Scientific Thinking and Research
Code
101212
Academic unit
NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
Credits
2
Teacher in charge
Professor Doutor Fernando Miguel Teixeira Xavier
Teaching language
Portuguese and English.
Objectives
Wanted convey to students a set of knowledge enabling them to structure conceptually the foundations of scientific thought as it is currently analised. It is also intended that knowledge provides students with a current perception about the meaning of doing research and of undertaking a PhD in Medicine.
After an epistemological approach to the scientific thought building mechanisms, it is intended that students deepen their knowledge of the various dimensions of the scientific method, particularly with regard to its key elements (observation, hypothesis, prediction, experimentation).
It also seeks that students strengthen their critical capacity to the problems of causality of the association,
correlation and inference, in the broad sense.
During the curricular unit several questions concerning the PhD project will be discussed: how to choose and plan a PhD project? How to find a proper supervisor? How to develop a network in order to support complex projects?
Prerequisites
Subject matter
- Scientific knowledge - General principles
- Characteristics of scientific thought
- Contributions history - philosophy of science, epistemology
- Scientific method - observation , description , experimentation , prediction
- Empiricism , accident , hypotheses, models , theories and laws
- General Typology of research models
- The issue of causality : identification of causes, event correlation .
- Statistical inference and causal inference
- Biomedical and clinical research: what is it?
- Scientific system at a glance
- Projects presentation and discussion
Bibliography
Thomas Kuhn. A Estrutura das Revoluções Científicas, Porto Editora, 1998.
Teaching method
Exposure performed by the teachers (lectures), group work and testimony of research experts and PhD degree holders, who have recently completed their PhD in relevant topics.
Evaluation method
Students will be assessed through three optional models:
- Critical analysis of a paper published in the literature.
- Presentation of the work done by the (s) own (s) form (s) .
- Presentation of a research project in the module area .
Courses
