HLTH 511 Research Methods in Public Health

The purpose of this course is to teach the student the necessary concepts and skills required for research design, implementation, data analysis, statistical testing and results reporting. The successful public health professional should demonstrate knowledge and skills in these areas in order to be able to conduct original research and critically review published research.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

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Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion: Exploring Contemporary Public Health Issues

In this discussion, you will identify a contemporary public health issue and propose a researchable question that you will build upon for the remainder of this course. (CLO: A, F, PLO: 1, 3, 9, FC: 7)

Discussion: Public Health in Context – Understanding Community Needs

In this discussion, you will choose a population or community affected by the public health issue you selected in Module 1. Your discussion thread should describe the social determinants of health, cultural or socioeconomic factors impacting this population, identify health disparities specific to this community, and propose one method for engaging the community in developing or informing your research study (e.g., advisory board, key informant interviews, surveys, focus groups). (CLO: A, B, D, PLO: 4, 5, FC: 7)

Discussion: Poster Presentation

The student will create and record a 5-7 minute video presentation of his/her research poster summarizing his/her protocol. The student will post the video and provide constructive feedback to at least two classmates’ presentations. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, PLO: 3, 9, FC: 3)

Literature Review Matrix Assignment

Using Garrard’s matrix method, the student will summarize and organize key scholarly articles related to his/her chosen public health issue. The matrix will highlight study designs, methods, and findings to support the student’s future research design. (CLO: A, B, PLO: 1, 3, FC: 7)

Research Design Proposal Assignment

The student will submit a brief research proposal that builds upon his/her initial research question and the community context. The proposal must include the student’s chosen study design, sampling strategy, and data collection methods. (CLO: A, C, D, PLO: 1, 2, FC: 2, 11)

CITI Activity Assignment

Understanding ethical standards in research is important for public health professionals to know. The student will be expected to complete the CITI online training program in for the protection of human subjects in research. More information about this assignment is located in Canvas. (CLO: D, PLO: 9, FC: 2)

Ethical Case Study Analysis Assignment

In this assignment, the student will analyze a real-world ethical dilemma in public health. The student’s analysis will identify the ethical issues, propose ways to address them, and reflect on the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). (CLO: D, F, PLO: 9, FC: 2)

Qualitative Data Analysis Assignment

The student will collect a small qualitative dataset to practice coding and theme identification. This hands-on activity introduces basic qualitative analysis methods used in public health research. (CLO: E, PLO: 1, FC: 2, 3)

Quantitative Data Analysis Report Assignment

Using a provided dataset, the student will conduct descriptive and/or inferential statistical analysis and interpret the results. The final report should include visualizations and clear public health implications. (CLO: E, PLO: 1, FC: 3)

Final Project: Research Proposal Assignment

This assignment requires the student to draft a comprehensive research protocol based on his/her proposed study. The protocol must include aims, hypotheses, design, methodology, ethical considerations, and timeline. (CLO: A, B, C, D, F, PLO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, FC: 2, 11)

Quiz: Foundations of Public Health Research and Study Design

This quiz assesses your understanding of foundational concepts in public health research, including definitions, types of research, and the stages of the research process. (CLO: A PLO: 1, FC: 7)

Quiz: Understanding Research Designs in Public Health

This quiz evaluates the student’s knowledge of various public health research designs, including case-control, cohort, cross-sectional, and experimental studies, with attention to his/her applications, strengths, and limitations. (CLO: C, PLO: 1, 2, FC: 2, 11)