I C M R C O U R S E L AY O U T

Topics Conceptualizing a research study

1. Introduction to human bio-medical and health research (What is
research, justification for undertaking a research study, types of
research)
2 Literature review
3 Formulating research question, hypothesis and objectives
Epidemiological considerations in designing a research
study
4 Descriptive epidemiology (Measures of disease frequency)
5 Descriptive study designs (Case reports/series, Ecological
study, Cross-sectional study)
6 Analytical study designs (Cohort, Case-control)
7 Experimental study designs (RCT, Quasi-exp)
8 Qualitative research methods
9 Reliability and validity of epidemiological studies (Random vs
Systematic error)
Bio-statistical considerations in designing a research study
10 Measurement of study variables (Types of data, Descriptive
statistics)
11 Sampling methods
12 Calculating sample size and power
Planning a research study
13 Selection of study participants (inclusion/exclusion criteria)
14 Designing data collection tools (Quantitative/qualitative)
15 Principles of data collection
16 Data management
17 Overview of data analysis
18 Study implementation plan
Ethical issues in conducting a research study
19 Basic principles of bioethics and ethics review
20 Principles and procedures of informed consent
Writing a research protocol
21 Preparing a concept paper
22 Elements of a protocol for epidemiological studies
23 Publication ethics