Mwanza Research Methods Course

MWANZA RESEARCH METHODS COURSE 2019

 This is a two weeks research methods course suitable for health researchers, social scientists and students undertaking professional training (MSc, MMed, MPH, and PhD). Facilitators for this course are highly experienced researchers from the Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Mwanza Centre, Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). The course consists of eight introductory modules on Epidemiology, Medical statistics, Bioethics, Field methods, Laboratory methods and evaluation, Qualitative research methods, Clinical trials and scientific critical reading and referencing.

The Course Objectives are:

1. To introduce the main methods used in health research
2. To develop expertise in the use of research methods introduced in the course
3. To enable participants to implement their future research Projects using correct research methods

Venue: National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Isamilo area, Mwanza city
Dates: Monday 25th February 2019 to Friday 05th March 2019.
Course Details: Below is an outline of main topics which will be covered in each module:-

1. Epidemiology Introduction to research methods Measuring of disease occurrence Measure of effects and association Epidemiological study designs Random errors, bias and confounding Addressing confounding in the analysis	2. Statistics Introduction to biostatistics Exploration of data Stats for continues Introduction to linear regression Analysis of binary outcomes Introduction to logistic regression Sample size determination
3. Field methods Questionnaire design Field survey methods Interviewing skills Survey, timeline and budgeting	4. Laboratory methods Introduction and evaluating performance of diagnostic tests Planning project laboratory testing Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) Quality management system
5. Qualitative research Overview of qualitative research Common data collection methods Key steps in qualitative data analysis	6. The clinical trials Introduction to randomised clinical trials Analysis of clinical trial data Cluster randomised trials Reporting of clinical trial results Principals of Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
7. Bio-ethics Module will cover Ethical Issues in health research	8. Critical Reading and referencing module Introduction to critical reading for qualitative and quantitative papers Searching the internet for referencing

Mode of teaching: Experienced researchers will share their experiences with participants and teach the latest developments in research techniques. This will be done in the form of:

1. Lecture sessions
2. Practical sessions to enhance the understanding of topics and to build skills in key techniques
3. Group activities to facilitate participant interaction.

Mode of Application: If you are interested in this course, please submit your application letter outlining your current work/engagement(s) and how this course will benefit your work and career. Include with your application a CV and a letter of recommendation from your line manager or supervisor (where applicable). This should be submitted to the following address not later than Friday, 18th January, 2019, 5.00pm East African Time.

The Director,
NIMR Mwanza Centre
Attention: Research Methods Course Coordinator
P.O Box 1462, Mwanza, TANZANIA
e-mail: rmcourse@mitu.or.tz

Requirements: Applicants should have at least a master degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study and either working or doing post-graduate studies in health research environment.

Evaluation
At the end of the course, participant will have to write an examination and those who score above fifty percent will be awarded a certificate of performance. Participants scoring below 50% will be awarded a certificate of attendance.