Ph.D. in Nursing Science Course Descriptions

NRPHD-708	NRPHD-711	NRPHD-712	NRPHD-730	NRPHD-734	NRPHD-736	NRPHD-738
NRPHD-740	NRPHD-742	NRPHD-744	NRPHD-746	NRPHD-748	NRPHD-750	NRPHD-752
NRPHD-754	NRPHD-800	NRPHD-801	NRPHD-807	NRPHD-811	NRPHD-813	NRPHD-815
NRPHD-817	NRPHD-819	NRPHD-822	NRPHD-823	NRPHD-825	NRPHD-827	NRPHD-829
NRPHD-833	NRPHD-837	NRPHD-839	NRPHD-845	NRPHD-871	NRPHD-980	NRPHD-990

NRPHD-708. Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy: This course equips students with the skills necessary to develop, evaluate, and provide leadership in improving the health of the public through health policy development and the education of policy makers regarding nursing and patient outcomes recognizing the critical need for health equity in services and outcomes. Students will evaluate the health policy-making processes and the disparities in both the US and international health care delivery systems. Students will use policy theory to critically evaluate the current and historic policies, laws, and financial incentives that affect health care delivery and nursing practice. They will explore how health services research can motivate change in public health and policy making. They will apply principles of organizational change, cultural effectiveness and evaluate components of leadership necessary for public health improvement. Students will participate in a selected health policy-making process. 3 s.h.

NRPHD-711. Doctoral Toolbox IV: Publication: The Doctoral Toolbox Series provides an opportunity for socialization of students into doctoral work and the production of scholarly outcomes/ products. Students will use weekly discussion, videoconferencing, and downloadable guest lectures to build skills in the research process. This Toolbox course is designed to examine the aspects of successfully writing for publication. 2 s.h.

NRPHD-712. Doctoral Toolbox II: Dissertation: The Doctoral Toolbox II course prepares students for socialization into the dissertation process and the role of an independent researcher. Content centers on development as a scholar, acquisition of funding, Responsible Conduct of Research, and consideration of population dynamics in research design. The skill sets and planning are fundamental for successful navigation of NRPHD 748 Proposal Defense and NRPHD 990 Dissertation. 1 s.h.

NRPHD-730. Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science: This course provides an overview and critical analysis of historical and contemporary views of knowledge development in science, with particular emphasis on the way these views influence approaches to nursing inquiry. Emphasis is placed on analyzing concepts and theories of individual and collective sources of human vulnerability and resilience, and the social determinants of health in diverse populations. Course activities will facilitate exploration of the iterative process of scientific inquiry from knowledge generation through implementation on improved equity in health outcomes of diverse populations. 3 s.h.

NRPHD-734.Doctoral Toolbox III: Research Team Leadership: : The course explores foundational concepts of the leadership role in the research environment. Students evaluate their own leadership potential and desire. Strategies for achieving successful outcomes in diverse and inter-professional research teams will be discussed. 1 s.h.

NRPHD-736. / Research Ethics: This course examines the ethical aspects of the conduct of research, primarily from the Belmont Report, as they apply to diverse vulnerable populations. This course is designed to provide an analysis of ethical aspects of conducting research with vulnerable populations. Students will identify and analyze ethical dilemmas related to equity, inclusion, and bias that may contribute to disparities in human subjects research. Students will propose resolutions to these dilemmas that will facilitate the research while protecting the rights of the subjects/participants. 3 s.h.

NRPHD-738. Statistical Methods for Nursing Research: This course provides a survey of descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in nursing research and a working knowledge of these statistical methods and their applications. This course is intended for graduate and PhD students in the College of Nursing, but would also be of interest to graduate and PhD students in other clinical areas. Topics include a review of measures of central tendency and variation, frequency distributions, confidence interval estimation, comparison of means and proportions, correlation, and simple linear regression. Topics covered in depth include multiple regression and regression diagnostics, one- way and multi-way analysis of variance, and chi-square tests. 3 s.h.

NRPHD-740. Qualitative Research Methods: This course is designed to provide an introduction to and critical analysis of qualitative research methods in the development of nursing and health science. The course includes epistemology, philosophical assumptions, issues in research planning process related to qualitative research methods, differentiation between types and purposes of qualitative study designs, and methods for data collection and analysis. The course attends to ethical issues with an emphasis on cultural variations, diverse populations, and potential for describing disparities. 3 s.h.

NRPHD-742. Advanced Measurement Strategies for Vulnerable Populations: This course allows in-depth study of the major techniques of quantitative data collection used in nursing research. Research techniques related to data collection by physiological instrumentation, observation, interview, and questionnaire are explored, as well as how they are adapted to vulnerable and disparate populations. Reliability and validity issues will be discussed in depth. Students will develop and pilot test data collection strategies in a selected category and will consider methods for addressing vulnerable and/or disparate groups and cultural competence. 3 s.h.

