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This module will develop an understanding of research methods, interpretation of data and evidence, and research study proposals in population health.

The best way to get interested in research is to understand how other people did their research and what they found; appreciate how study design can have an impact on how seriously to take their findings; and think about what you might be interested in finding out.

To support this, the module emphasises and develops an understanding of randomised controlled trials and cohort studies; case control studies and cross-sectional surveys; systematic reviews; qualitative research; selecting study designs; bias; sources and interpretation of data, and evidence; protocols for doing and reporting research; and designing a research study proposal and preparing a research study application for grant funding.

Aims of the module:

• to allow you to evaluate current research in population health; and
• to provide you with a range of opportunities to practise research skills

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. access and utilise population health resources including academic journals, online data repositories and public health information;
2. explain the applicability of a range of study designs;
3. review and critically appraise health literature; and
4. design and plan a research study.

This is an introductory core module for Year 1 students on the BSc Population Health Sciences programme. The module is also open to UCL elective students from other departments. Spaces are limited and places are allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis on Portico.

There will be two hours of timetabled teaching each week including lectures, small group and computer-based work. The module runs in Term 2 of the academic year.

The module is assessed by a written research proposal (3,000 words) counting for 100% of your final mark for this module.

General Module Reading:

• Coggon, D., Rose, G. and Barker, D. (2003). Epidemiology for the uninitiated. 5th ed. London: British Medical Journal.
• Bowling, A. and Ebrahim, S. (2005). Handbook of health research methods. 1st ed. Maidenhead: Open Univ. Press.
• Greenhalgh, T. (2019). How to read a paper: the basics of evidence-based medicine. 6th ed. Chichester: Wiley; BMJ Books.