Health Sciences Research Curriculum
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Health Sciences Research PhD Core Requirement |
Course No. |
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HSC7010 |
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HSC7020 |
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HSC7030 |
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HSC7040 |
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HSC7110 |
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HSC7050 |
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HSC7060 |
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HSC7070 |
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HSC7080 |
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HSC7120 |
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HSC7090 |
Health Sciences Research PhD Core Requirement
Philosophy of Science
Competency Description - Introduction to methodological issues in the philosophy of science; review of historical philosophies and epistemologies, such as empiricism, operationism, and constructivism.
Learning Objectives - Students will understand the philosophical underpinnings for the creation of scientific theories throughout history and will be conversant with the fundamental assumptions and methodologies in natural and social scientific thought. In addition, students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the nature of scientific theory, confirmation and experimentation, and be familiar with feminist, social constructivist, and postmodern critiques of scientific inquiry.
Topics
- Historical approaches to science and philosophy of science
- Greco-Roman conceptions
- Religious and political forces in metaphysics
- The Scientific Revolution
- Science as the new philosophy/new religion
- Modern physics and philosophy
- Causality in Newtonian science
- Quantum mechanics and reality
- Chaos theory, Complexity theory, and the nature of determinism
- Causation and explanation
- Theory, experimentation & the foundation of modern scientific research
- Social Constructivism
- Feministic and postmodern critiques of science
Texts
- Kourany, J. Basic Issues in the Philosophy of Science.
- Kuhn, T. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.
- Oldroyd, D. (1986). The Arch of Knowledge: An Introductory Study of the History, Philosophy and Methodology of Science. Methuen.
- Sokal, A. & Bricmont, J. (1998). Intellectual Impostures: Postmodern Philosophers' Abuse of Science. Profile Books.
Health Sciences Research PhD Core Requirement
Epidemiology
Competency Description - Covers the principles, nature and scope of epidemiologic methods and procedures; review and application of epidemiological data to public health problems, prevention, and health care delivery.
Learning Objectives - Provides a basic understanding of epidemiology necessary to critically appraise literature in medicine and the health sciences.
Topics
- Introduction to public health data
- History of major illnesses and epidemics
- Analytic techniques
- Disease Surveillance
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetic epidemiology
- Nutritional edpidemiology
- Reproductive & perinatal epidemiology
- Environmental & occupational epidemiology
- Reporting methods and communication of epidemiological findings
Texts
- Gordis, L. (1996). Epidemiology. Saunders
- Rothman, K. & Greenland, S. (Eds.) Modern Epidemiology. Lippincott, Wilkins & Williams.
Health Sciences Research PhD Core Requirement
Intermediate Statistical Methods
Competency Description - Statistical methods in health science; morbidity and mortality; investigation of epidemics; non-parametric statistics; program evaluation; ANOVA, MANCOVA, ANCOVA techniques.
Learning Objectives - Student will be introduced to biostatistical methods and reporting to acquire basic concepts and relevance to healthcare data. Student will be able to design and conduct studies related to interests in basic, clinical and applied research in healthcare.
Topics
- Computer support for statistics
- Probability concepts
- Probability distributions
- Sampling and sampling distributions
- General linear model: Regression and correlation
- Statistical hypothesis testing
- Orthodox statistical inference
- Bayesian statistical inference
- Logistic regression
- Types of epidemiological studies
- Survival analsis
- Statistical significance vs. clinical significance
- Design of medical studies
- Randomized controlled clinical trials
- Techniques in medical genetics
- Statistical methods for evaluating medical diagnostic tests
Text
- Pagano, M. & Gauvreau, K. Principles of Biostatistics, Duxbury
- Student Solutions Manual for Principles of Biostatistics. Duxbury
Health Sciences Research PhD Core Requirement
Advanced Statistical Methods
Competency Description - Advanced statistical methods including factor analysis, canonical analysis, discriminant analysis, path analysis, LISREL; statistical packages commonly used in scientific research.
Learning Objectives - Student will demonstrate the ability to apply general linear model and multiple regression analysis as a data strategy for experimental and non-experimental research in behavioral sciences.