NRPHD-744. Application of Theory to Research: This course builds upon foundations constructed in the first theory (NRPHD 730) course to further explore and develop the theoretical foundation of a research question and problem. Course activities will encourage potential researchers to identify and understand theoretical perspectives appropriately aligned with a specific research problem, resulting in a synthesis document that shapes their area of inquiry. Emphasis will be placed on developing a theoretical approach that takes into consideration the social and cultural variations and needs of diverse populations. Students work closely with their dissertation chair and committee throughout the semester. Students will give an oral presentation during Learning Intensive 3 addressing the background, significance, and gaps in knowledge related to their selected research topic. Successful completion of the course requires students to produce a publishable integrative review that provides a synthesis of the research literature on the selected research topic. 3 s.h.

NRPHD-746. Advanced Study Design and Methods I: This course is designed to teach students to identify and apply appropriate study design and associated methods, including articulation of proposed research significance and innovation. Using concepts from social and applied epidemiology and statistics, this course will prepare students to define the rationale for their study design, their sample selection with included and excluded populations and components of the chosen methodology, as well as issues that may affect the internal and external validity of their study findings. Students will position their research ideas in the context of the broader research pipeline: from basic science discoveries through implementation and dissemination of research findings. The course will focus on common study designs found in descriptive, observational, quasi-experimental and experimental research, as well as measures of association and procedures for data collection, management and analysis. Multi-level and ecological study effects will also be introduced, along with the expectations of mixed methods research. Emphasis will be placed on methods to ensure validity and reliability of study results, identify limitations of potential study designs, and practical procedures for protocol implementation. The course is intended to provide students with comprehensive skills for designing and conducting research. 3 s.h.

NRPHD-748. Proposal Development: This course aims at synthesizing the student’s research interest and course work, leading towards the dissertation. Students focus on their dissertation topic, developing aims, hypotheses, and their research plan, including analytical approaches while addressing diversity, equity, disparities and vulnerable populations as applicable. Course activities will facilitate critical reflection on issues of equity, inclusion, and bias related to the study sample. Students work in groups as they develop their dissertation proposals, critiquing others and learning to value constructive critique themselves. In addition, students work closely with their chair and committee throughout the semester. The final project of this course will be an oral defense of the dissertation proposal. 3 s.h.

NRPHD-750. Doctoral Toolbox I: Systematic Searches: This course focuses on the process of performing a systematic search of the extant literature to: determine theoretical models/frameworks related to a concept/construct; analyze a construct/concept of interest; evaluate the rigor of extant studies related to a concept/construct or area of interest; ascertain a “gap” in the existing science that is worthy of further exploration. Students will become familiar with the benefits of partnering with an academic research librarian to perform a systematic search. Knowledge acquired in the course will assist the student during their plan of study to develop various types of ‘review’ papers, research proposals, and manuscripts required in the PhD program and in their career as a scholar. Through asynchronous online discussion and podcasting students will become familiar with the step-wise process of reviewing and analyzing a body of literature. 1 s.h.

NRPHD-752. Advanced Study Design and Methods II: This course integrates current concepts and approaches in 1) mixed methods research and 2) the design, implementation, and evaluation of health behavior and health services interventions. Course content covers the theory and practice of mixed methods research in the health sciences, with an emphasis on the pragmatic considerations of integrating mixed methods throughout the development and testing of interventions. Through focused readings and critique on the development and execution of mixed methods and intervention studies, the analyses of data obtained from multiple approaches, and the practical tools required to do this work, students will develop skills to design and implement mixed methods studies. Students will learn multiple methods for developing and evaluating interventions regarding process, mediators, moderators, and outcomes. The course will cover strategies to design interventions so they contribute to reducing health inequalities. 2 s.h.

NRPHD-754. Mentored Research and Scholarship: This course prepares the doctoral student for independence in various aspects of the research process through mentorship with a scholar, preferably in the student’s area of interest. The mentor may be outside the CON, but must be approved by the student’s PhD committee, based upon review of a current NIH biosketch. A separate PhD CON faculty member provides oversight of the course as the course coordinator, and is responsible for evaluating individual objectives with input from the mentor and student. 3 s.h.

NRPHD-800. Mentored Teaching. This elective course will provide students with the opportunity to work with a faculty member in order to explore the role of educator. Students will identify their learning needs and specific activities will be designed with the faculty mentor. 1 - 9 s.h.

