Syllabus

                                  

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

X-590 is an introduction to the techniques that scientists use to answer empirical questions or more specifically, research methods. Using the framework of the research project proposal, instruction begins with the formulation of research questions, the identification of appropriate methods, and the effective articulation of methodology. Students will learn how to identify research topics, state research objectives, derive research questions, review scientific literature, and how to use the results of the literature review to evaluate their objectives and refine their research questions. Students will learn how to operationalize concepts, derive variables, state hypotheses about the relationships between those variables, and then to develop a plan to test those hypotheses, or what is known as the study design. The emphasis of instruction is on developing consumers of research vs. producers of research.

COURSE COMPETENCIES

Students in this class will attain the following public health competencies:

After completing this course, students will be able:  

1. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of epidemiologic reports.
2. Apply problem conceptualization and critical thinking to identification of potential risk and protective factors for disease and health problems in populations.
3. Design studies intended to answer epidemiologic research questions.  This includes development of appropriate questions, specific aims and choice of analytic techniques.

REQUIRED READINGS

Main Textbook

 Trochim, W. M. K., and Donnelly, J.P. The Research Methods Knowledge Base. Third Edition. Atomic Dog, 2008.

 Supplemental Readings

•  Additional Required Readings Available via Canvas.

 

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADES

There are a total of 520 points available.  Grades will be assigned based upon the proportion of total points obtained: 90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, and below 60% = F.  At the instructor’s discretion, a “+/-“  system will be used based upon the student’s placement in the range of scores for the class and the extent to which the student has been an active participant in the activities of the class.

2 Exams Each 100 Points (200 points total)

There will be two exams in the course, a midterm and a final.  No early or late exams will be possible. All exams will be cumulative.

2 Health Behavior and Theory Papers (100 points total)

Students individually will prepare 2 in-depth papers exploring a particular health behavior, health behavior theory, and its application to health promotion practice. More detailed guidelines for these assignments will be provided in class. Papers are due by the date and time designated on the course schedule. Papers will not be accepted late. If a paper is returned without the benefit of review due to poor quality, students will have the opportunity to resubmit within 48 hours but with an automatic deduction of 20% of total points. Each of these papers is worth 50 points.

10 Weekly Assessments (100 points total)

During designated weeks of the course, students will complete short essays related to the content covered during the weekly online lectures. These will be due by 5:00 pm on the date associated with each online lecture.  Students will be expected to complete 11 essay assignments over the course of the semester; each will be worth 10 points, and the lowest grade will be dropped.

Lab Attendance and Participation Points (100 points total)

There will be short assignments and activities assigned for the lab designed to help students apply and practice concepts. Some of these will occur in the lab; some outside of the lab. Since the interaction with peers and the instructor is part of the activities, it will NOT be possible to make up the points for lab activities if students do not attend the lab. Students have to attend their assigned lab section and are NOT allowed to switch sections.

Competency Self-Assessments (20 points total)

Students are required to complete competency self-assessments using the School of Public Health Competency Tracker.  More details will be provided in class.

 

CLASS POLICIES

Attendance and Participation

All students are expected to attend, be prepared for, and participate in, all course discussions and online activities. Full participation will be necessary to support your attainment of the course objectives.  Students are fully responsible for securing any materials and information that they may miss as a result of absence from class.

Written Assignments Policy

All written assignments must follow the standards of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6^th Edition.  All written assignments must represent graduate level standards for writing. Assignments with questionable written quality will be returned to the student without the benefit of review.  All assignments are due on the date and time indicated—late assignments will not be accepted.

University Workshops and Seminars

It is highly recommended that students take advantage of the rich array of workshops and seminars offered by the University. For example, Writing Tutorial Services (WTS) offers assistance in writing in the form of pamphlets as well as individual consultation on assignments. One pamphlet describes how to use APA citation style (http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets.shtml Links to an external site.). As another example, the Library offers short courses in how to use the library, including searching for scientific articles through its databases. I recommend that you learn how to use the library databases and IU link as soon as possible. 

Course Evaluations

It is the policy of the School of Public Health to evaluate all courses taught through the School. Final student course evaluations will be conducted in a manner that maintains the integrity of the process and the anonymity of evaluators.

Academic Integrity

Academic and personal misconduct by students in this class are defined and dealt with according to the procedures in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct.  I recommend that you review the Writing Tutorial Services pamphlet on plagiarism to familiarize yourself with standards on writing papers for this course.    

Religious Observation

In accordance with the Office of the Dean of Faculties, any student who wishes to receive an excused absence from class must submit a request form available from the Dean of Faculties for each day to be absent. This form must be presented to the course professor by the end of the second week of this semester. A separate form must be submitted for each day. The form must be signed by the professor; the professor will make a copy and return the original to the student. Information about the policy on religious observation can be found at the following web site: https://www.indiana.edu/~vpfaa/academicguide/index.php/Policy_H-10. You can download the request form at: http://www.indiana.edu/~vpfaa/welcome/forms.shtml Links to an external site..