VM0140, Scientific methodology, 13.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-VH, 2024-11-14
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)

Level

First cycle (G2F)

Main field of study

Veterinary Medicine

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of scientific methodology through literature searches, critical evaluation of scientific literature, written and oral presentations and peer review, and the tools needed to understand and apply evidence-based veterinary medicine. These tools include statistics and epidemiology, which provide an essential foundation for understanding, evaluating and conducting scientific studies.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• use epidemiological terminology to describe how risk factors related to the environment, the individual and the agent can affect disease and health outcomes in animal populations;
• use epidemiological terminology and methodology to describe and compare the frequency and prevalence of disease and health in populations, and to explain the concept of causality;
• categorise scientific studies by study type and assess the validity of scientific studies with respect to systematic and random errors;
• apply and interpret descriptive and comparative statistics;
• independently search for, critically evaluate and synthesise scientific literature guided by a defined research question;
• write and present orally a scientific project in accordance with established disciplinary conventions, tailored to the intended audience and following the instructions provided;
• review and provide constructive feedback on another student’s written work and oral presentation;
• explain the One Health concept and identify and discuss key methods used within One Health to analyse impacts on the health of animals, humans, and ecosystems.

Content

Subject-related content

The course consists of three main components:
i) Epidemiology and evidence-based veterinary medicine, providing a basic understanding of scientific study design, causality and bias.
ii) Statistics, where students calculate correlations and the risk of random errors.
iii) A science-based project in which students, within a chosen field, are required to write a science-based paper to be presented in writing and orally, and to act as peer reviewer for another student’s project. Supervision will be provided in writing groups of approximately four to six students.

The course addresses information searching, critical review of scientific literature, EBVM, epidemiology, medical statistics, scientific writing and oral presentation. The course emphasises that scientific studies of animal populations are essential in contributing to sustainable animal husbandry from ethical, veterinary, biological and economic perspectives.

The course also includes a module on professional development focusing on One Health, where students use epidemiological tools to study One Health issues.

Teaching formats

To support student learning and promote discussion, a range of methods is used, including lectures, literature reviews, exercises and presentations, as well as writing a research-based paper under supervision.

The course focuses on the following generic competences:

Critical thinking, problem solving, scientific methods, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, ability to work autonomously and time management.

The following components are compulsory:

Writing group meetings and participation in epidemiology and One Health exercises.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written examinations (epidemiology and statistics), approved participation in compulsory components and critical review of another student's project, as well as approved written and oral presentation of own project.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Animal Biosciences

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Veterinärprogrammet

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Scientific writing	7.5	0101
Epidemiology	3.0	0102
Statistics	2.0	0103
Professional development – introduction to One Health	0.5	0104

The Course Replaces

VM0120, part of VM0118

Other Information

Teaching in English may occur.