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NORWEGIAN EPIDEMIOLOGY RESEARCH PROJECT PRACTICUM AND PRESENTATION

Norge teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet (NTNU)  Trondheim, Norway

MED 9002

Participating Faculty (Norway):  Geier Jcobsen, M.D., Dr PH

UND Faculty:  Steve Helgerson, M.D., MPH
                         George Johnson, M.D.
                         James Brosseau, M.D.
                         Linda Olson, Ed.D.
                         Richard Vari, Ph.D.

Offered:   July-April

Objectives of the Elective:

1. To increase the student's ability to plan a research project.
    a.  To complete a literature review.
    b.  To develop a testable hypothesis.
    c.  To organize data collection and where applicable and time permits, to improve the ability to collect data, enter data, and   complete data analysis.

2. To increase the student's ability to participate in ongoing Norwegian health research projects.
    a.  To allow the student to participate in ongoing research projects for participation and review project development prior to  and up to the time point while in Norway, including the concepts of literature review, hypothesis development, developing datea entry, dat analysis, or completion of presentation and/or manuscript.
    b.  To increase the student's ability to participate in a meaningful fashion in ongoing Norwegian health research, such as the HUNT study (http://www.hunt.folkehelsa.no/senter/en/index.htm.htm).

Instructional Activities:

  1. To bring a research project to final "journal ready" manuscript.
  2. To participate in data entry, data anlaysis, and manuscript preparation as jointly deemed appropriate by NTNU and UND faculty.
  3. To develop an abstract for presentation to NTNU and UND faculty and students.
  4. To develop audio visual materials appropriate for presentation of the study.

Standards of Performance (Outcomes) Indicating Attainment of Objectives:

  1. Satisfactory completion of goals and objectives of the elective as demonstrated by an understanding of the basic concepts of hypothesis testing and experimental design.
  2. Completion of an oral and written project suitable for submission to a Norwegian or American national conference and/or journal.
  3. A written evaluation of the elective experience must be submitted by the NTNU faculty advisor and submitted by the student to the UND Department of Community Medicine and to the Campus Dean.

Criteria for Grading:

Exchange students will be expected to participate in the research experience as though they were a final student at NTNU.  The evaluation system established by the NTNU faculty of Medicine has been deemed appropriate by UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and upon a letter of recommendation by the NTNU faculty preceptor, a final elective grade will be granted by the UND Department of Community Medicine.

To arrive at a satisfactory recommendation for the research elective the following must occur

1. Completion of the project design (10%).
2. Attending and participating at the individual research site(s) in Norway (40%).
3. Presentation materials, audiovisuals, and research manuscripts in final form (40%).
4. Submission of an abstract suitable for publication (10%).

Special Note:

The Vice Dean for Education, NTNU and the Chairman of Community Medicine at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences will work together jointly in making this a positive growth experience for students interested in epidemiological research on an international scope.

This elective is arranged through a 1:1 communication with the NTNU faculty members and the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty members.  Genral avise regarding housing, travel, and cultural issues can be answered through calling Linda Olson, Ed.D., Department of Community Medicine.