Research Skills in Nutrition
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS4065 | Biosciences | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- BIOS4065
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The research process:
A review of the steps in the research process, including project planning, applying for funding, project management, and the peer review process.
Critical review skills:
A discussion of reading strategies appropriate for scientific literature, and how to critically assess the quality of published material. Data collection and statistical analysis:
An introduction to the types of data commonly collected in research in nutritional sciences and the basic concepts of statistical analysis, with practical application using SPSS. How to present data effectively.
Laboratory skills:
An introduction to the basic skills required to work effectively and safely in a laboratory environment. Dietary assessment:
The tools available for dietary assessment, both at individual and population level. Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of these tools, according to different research scenarios in the nutritional sciences.
Anthropometry:
The tools available for measuring body composition, both at the individual and population level. Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of these tools, according to different research scenarios in the nutritional sciences. Practical application of laboratory, dietary assessment and anthropometry techniques.
Target Students
Students studying on the PGDip/MSc Nutritional Sciences programme OR MSc Clinical Nutrition of Biosciences.
Classes
- One 3-hour practicum each week for 11 weeks
- One 3-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 25% Coursework 1: Data Presentation and Statistics
- 50% Coursework 2: Nutritional Assessment
- 25% Coursework 3: Epidemiology
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to provide an introduction to research in nutritional sciences and to provide training in the core skills required to work in a research environment.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1) Critically evaluate scientific literature.
2) Apply the theoretical principles of statistical analysis to data sets and present data effectively.
3) Critically evaluate the efficacy of tools available for measuring body composition and dietary assessment methods.
4) Understand the basic concepts required to conduct laboratory research and correctly utilise a variety of scientific research resources.
5) Describe the major concepts and principles of nutritional epidemiology and assess rigour and validity in qualitative and quantitative research.