SARETI IV MASTERS: MODULES AND SCHEDULES
SARETI students will register for a Masters in Social Science with a major in Health Research Ethics (MSocSc Health Research Ethics). This is a degree designed, registered and run specifically for SARETI students. It is based on modular coursework, practicals and a research dissertation leading to a publishable paper on a topic relevant to the degree.
Modules are also available for non-SARETI UKZN students for non-degree purposes.
The Schedule / Programme
The following is a complete list of all the modules registered for this programme. Only eight are selected and offered in an academic year.
PSYC823 Qualitative Research in Psychology
The module is divided into four main sections: the qualitative orientation, which considers the history and ethos of qualitative research; research design and data collection, using interview and observational methods; data analysis, with techniques of coding, analytic displays and grounded theorizing; and report writing. Students are also required to design and execute a qualitative research study.
PSYC824 Applied Research: Programme Monitoring & Evaluation
The module covers the following topics: policy contexts for applied research; implementation cycles; qualitative and quantitative evaluation; action and participatory research; rapid approaches; related methodologies in sociology, epidemiology and demography; and getting research into policy and practice. Practical work consists of policy analyses, proposal writing, proposal negotiation, execution of rapid and participatory research exercises, secondary analyses of existing data, and an investigation of barriers to implementation of research findings.
Dissertation (MSocSc)
Credits: 64 | Duration: 2 years
PSYC826 Evaluating Research Designs
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
This module enables students to evaluate the design adequacy of research proposals, because flawed design will lead to de facto unethical research (Emanuel et al., 2004; Freedman, 1987). Students will learn to evaluate the following aspects of medical, epidemiological and social health research designs: elements of sound research design; research design implementation; research capacity and resources.
PSYC827 Introduction to Bioethics
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
This module provides students with the foundations of bioethics in health practice and research. Fundamental bioethical principles will be covered, as well as alternative bioethical frameworks; case studies are used for the identification of bioethical dilemmas to develop skills for resolving these systematically.
PSYC828 Institutionalizing Ethical Review of Health Research
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
This module focuses on implementing an institutional ethics review of research. It covers all aspects of RECs’ functioning; requirements and existing guidelines; different models; relationships with host institutions; and facilitating and maintaining institutional change. Role plays and participation in actual RECs will enhance the practical nature of this module.
PSYC829: Introduction to Human Rights for Health Researchers
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
This module gives students an awareness of human rights implications of health research and will provide a basic introduction to human rights, international covenants and other relevant material; it refers specifically to the South African Bill of Rights and to other relevant African documents in law and human rights, and encourages students to apply these to health research.
PSYC830 Introduction to Health Law and Research
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
This module exposes students to a legal approach to health research and will specifically assist students in identifying legal principles and issues relevant to health research. Basic principles of South African and African health law related to health research will be covered.
PSYC831 Critical Issues in Informed Consent
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
This module focuses on the centrality of informed consent in health research. The historical, philosophical and legal aspects of informed consent are outlined. Controversy surrounding informed consent procedures in vulnerable populations is highlighted, with particular reference to international health research associated with women, children and poverty. Students will develop an awareness of the complexity of these issues and be able to develop appropriate ethical responses.
PSYC832 Behaviour and Research
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
This module aims to help learners identify the central role of behaviour in health research. Two particular aspects are given attention: the centrality of behavioural issues in ethical health research, as well as ethical issues in behavioural research. These are presented as complementary facets of ethical issues in health research. A key focus of this module will be on empirical bioethics, and how and when to use social science approaches in research ethics and to deepen normative arguments. The limits of social science in bioethics will also be covered. Case studies are used to examine the relation between behaviour and ethics in research.
The School of Applied Human Sciences has also made the following existing modules available to SARETI students (these are core master’s courses offered by the School of Applied Human Sciences, and therefore no SARETI faculty members have been assigned):
PSYC833 Responsible Conduct of Research and Research Integrity
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
The module covers the interface between professional regulations, professional ethics and research ethics, which is particularly important in international research and settings with poor regulatory infrastructure. Students will identify issues in health research that require the maintenance of high professional ethical standards and research integrity and will cover current research integrity / RCR guidelines and related literature.
PSYC835 Ethical Issues in Health Research
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
This module covers the history and dynamics of human participation in health research. The module will critically address the special ethical issues and politics associated with health research in developing country contexts, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations, informed consent, power inequalities, cultural issues and gender. Students will be able to analyse, critique and advise on creative ways on ensuring the ethical participation of human participants in research in developing country settings.
PSYC836 Ethical Issues in Community-Based Research
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
This module addresses ethical issues of community entry and participation in health research, particularly in developing countries. Complex ethical issues arise at the interface between researchers and the community. Students will identify multiple responsibilities that arise, and identify the shortcomings of traditional professional and research ethics principles in such settings. Students will resolve ethical dilemmas in community participation through critical reflection and interaction.
PSYC837 Ethical Issues in International Collaborative Health Research
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
Ethical issues in international health research and concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable populations are becoming increasingly prominent. This module identifies risks and concerns, discusses the globalisation of health research, and reviews national and international mechanisms to deal with these, particularly in the context of Africa and research in rural areas. Case studies and group discussions will be used.
PSYC838 Ethical Issues in HIV Vaccine Trials
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
This module exposes students to the complexities and controversies associated with ethical issues in HIV/AIDS vaccine and prevention trials in developing countries and covers relevant international and local ethical guidelines. Students will apply ethical thinking to particular circumstances in HIV vaccine research.
PSYC839 Children and Health Research
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
The aim of the module is to ensure that the students are sensitized to all issues that relate to children and health research. The research must be appropriate and of direct benefit to children. The students must be able to review the informed consent process objectively with the parent/guardian as third party consent, as well as the assent of the child if applicable. Special attention will be given to the cognitive development of children and the assent process.
PSYC841 Religion and Ethics in Health Research
16 credits | Duration: 1 week |
This module sensitizes students to different value systems informed by religion, and the implications of these for health research. It will examine the similarities and differences between some of the world’s major and minor religions and explore the ethical dimensions of such comparisons. Students will be taught to recognize such dimensions in health research contexts and to identify the problematic issue of moral relativism. Africa’s major religions – Christianity, Islam and indigenous religions – are discussed.