Topics
- Simple and multiple linear regression with quantitative predictors
- Partial and semi-partial correlation
- Standard and step-wise multiple regression
- Variance partitioning
- Simple and multiple regression with categorical predictors
- Continuous predictors in analysis
- Canonical correlation
- Discriminant function analysis
- Path analysis
- Curvilinear regression
- Meta-analysis
Text
- Pedhazur, E.J. (1982) Multiple Regression in Behavioral Research. (3rd Ed.) Holt.
- Hedges, L. & Olkin, I. (1985). Statistical Methods for Meta-Analysis. Academic
Health Sciences Research PhD Core Requirement
Research Methods and Design
Competency Description - Survey of sampling, hypothesis testing, issues in research design, data gathering methods, uses and limitation of naturalistic and laboratory settings in research, unobtrusive measures.
Learning Objectives - Student will be able to explain uses, advantages, and limitations of major designs used in research including, factorial, block, balanced, Latin squares, and lattice.
Topics
- Overview of research methodology
- Philosophy of science for behavioral research
- Descriptive research
- Experimental research
- Hypothesis formation
- Test theory
- Data gathering methods and procedures
- Single subject designs
- Single-factor between and within designs
- Analytic comparisons with qualitative and quantitative independent variables
- Two-factor between and within designs
- Post-hoc designs for single factors and interactions
- ANCOVA and control variables
- Mixed model designs
- Nested designs
- Sources of invalidty & methods for achieving constancy
- Naturalistic and field research
- Qualitative methods
Texts
- Christensen, L.B. (1997). Experimental Methodology. Allyn and Bacon.
- Kerlinger, F. Foundations of Behavioral Research.
- Qualitative Research Methods, located at: www.ship.edu/cgboeree/qualmeth.html
Health Sciences Research
PhD Core Requirement
Biomedical Ethics
Competency Description - Interdisciplinary analysis of moral dilemmas in healthcare research, policy, and practice.
Learning Objectives - This competency is designed to expose students to a variety of controversies in biomedical ethics, provide students with an adequate background in ethical theory, introduce students to the philosophical methods of critical analysis, and develop the student's abilities both to criticize and to advance ethical theories.
Topics
- The nature of biomedical ethics & ethical theories
- Critical assessment of competing ethical theories
- Teleological vs. Deontological theories
- Ross's theory of prima facie duties
- Act-Utilitarianism; Rule-Utilitarianism
- Kantian Deontology
- Liberty-limiting principles
- Paternalism
- Refusal of life-sustaining treatment by a minor
- Suicide & pain control
- Physician-assisted suicide
- Treatment decisions for incompetent adults
- Determining quality of life
- Demand for futile treatment
- The language of rights
- Physician disagreement with patient' wishes/living will
Texts
- Mappes, T. & DeGrazia, D. Biomedical Ethics. McGraw-Hill
- Levine, C. Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Bioethical Issues. Dushkin
Health Sciences Research PhD Core Requirement
Contemporary Issues in Health Policy Analysis
Competency Description - Structure and formation of government, voluntary, and health organizations; critical review and analysis of selected topics.
Learning Objectives - Student will become familiar with various issues related to healthcare practice and research in modern societies. Student will be able to identify and critically evaluate relevant issues.
Topics
- Overview of health systems in the US and other countries
- Governmental regulations of healthcare
- Health reform
- Prevention
- Educational methods & procedures
- Financing & cost-containment
- Quality management
- Managed healthcare
- Provided recruitment, training & credentialing
- Issues in policy and practice
Texts
- Bodenheimer, T. & Grumbach, K. (1998) Understanding Health Policy: A Clinical Approach. McGraw-Hill
- Reagan, M. (1999) The Accidental System. Westview
- Robinson, J. (1999) The Corporate Practice of Medicine: Competition and Innovation In Healthcare. University of California Press
- Morrison, I. (1999) Healthcare in the New Millennium. Jossey-Bass
Recommended Texts
- Rapport, D. et al. (1998) Ecosystem Health. Blakewell
- Saltman, R. et al. (1998) Critical Challenges for Health Care Reform in Europe. Open Univ.
