. Enable students to be critical consumers of research and have appropriate knowledge to apply research evidence to their own professional practice.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:
1. Understand and critically interpret public health evidence, both quantitative and qualitative.
2. Critically appraise the quality and relevance of different types of published evidence.
3. Understand the basic principles of systematic reviews and meta analyses.
4. Apply evidence to inform professional practice and decision-making.