Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Research Methodology

Research Methodology
3
15589
1
First semester
OB
Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish

Teaching staff


Dra. PEÑATE GONZÁLEZ, Lissethe - lissethe@uic.es

Students are requested to email to arrange a meeting.

Dr Lissethe Peñate (lissethe@uic.es)

 

Introduction

Scientific methodology is the fundamental axis of research in the health sciences. It is essential to know it in order to innovate with theoretical and empirical models that contribute to a better understanding of reality. Methodology facilitates the identification and resolution of specific problems. Only its knowledge and application guarantee scientific rigour.

Experimental techniques for research on dental biomaterials have evolved greatly over the last few decades, allowing great advances in knowledge and research in dentistry. Practitioners are aware of the importance of laboratory and clinical trials that are carried out before new materials are introduced into clinical practice. It is essential for new researchers to know and use these techniques. In the final part of the course, there will be materials laboratory practicals, where students will use various tests to investigate dental biomaterials.

This course consists of a theoretical part, which explains the methodological concepts for carrying out a research project and the conceptualisation of the different techniques used in materials research, and a practical part, in which tests are carried out in the materials laboratory.

 

Pre-course requirements

None.

Objectives

This course aims:

  • To give basic methodological tools to the student to create a research project. 
  • To know the main sources of information based on evidence. 
  • To train the student to work in research groups. 
  • To teach the student to use evaluation methods for different types of studies.

  • Learn and apply some of the techniques used in the Laboratory of Dental Biomaterials.

  • Become familiar with the apparatus of the most common laboratory tests used in the study of dentistry materials.
  • The design of laboratory studies in the field of dentistry.

Learning outcomes of the subject

  • - Scientific Methodology - HB05, CP01, CP06 - 1. Formulate appropriate research questions. 2. Define the fundamental concepts related to epidemiology and the scientific process. 3. Interpret the fundamental and specific concepts of biostatistics related to research in dentistry. 4. Adequately apply statistical tools to complete the data analysis of your research. 5. Use specific computer tools for bibliographic searches. 6. Adequately design experimental and non-experimental studies.

Syllabus

 

1. Introduction to scientific knowledge

  • The process of scientific knowledge
  • Characteristics of scientific knowledge
  • Evidence-based practice. Critical thinking
  • Introduction to critical reading of scientific articles * 

2. Research in Health Sciences

  • Importance of research in dentistry
  • Approach to the research question
  • Introduction to the literature review *
  • Main lines of research in dentistry nationally and internationally

3. Development of a research project

  • Project summary
  • Rationale of the study
  • Hypothesis
  • Aims and objectives
  • Methodology
  • Study population and selection techniques for sample: probability sampling and non- probabilistic
  • Selection criteria for the study sample
  • Intervention: randomization techniques (treatment arms), blind procedures (single blind, double blind, triple blind)
  • Procedures per visit
  • Data collection
  • Definition of measuring instruments: concepts of reliability and validity, development and adaptation of a questionnaire
  • Bias concept
  • Concepts of internal and external validity
  • Ethical considerations
  • Limitations of the study
  • Bibliometric impact
  • Work schedule
  • Financial report
  • Annexes

4. Principal guidelines / project development standards *:

  • CONSORT guide 
  • STROBE guide 
  • SPIRIT guide 
  • PRISMA guide
  Part II (Lab): Experimental techniques (on-site)
  1. Introduction to the Dental Biomaterials Laboratory.
  2. Recognition and use of equipment, apparatus and in-vitro techniques in dental materials.
  3. Design and development of a pilot test in dental biomaterials.
  4. Step-by-step execution of in-vitro techniques and tests on dental biomaterials.
  5. Data collection and coding in laboratory tests.
  6. Interpretation of the results obtained.
 
 

 

Evaluation systems and criteria

In blended



Continuous evaluation (CE) 25%.

Case resolution (CR) 25%.

Final written exam (PFE) 50%

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