Research Design and Methods in Nutrition
Code
44009
Academic unit
Nova Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
Credits
4
Teacher in charge
Profª Doutora Conceição Calhau
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
The students in this UC make contact with scientific method and the various options of experimental models. For this purpose, students must be able to: (1) identify and decide, according to the problem in question, what is the best experimental model to use in a particular study; (2) To know and work with any of the models, knowing the lab technics, ethics rules, the advantages but also the limitations of each model; (3) recognize a good scientific communication; (4) understand the scientific methodology as a tool of professional practice; (5) understand the results in a scientific communication with the criticism needed.
Prerequisites
Subject matter
Module 1
The scientific method in Nutritional Sciences.
Animal models applied to research in nutrition (Rat, Mouse, or other) - requirements, advantages and disadvantages of these models. Animal models commonly used for various metabolic diseases: knockout animals, transgenic, obesity-diet induced/diabetes-diet induced, among others.
Cellular models in nutritional research.
Translation of nutritional research
Module 2
Presentation and discussion of LIC (Clinical Research Law): clinical studies of nutrition.
European regulations for nutritional and health claims.
Clinical studies in nutrition: leges artis. Special features of experimental design (intervention studies and observational studies).
Module 3
Ethical and deontological problems in these studies.
Trial registration. Documents required for the approval by the Ethics Committee.
Clinical studies and National Data Protection Commission.
Module 4
Scientific writing.
The dissemination of science.
The exercise of the profession based on the evidence.
Bibliography
· Julie A. Lovegrove (Editor), Leanne Hodson (Editor), Sangita Sharma (Editor), Susan A.
· Lanham-New (Editor). (2015). Wiley-Blackwell Nutrition Research Methodologies
· Publicações cientificas atuais
Teaching method
The learning objectives of the CU require a teaching methodology that respects regular proximity to work and progress of students, respect for diversity of approaches and consideration of the uniqueness of individual cases and bring them to the forefront of the learning-teaching process. These starting principles are rightly included in the methodology adopted.
Evaluation method
In the module 1, students have lab classes to contact with animal models and to handle cell lines.
Evaluation: A final written test that consists in scientific and practical problems that should be solved by students, proposing experimental studies and justifying their response.
This UC also has a continuous assessment component along the TP classes. In the TP classes will also be presented papers for discussion.