Course

Unit 1

Credit hours

15

Practical

Introduction to Research Methodology : Definition and importance of research methodology, Research process: problem formulation, hypothesis development, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation, Overview of research designs: descriptive, analytical, and experimental

Unit 2

Credit hours

15

Practical

Epidemiological Studies and Research Design: Types of research designs: cross-sectional, longitudinal, quasi-experimental, randomized controlled trials, Factors to consider when selecting a research design, Case studies: examples of different research designs in dietetics and public health

Unit 3

Credit hours

15

Practical

Data Collection Methods : Surveys: types, advantages, and limitations, Interviews: types, advantages, and limitations Observational studies: types, advantages, and limitations Case studies: examples of different data collection methods in dietetics and public health

Unit 4

Credit hours

15

Practical

Statistical analysis: descriptive statistics, inferential statistics

Data analysis software: examples of commonly used software (e.g., SPSS), Data visualization techniques: charts, graphs, tables

Unit 5

Credit hours

15

Practical

Ethical considerations in research: informed consent, confidentiality, deception, Reporting research results: introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusions

Case studies: examples of ethical dilemmas in dietetics and public health research

Course Description

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of research methodology in dietetics and public health with hands-on practical aspects in epidemiology, study design, statistics, body composition, physical activity assessment and dietary intake measurements as well as experience in scientific writing and detailed reviews of peer reviewed scientific papers in dietetics and public health. This course covers various aspects of research methodology, including research design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation as well as ethical issues in conducting research. This course will enable students to design, conduct, and evaluate research studies.

1. To understand the principles of research methodology in dietetics and public health
2. To identify the types of research questions and designs appropriate for studies and to provide an understanding of the term epidemiological studies
3. To introduce the important scientific concepts in study design, research protocol development and ethical issues in research
4. To introduce different strategies and interpretation of research studies and provide an understanding of key statistical issues including sampling, study size and statistical power.

Prerequisites

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honors) (4-year program) 

1. McClean S. (2019) Research Methods for Public Health. Sage Publications.
2. Lovegrove JA., Hodson L., Sharma S. and Lanham-New SA. (2015). Nutrition Research Methodologies (The Nutrition Society Textbook). Wiley-Blackwell; 1st edition.
3. Susan B and Deepa H. (2012) Introduction To Epidemiologic Research Methods In Public Health Practice. Jones & Bartlett
4. Nelson M. (2020). Statistics in Nutrition and Dietetics. Wiley-Blackwell 
5. Sreelatha k NT. and Sreelatha K. (2021)Research ethics and plagiarism. Ess Ess Pubns.