NRPHD-801. Advanced Quantitative Research Methods. This course provides an overview of advanced quantitative methods used by nurse scientists along with an in-depth examination of relationships between and among variables central to answering questions and hypothesis through experimental design. Course content includes essential steps in designing quantitative methods for a research proposal. Experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs are covered, along with sampling and data collection in quantitative research. Rigor and validity in quantitative research are emphasized along with an overview of processes of quantitative data analysis, clinical significance, and interpretation of quantitative results. Students will develop a quantitative-focused Specific Aims page and proposal outline by the end of this course. 3 s.h.

NRPHD 807. Advanced Applied Statistical Methods for Nursing Research. This course is designed to provide a conceptual background and applied use of advanced statistics that are appropriate in nursing and health science. The purpose is to interpret the results of research studies that have utilized such methods, and for students to be able to apply these analytical methods to their own data analyses in health care research. The advanced statistical methods covered include: complex analysis of variance, multiple regression, logistic regression, multiple correlation analysis, path analysis, and factor analysis. Students will implement these analyses with SPSS statistical software using research datasets. At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to identify and carry out an appropriate statistical analysis and to interpret results through statements of statistical and clinical conclusions with an emphasis on cultural variations, diverse populations, and potential for describing disparities. 3 s.h.

NRPHD-811. Philosophical and Theoretical Underpinnings of Nursing Science: The course provides students with a historical and contemporary assessment of the central philosophical and theoretical issues concerning the nature of science, the patterns of knowing and knowledge development, and philosophy of science in nursing. Philosophy of science is explored through critical analysis of competing philosophical worldviews/paradigms, the underlying epistemological and ontological assumptions, and implications of diverse approaches to knowledge development in nursing science. The course considers historical and contemporary conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of nursing and related sciences. Students are guided to contemplate the philosophic assumptions upon which specific theories are based and how the nature of the research problem and theory guides the choice of research method. Students are also guided in the process of the identification of key theoretical concepts and relationships for their own planned research.

NRPHD-813. Foundations of Scholarship in Nursing Science: This course provides foundational skills and knowledge on which students will build throughout the program of study to become successful scholars in nursing science. Emphasis is placed on understanding the nursing science field and the role of the nurse scholar in the context of team science, particularly pertaining to endeavors toward addressing health disparities and health equities. Course activities will facilitate development of a formative research trajectory and skill building for scholarly pursuits.

NRPHD-815. Design & Methods of Scientific Inquiry: This introductory course supports development of students’ foundational understanding of research design and methodology prior to enrollment in subsequent advanced scientific methods courses. The course provides students with a comprehensive introduction and overview of research concepts, study design, and methodological approaches, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Course activities will facilitate a broad understanding of the fundamental concepts of research and design approaches.

NRPHD 817. Trends in Symptom Science & Self-Management of Chronic Conditions: This course provides students with an overview of contributions to the fields of symptom and self-management sciences through exploration of key concepts, theoretical underpinnings, and models of care related to the complexity of chronic conditions. Specific to their own areas of discovery students will explore targeted self-management intervention research and programs delivered in various settings, and outcomes on symptoms. Course activities will facilitate an advanced understanding of lifespan and developmental considerations for students’ specific populations.

NRPHD-819. Qualitative Research Methods: This course is designed as a survey of qualitative research methods in the development of nursing and health science. The course includes epistemology, philosophical assumptions, issues in the research planning process related to qualitative research methods, differentiation among types and purposes of qualitative study designs, and methods for data collection and analysis. The course attends to ethical issues unique to qualitative research.

NRPHD-822. Trends in Patient & Community Engagement in Research: This course provides students with an overview of contributions to the fields of patient and community engagement in research through exploration of key concepts, theoretical underpinnings, models, and principles of engagement that promote collaboration throughout the research process in various healthcare delivery settings. Specific to their own areas of discovery students will explore strategies of research and programs delivered in various settings to improve quality of care and clinical outcomes. Course activities will facilitate a better understanding of patient and community engagement considerations in healthcare research settings for students’ specific populations.

NRPHD-823. Analysis & Application of Theories, Frameworks, and Models: This course draws upon an interdisciplinary body of scientific literature to explore and critically analyze theoretical conceptualizations and models of health and health behavior as a basis for nursing research. Course activities facilitate exploration of the application of theory in the iterative process of scientific inquiry from knowledge generation through implementation. The course promotes identification of underlying concepts and theories that will serve as the basis of conducting research in a focused area, including relevant social determinants of health and health disparities and their relationship with health behaviors and health related outcomes. Students conduct a theoretically guided synthesis of the literature related to a selected phenomenon of interest to identify potential gaps in knowledge and directions for future research.

