Research Project

Objectives

This unit aims to consolidate knowledge in research methodologies, previously acquired in other curricular units, through the development of an innovative research proposal in nutrition, well-documented and methodologically well-planned. It is intended that students are able to rationalise all the important steps in the development of a research project, demonstrating:
1) capabilities to support their decisions, namely through a research proposal that meets the objectives;
2) creativity, scientific rigor and ethical principles;
3) effectiveness in written and oral presentation.

General characterization

Code

41039

Credits

5

Responsible teacher

Prof. Doutor André Rosário

Hours

Weekly - Available soon

Total - Available soon

Teaching language

Portuguese

Prerequisites

Not applicable

Bibliography

• Hulley, S. B., Cummings, S. R., Browner, W. S., Grady, D. G., Newman, T. B. (2013). Designing clinical research (4th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. ISBN 9781608318049.
• Drummond, K. E., Murphy-Reyes, A., Nutrition Research: Concepts and Applications. Jones & Bartlett Learning. ISBN 9781284101539.
• Pounis, G., (2019). Analysis in Nutrition Research: Principles of Statistical Methodology and Interpretation of the Results. Academic Press. ISBN 9780128145562.
• Lovegrove, J. A., Hodson, L., Sharma, S., Lanham-New, S. A. (2015). Nutrition Research Methodologies. Wiley-Blackewell. ISBN 9781118554678.

Teaching method

The unit is organised in lectures and practical classes: 1) 50-minute lecture classes once a week; and 2) 2.5-hour practical classes once a week, with a maximum of 15 students, for the detailed presentation and discussion of the main elements of the research proposal. The practical component requires students to write a research proposal, under the supervision of the professor.

Evaluation method

The evaluation will focus on the quality of the research proposal presented by the student, with emphasis on:
a) the scientific content (60%);
b) oral presentation (20%); and
c) discussion (20%).
Students with a grade equal to or higher than 10 (0 - 20) values are approved.
Approval requires attendance in at least 2/3 of all scheduled practical classes.

Subject matter

Introduction to nutrition research project.
Formulation of the research question and aims: a systematised approach.
Selecting appropriate study designs.
Selection of methods and instruments for data collection, management and analysis.
Selection of participants and recruitment: specification, sampling and methods.
Addressing ethical and legal Issues.
Research project planning: tasks; roles and responsibilities; timeline and milestones; costs; monitoring and contingency plan.
Writing a research proposal.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: