Course content

The course is compulsory for all PhD students at the Faculty of Medicine at NTNU. The aim is to provide a combination of theoretical insight, useful information and practical 'know-how' to help young researchers succeed in their work. Central topics is research planning and preparation of the research protocol. Characteristics of successful research projects and -groups are presented and illustrated with examples from NTNU and the University Hospital. There is a special focus on medical technology, one of the main target research areas at NTNU. Ethical and legal regulations of medical and health related research are presented with a special emphasis of ethical reflection in scientific work. Examples of different levels of scientific fraud are given. The course also involves an introduction to the different research traditions and methods in medicine, in addition to retrieval strategies and use of scientific literature. Common aspects within the publication process will be discussed, included the process of peer review and editorial decisions.
The mandatory group-based course exam consists of the development and presentation of a research protocol based on a topic given on the first day of the course. Participants thereby get essential training in interdisciplinary teamwork with relation to development of research questions and projects. Each group also has to prepare a critical and constructive feed-back to one other group's protocol and presentation.

Learning outcome

The aim of the course is to provide a broad insight into and knowledge about the research process in addition to the laws and regulations of research in medical and health related fields. The group exam will provide practical experience in the scientific process from idea to project by cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching language is English. There are four days of lectures and discussion in addition to the preparation of the research protocol. The groups (4-6 members) are put together by the course committee and presented on the first lecture day. All group participants have to define their contribution in the preparation and presentation of the protocol.

Compulsory assignments

• Lectures and group assignments

Recommended previous knowledge

Enrollment in the PhD-programme

Required previous knowledge

Admission Reguirements: Master degree or similar. Medical students at The Student Research Programme. Candidates with a lower degree will be assessed individually.

Course materials

Recommended literature will be given the first day of course. Lecture notes are posted on It's learning

Credit reductions