NRPHD-825. Measurement & Instrumentation: This course provides in-depth study of the major techniques of quantitative measurement used in nursing research. Research techniques related to data collection by physiological instrumentation, observation, interview, and questionnaire are explored, as well as how they are adapted for use in different target populations. Reliability, validity and common types of error are also covered in depth. Students will evaluate measurement and instrumentation in published studies. Students will gain practical experience in measurement within their area of interest.

NRPHD-827. Trends in Dissemination & Implementation Science: This course provides students with an overview of contributions to the fields of dissemination and implementation science through exploration of key concepts, theoretical underpinnings, and methods for translating research into practice and dissemination of best practices. Specific to their own areas of discovery students will explore evaluation frameworks and research on programs delivered in various settings, reporting implementation and clinical outcomes. Course activities will facilitate a better understanding of specific research considerations for conducting studies which evaluate both implementation and clinical outcomes.

NRPHD-829. Mixed Methods Research: This course provides an introduction to mixed methods research, integrating concepts and approaches in the design, implementation, dissemination, and evaluation of clinical and health related research. Course content focuses on pragmatic considerations and foundational issues of integrating mixed methods throughout the development and assessment of interventions, variations in definitions associated with multi-method and mixed methodological designs, and strategies for integrating mixed methods throughout various stages of the research process. Course activities will facilitate an understanding of mixed methodological design approaches and use in health research and provide opportunities for applying integration and analytical skills.

NRPHD-833. Scholarly Synthesis of Scientific Literature: This course builds upon foundations constructed in the previous theory courses to further explore and develop the theoretical foundation of a research question and problem. Course activities facilitate students’ identification and understanding of theoretical perspectives appropriately aligned with a specific research problem, resulting in a synthesis document that shapes their area of inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing a theoretical approach that takes into consideration the social and cultural variations and needs of diverse populations. Successful completion of the course requires students to produce a publishable review manuscript that provides a synthesis of the research literature on the selected research topic.

NRPHD-837. Intervention Research: This course provides students with an introduction to methodological, ethical and practical approaches to design, implement, evaluate and disseminate evidence- and theory-based interventions. The importance of development of intervention protocols will be taught with reference to social determinants and cultural tailoring for diverse individuals/populations. Course activities will facilitate a better understanding of a selected intervention model specific to the student’s focal area of research interest.

NRPHD-839. Applied Study Design & Methods: This course is designed to teach students to apply appropriate study design and associated methods to fit their research interest. Students are expected to begin this course with a defined dissertation research topic, a research question, a supporting literature review, and proposed methods. This course will explore the next steps of the research process, to further develop methods for conducting the research. This will include refining the research question, specific methods, study implementation, and human subjects protections.

NRPHD-845. Trends in Technology Science: This course provides students with an overview of contributions to the fields of technology science through exploration of key concepts, theoretical underpinnings, and application of various technologies to improve access to care, consumer adoption and satisfaction, and health-related outcomes. Specific to their own areas of discovery students will explore various technologies used to promote health care, theoretical models and frameworks for the application and evaluation of technologies, practical considerations in the use of technology with different populations, and health-care related outcomes. Course activities will facilitate a better understanding of technologies used to promote healthcare and processes for improving reach, adoption and sustained use of technologies by providers and patients.

NRPHD-971. Mentored Research. This course provides students with the opportunity to gain hands on experience with many research skills to include subject recruitment, outcome testing, interrater reliability, interviewing, and data entry, analysis, and management. The student's personal goals and interests will be identified and linked with those of a faculty mentor in this interactive experience. Variable s.h. 1-9.

NRPHD-980. Comprehensive Exam: The comprehensive examination is a milestone in the PhD program, and is designed to validate the student's: (a) mastery of the content of the doctoral program curriculum and (b) readiness to conduct independent research. The exam consists of a written component and an oral component. The written comprehensive exam covers the program content of the required courses. The oral comprehensive exam is an opportunity for the student to articulate, clarify, and amplify their written responses, and to apply their responses to real-world situations. The student must successfully complete the written exam in order to progress to the oral exam. Procedures of the comprehensive exam are detailed in the Comprehensive Exam Policy section of the PhD Guidelines.

NRPHD-990. Dissertation. The dissertation course provides students, who have entered Candidacy and passed their Dissertation Proposal Defense, the structure to complete the dissertation research requirements. Students will work with their dissertation chair and dissertation committee members to conduct the dissertation study, develop the dissertation compendium, and finally defend the doctoral dissertation, while maintaining the rigor of their proposed research and acting responsibly in the conduct of research. Meetings of the entire committee are required at least once per semester. Students should facilitate communication with their committee through the dissertation chair. While a total of nine (9) credit hours of NRPHD 990 are required, credits above that amount can be added at 3 credits per semester until the dissertation work is completed and the student remains in good academic standing. Variable s.h. All.