Research Methods in Biomedicine

Objectives

a) To gain knowledge on the current main lines of research in biomedicine;

b) To identify, at the European level, the research priorities in Biomedicine;

c) To describe the main steps of the research process, using as example the research on biomedical sciences;

d) To critically analyze the research process, from the placement of the working hypothesis, choice of the experimental approach and results;

e) Identify the key aspects to consider in structuring a plan Master's thesis;

f) Recognize the different components of a Master Thesis;

g) Identify the main points to consider when structuring the presentation/defense of a Master's thesis

h) Recognize the key points to consider when organizing the curriculum vitae.

Program

1. Research in biomedicine (1.1. Definition, scope and objectives; 1.2. The Biomedical Research Agenda in Europe)

2. The stages of Biomedical Research (2.1. Planning a research project; 2.2. The pre-investigation stage; 2.3. Conducting the research; 2.4. The post-investigation phase; 2.5. Case studies)

3. Biomedical Research in the context of advanced training (3.1.The thesis project; 3.2.The Master's Thesis; 3.3.The presentation and defense of thesis; 3.4. The curriculum vitae)

Teaching Methodologies

Given the goals of the course, expositive sessions are limited to four hours. In the remaining four hours that constitute the course unit, learning-oriented practical activities, encouraging the discussion and active participation of students are conducted. Activities included here are: a) critical reading of biomedical literature related to research cases, which should allow the understanding of the steps involved in research; b) preparation of a hypothetical Master thesis work plan; c) solving exercises relating to the structure of a Master's thesis; d) structuring and presentation of a hypothetical plan thesis.

Bibliography

Bettencourt, C., M. Raposo, N. Kazachkova, C. Santos, T. Kay, J. Vasconcelos, P. Maciel, K. C. Donnis, M-L Saraiva-Pereira, L. B. Jardim, J. Sequeiros, J. Bruges-Armas & M. Lima (2012). Sequence analysis of 5´regulatory regions of the Machado-Joseph disease gene. Cerebellum, 11, 1045-1050.

European Medical Research Councils (2011). A Stronger Biomedical Research for a Better European Future. European Science Foundation

Indrayan, A. (2004). Elements of Medical Research. Ind J Med Res, 119:93-100.

Marczyk ,G. R., D. DeMatteo & D. Festinger (2005). Essentials of Research Design and Methodology, 305pp. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New Jersey.

Singh, Y. K. (2006). Fundamentals of Research Methodology and Statistics, 323 pp. New Age International Publishers, New Delhi.