Scientific Methodology

Course content

The students
- practise conducting literature searches in the library and relevant online literature databases
- are able to identify the literature types and assess their relevance for the professional field of dietetics
- are able to explain the meaning of the term “scholarliness” in dietetics and the relationship between science and professional practice and are aware of the importance of a scientific work ethic in daily work
- learn how to cite properly and practise the methodology using selected examples
- are able to integrate and consolidate their knowledge of literature searching and proper citing in brief texts drawing on content from other modules

Learning outcomes

In this module students acquire basic techniques and skills required for searching and handling subject-specific scientific literature in both German and English. Students are required to identify and analyse text types relevant to professional practice and prepare them for use in their own texts. They also learn that a scholarly and professional approach is also reflected in acknowledging the intellectual property of others through proper citing. The content of the lecture “Scientific Methodology” is strongly linked to contents of either module M10 “Practice of Human Nutrition 2” or module M11 “Specific Aspects of Human Nutrition” so that students can apply and consolidate their knowledge.

The students
- recognise the relevance and necessity of scientific thinking and working for increasing professionalisation and quality assurance in dietetic practice
- practise conducting literature searches in the library and in relevant online literature databases
- are able to identify the literature and text types relevant for the professional field of dietetics
- learn methods of proper citing and are able to apply them
- are able to apply and consolidate their knowledge by writing their own brief academic texts
- learn subject-specific vocabulary based on specific topics and texts related to the focus of the Dietetics and Nutrition degree programme
- enhance their oral and written English communication techniques for work in a scientific, international and multiprofessional context

Recommended or required reading and other learning resources / tools

Books, journals and relevant current primary literature will be announced by the lecturers at the start of the course or are included in the relevant syllabus.

Mode of delivery

ILV

Prerequisites and co-requisites

None

Assessment methods and criteria

Written and oral