Introduction and Research Methods for Translational Science



Overview

Building the foundations for your study of translational science and health care innovation

This compulsory introductory module will provide the foundations for deeper engagement with the social sciences in the context of translational medicine and health care innovation. From a mix of learning methods including lectures, small group seminars and individual and group project work, you will acquire the knowledge and skills needed for independent study across the programme.

The module will include a brief introduction to key principles of research in the social sciences and look at examples of how these principles are applied in different disciplines, such as health services research, sociology, psychology, and science and technology studies.

It will also briefly introduce underpinning philosophical assumptions and empirical methods for the social sciences, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

You will learn (or refresh) the skills of literature searching, essay writing, critical thinking and presentation. You will consider your options for further modules and become oriented and confident to progress in the course.

The last date for receipt of complete applications is 5pm Friday 4th October 2024. Regrettably, late applications cannot be accepted.

Course Aims

On completion of this module, we expect our students to be able to:

  • Define key terms, ideas, concepts and methods relevant to the study of health care innovation and translational medicine

  • Give examples of practical challenges in these fields and appreciate the contribution that different disciplinary perspectives can provide when addressing them

  • Engage in interdisciplinary discussions about how to address translational challenges in a health care setting

  • Undertake desk research on a topic, including extracting, critically analysing and synthesising information from a range of written and spoken sources, and come to an informed conclusion

  • Write a scholarly essay with a high standard of layout and referencing

Research methods and techniques taught in this module:

  • Introduction to research in the social sciences

  • Introduction to qualitative research methods

  • Introduction to quantitative research methods.

Example of case studies to be discussed in this module

  • Innovative wound management products: Effective? Cost-effective? Adequately regulated?
  • ‘Facts’ in health technology assessment: whose evidence counts?

Programme details

The first weeks of this module is spent working on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment, a week is then spent in Oxford for face-to-face teaching and group work (this takes place on the dates to be confirmed), there are then a series of extended Post-Oxford activities (delivered through the VLE) over the following 4-6 weeks which are designed to support you in the preparation and delivery of the practical elements of your assignment. You will be required to submit your written assignment electronically (usually on a Tuesday at 14:00 UK Local Time).

Fees

Description Costs
Short Course in Health Sciences £3175.00
Students enrolled on MSc in Translational Health Science £2570.00

Funding

Details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information are available on our financial assistance page.

Discounts

If you are an employee of the University of Oxford and have a valid University staff card you may be eligible to receive a 10% discount on the full stand-alone fee. To take advantage of this offer please submit a scan/photocopy of your staff card along with your application. Your card should be valid for a further six months after attending the course.

Tutors

Dr Caroline Potter

Co-Module Coordinator

Dr Caroline Potter is a Senior Researcher in the Interdisciplinary Research in Health Sciences (IRIHS) group at Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, and a deputy research theme lead for the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration for Oxford and Thames Valley.

Prof Sara Shaw

Co-Module Coordinator

Prof Sara Shaw is Professor of Health Policy & Practice in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Senior Fellow at Green Templeton College and Director of DECIDE, a rapid evaluation centre involved in developing and translating evidence on technology-enabled remote monitoring in health and social care.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be based on performance in a group presentation and submission of a written assignment which should not exceed 4,000 words.

Academic Credit

Applicants may take this course for academic credit. The University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education offers Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points for this course. Participants attending at least 80% of the taught course and successfully completing assessed assignments are eligible to earn credit equivalent to 20 CATS points which may be counted towards a postgraduate qualification.

Applicants can choose not to take the course for academic credit and will therefore not be eligible to undertake the academic assignment offered to students taking the course for credit. Applicants cannot receive CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points or equivalence. Credit cannot be attributed retrospectively. CATS accreditation is required if you wish for the course to count towards a further qualification in the future.

A Certificate of Completion is issued at the end of the course.

Applicants registered to attend ‘not for credit’ who subsequently wish to register for academic credit and complete the assignment are required to submit additional information, which must be received one calendar month in advance of the course start date. Please contact us for more details.

Please contact ths@conted.ox.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Application

This course requires you to complete the application form and to attach a copy of your CV. If you are applying to take this course for academic credit you will also be required to provide a reference. Please note that if you are not applying to take the course for academic credit then you do not need to submit a reference.

Please ensure you read the guidance notes which appear when you click on the symbols as you progress through the application form, as any errors resulting from failure to do so may delay your application.

Selection criteria

Admissions Criteria:
To apply for the course you should:

  • Be a graduate or have successfully completed a professional training course
  • Have professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field
  • Be able to combine intensive classroom learning with the application of the principles and practices of translational health sciences within the work place
  • Have a good working knowledge of email, internet, word processing and Windows applications (for communications with course members, course team and administration)
  • Show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and an employer's commitment to make time available to study, complete course work and attend course and university events and modules.
  • Be able to demonstrate English Language proficiency at the University’s higher level. 

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at the Rewley House Residential Centre, within the Department for Continuing Education, in central Oxford. The comfortable, en-suite, study-bedrooms have been rated as 4-Star Campus accommodation under the Quality In Tourism scheme, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme. Accomodation is not included in the course fee.

IT requirements

Please ensure that you have access to a computer that meets the specifications detailed on our technical support page.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support