Programme

UN UPDATE WILL FOLLOW SOON

A short description of the tasks and their estimated workload is given below. The topics have been spread over three months. Once selected for the course, you will obtain access to the pre-course material.

Epidemiology - July

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Biostatistics - August

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Qualitative research methods - September

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Major topics

1. Quantitative study design – Prof. J. Weyler
   Principles of prognostic (cohort), etiologic (case-control) and diagnostic (cross-sectional) research will be explained with a focus on study object, data collection (design methods) and data analysis. In addition, more recent design types will be presented as case-cohort, case-cross-over studies. The participants will be able to select the best research design taking into account the specific context (domain) and the specific research question (etiognostic, diagnostic, prognostic).

2. Methods of data analysis/biostatistics – Prof. S. Abrams
   Analysis of scientific data will gradually progress from basics (t-test, chi², ANOVA...) to further analyses related to the study designs discussed in the first module:

   • Linear regression
   • Generalized linear regression (logistic and Poisson regression)
   • Cox proportional hazards regression

   Students will also be introduced to longitudinal data analysis and missing data techniques.

3. Qualitative study design  – Prof. dr. H. Bastiaens, Prof. dr. S. Anthierens and QUALUA-team
   In this basic course on qualitative research, we will focus on the principles, design, conducting, evaluating the quality and reporting of qualitative research. We will combine theory and hands-on practice. After the course students will be able to set up and conduct their own qualitative research in a scientifically rigorous way.

4. Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis  – PhD. N. Pauwels & PhD. E. Deschepper
   The course will teach the different steps to take to perform a high-quality, methodologically sound and reliable systematic review and meta-analysis. The course is filled with workshops preparing the participant to get immediately started with his/her own systematic review and meta-analysis.

Practical sessions

1. Introduction to the use of statistical packages(R) - PhD. C. Delgado-Ratto
   The students will learn how to use R software during hands-on statistics exercises with databases. The practical lessons on descriptive and inferential statistics will provide the basis to comprehensibly analyze their own databases using any of this software package.

2. Research Project(R & Nvivo) – Prof. J.-P. Van geertruyden & colleagues
   Students will conduct their own data analysis.Depending on the research topic, the student may analyse quantitative or qualitative data, perform a meta-analysis or perform a cost-effectiveness analysis. Study analysis will be presented by the students throughout the sessions and results will finally be presented in a congress style session at the end of the course. (Tutoring possible in English, French, Spanish, and Dutch)

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded after completion of the course.