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STUDY GUIDE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY PUBLIC HEALTH LEGISLATION

Research Methodology and Public Health Legislation

Course Code: ……… | ECTS: 7

This module equips students with a strong foundation in the principles, practices, and applications of research in biomedical and public health settings. It emphasizes the development of critical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and the ability to design, conduct, and evaluate scientific research relevant to lifestyle medicine and cardiopulmonary health.

Course Objectives:

  • To provide students with methodological tools for conducting high-quality scientific research.

  • To cultivate the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and public health data.

  • To familiarize students with ethical standards and legal frameworks governing public health interventions and research involving human participants.

  • To enhance understanding of health systems, health policy, and regulatory processes at national and EU levels.


Course Content:

  1. Introduction to Research Methodology

    • Philosophy of science and types of research

    • Study design: observational vs. experimental

    • Hypothesis formulation, sampling methods, bias, and confounding

  2. Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methods

    • Data collection and analysis techniques

    • Descriptive and inferential statistics

    • Introduction to software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, NVivo)

    • Interview techniques and thematic content analysis

  3. Epidemiological Principles

    • Measures of disease frequency and association

    • Outbreak investigation

    • Screening and diagnostic test evaluation

    • Risk assessment and health impact analysis

  4. Scientific Writing & Publication Ethics

    • Structure of a scientific paper

    • Referencing and avoiding plagiarism

    • Peer review process

    • Research integrity and conflicts of interest

  5. Public Health Legislation & Policy

    • Health law and ethical considerations in public health

    • Data protection and patient consent (GDPR)

    • National and EU-level frameworks for public health action

    • Case studies in tobacco control, vaccination, environmental health

  6. Evidence-Based Public Health Practice

    • Use of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

    • Health program planning and evaluation

    • Cost-effectiveness and burden of disease models

    • Decision-making in population-level interventions


Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Design scientifically sound research proposals and protocols.

  • Apply appropriate statistical methods to analyze research data.

  • Navigate public health laws and ethical principles related to biomedical research.

  • Interpret epidemiological evidence for policy-making and clinical guidance.

  • Critically assess the quality and applicability of published literature.


Teaching Methods:

  • Interactive lectures

  • Group workshops and journal clubs

  • Case study discussions

  • Research proposal development seminars

  • Guest lectures by public health officials and clinical researchers

Assessment:

  • Individual research proposal (written)

  • Final exam (written or oral)

  • Participation in workshops and critical appraisal assignments