- Campbell, J. & Naoki, I (1998) The Art of Balance
in Health Policy: Maintaining
Japan's Low-Cost, Egalitarian System. Cambridge - Butler, J. (2000) Ethics in Healthcare Rationing. Caswell Academic Press
Health Sciences Research PhD Core Requirement
Critical Analysis of Scientific Writing
Competency Description - Principles and practices associated with style and organization of technical writing; logical analysis, deconstruction, and critical analysis of selected writing samples; developing familiarity with editorial policies and practices; review of relevant publication outlets.
Learning Objectives - Student will acquire skills for understanding structure and organization of scientific reports and presentations. By completion, the student should have the ability to prepare a grammatically correct and rhetorically cogent piece of writing; student should be able to read a document and copy-edit the manuscript.
Topics
- Review of grammar, usage & semantics
- Editorial symbols & process
- Organization of technical reports
- Argument analysis & principles of rhetoric
- Techniques for criticism of scientific writing
- The publication process
- Identifying outlets for publication
Texts
- Worsley, D & Mayer, B. (1998) The Art of Science Writing.
- Matthews, J. (1996) Successful Scientific Writing:
A Step-By-Step Guide for Biomedical
Scientists. Cambridge - Alley, M. (2000) The Craft of Editing. Springer-Verlag
Health Sciences Research PhD Core Requirement
Proposal and Grant Writing
Competency Description - Overview of governmental, foundation, and industrial support structures to support research; methods for identifying funding sources; preparation of proposals; budgetary considerations.
Learning Objectives - Student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of generic grant mechanics, public and private sector funding sources, resources pertaining to grant development, grant writing skills, and strategic grant-seeking.
Topics
- Fundamental concepts and history of philanthropy
- Government support for research
- Private funding sources
- Contract research
- Proposal development
- Grant preparation resources
- Politics of funding
- Organizing a proposal file & other useful techniques
Texts
- Decker, L. & Decker, V. Grantseeking: How to Find a Funder & Write a Winning Proposal.
- Reif-Lehrer, L. (1995) The Grant Application Writer's Handbook. Jones and Bartlett
Other Resources
- Foundation Center - www.fdncenter.org
- Grantscape - www.grantscape.com
- Federal Register Search Engine
- Grant Writing - www.scrtec.org/track
Health Sciences Research PhD Core Requirement
Measurement Theory
Competency Description - Survey of measurement theory and methods; evaluating properties of measures including reliability and validity indices; critique of common measures used in health research.
Learning Objectives - Student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of types of reliability and validity in detail; explain the steps involved in test standardization; discuss major issues facing uses of testing in health and medical research settings; explain the appropriate uses of common health research outcome measures; demonstrate ability to evaluate and select tests for research and application.
Topics
- Test construction theory
- Review of relevant statistical concepts
- Standardization sampling and procedures
- Reliability indices
- Types of validity
- Construct validation
- Criterion vs norm-referenced tests
- Culture-free testing and racial bias
- Gender differences
- Demand characteristics, response sets & other sources of invalidity
- Legal and ethical issues
- Current and future trends in assessment and technology
Text
- Anastassi, A. Psychological Testing. Macmillan.
Health Sciences Research PhD Core Requirement
Research Project Management
Competency Description- Overview of relevant management theories; emphasis an practical application in the research environment.
Learning Objectives - Students will become familiar with issues associated with establishing and running small and large scale data gathering projects.
Topics
- Time & activity management
- Scheduling methods
- Budgetary controls & financial accountability
- Management and stakeholder relationships
- Product marketing
- Reporting to funding sources & contracting authorities
- Reporting to the scientific community
- Public relations
Texts
- Usherwood, T. (1996). Introduction to Project Management
in Health Research: A
Guide for New Researchers. Open University - Badiru, A.B. (1996). Project Management for Research:
A Guide for Engineering
and Science.
Recommended Text
- Kennedy. T. (Ed.) Pharmaceutical Project Management.