1. Bachelor’s degree (180 credits) or equivalent with a major in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical technology, biomedical methods and technology, biomedical laboratory science, or in other areas of natural, medical, engineering sciences or technology of relevance to the programme with a minimum of 15 credits in chemistry and/or biochemistry.

2. The equivalent of English B, or English 6, in Swedish secondary school.

3. Passing 45 credits of the courses in the Master’s program semesters 1 and 2 or equivalent (transferable credits).

The aim of the course is for the student to develop their knowledge and understanding of research design and methodology, the qualitative and quantitative research methods as well as consideration of ethical guidelines.

The course provides a deeper view in research methodology, experimental design and quantitative analysis of research results. Different data collection and analysis methods are also presented. The emphasis is on critical reading, commenting, and interpreting published results in the area of biomedical surface science and related fields. Ethical guidelines, problems and regulations relevant to research are discussed.

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to

1. describe qualitative methods and different science traditions,

2. identify and critically evaluate research methodologies used in research articles and reports in the area of biomedical surface science,

3. explain ethical rules, concepts and significance of ethics, and

4. assess different designs and data collection methods.

To reach learning outcomes 1-3, lectures, seminars and group discussions are used as learning activities in order to stimulate the student’s active participation and reflection. Learning outcome 4 is reached through seminars where the students critically reflect on different methods. For all learning outcomes, the student´s ability to critically reflect is achieved through group-based seminars where practical exercises and theories are connected.

Learning outcomes 1-3 are examined through group discussions and a written individual assignment. To examine learning outcome 4, participation in the lectures are mandatory. Detailed assessment criteria are available in the study instructions. Right to re-examination A student who fails to achieve a passing grade in the course examination will be given the opportunity to be re-examined twice according to same course content and with the same requirements. In addition, students also have the right to be examined on the same course the next time the course is offered according to the same regulations. If the course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student has a right to re-examination on two occasions within one year, based on the syllabus that was in place at the time the student registered for the course. Examination and re-examination take place at the times specified in the schedule.

Beauchamp T, Childress J, (2009) Principles of biomedical ethics, 6th edition, NY: Oxford University Press, pp. 454. Creswell JW, (2013) Research design - qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches, 4th edition, Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, Inc., pp 251.

The course coordinator/examiner is responsible for ensuring that a course evaluation will be conducted for the course. A summary course evaluation will be conducted in connection with the completion of the course. The course coordinator will relay the results to the students at a prearranged time. Memory notes from the feedback, including proposals for changes to the course, will be documented and made available on the course website, and will also be relayed to the students who begin the course the next time it is given.