Instructor(s):
Md. Shahadoth Hossain | Lecturer, Department of Nutrition and Food Engineering, Daffodil International University
Md. Sakhawot Hossain | Lecturer, Department of Nutrition and Food Engineering, Daffodil International University
Tasniya Akter | Lecturer, Department of Nutrition and Food Engineering, Daffodil International University
Md. Hafizul Islam | Industry Expert & Research Associate, Center for Non-communicable Diseases and Nutrition, BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University
Duration: 21 Hours
Delivery Mode: Online / In-person / Blended
Course Description
This micro-credential equips learners with applied competencies that are highly valued in academic research, public health programs, and evidence-informed policymaking. It addresses current skill gaps by providing hands-on training across the complete research process, bridging the gap from study design and data analysis to scientific writing and publication.
Evidence of Demand
There is a growing demand for professionals with practical research skills in public health nutrition as Bangladesh and the South Asian region continue to address undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. Universities, research institutes, NGOs, and development partners increasingly seek graduates and early-career professionals who can design studies, analyze data, and communicate findings through scientific publications. However, undergraduate programs often provide limited hands-on training across this complete research process.
Course Objectives
This course aims to equip learners with the full research pipeline in public health nutrition, from study design through to scientific publication and dissemination.
Course Content & Class Plan (Modules)
Module 1: Introduction to Public Health Nutrition Research Role of research in public health nutrition, identifying research gaps, research questions and hypotheses, and conceptual/theoretical frameworks.
Module 2: Study Design and Research Methodology Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research; observational, experimental, and quasi-experimental studies; implementation and operational research; conducting systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
Module 3: Sampling and Data Collection Sampling strategies, sample size determination, questionnaire development, dietary assessment methods, anthropometry and biomarkers, digital data collection tools, and acquisition of secondary data.
Module 4: Nutritional Epidemiology and Interpretation Nutrition and health indicators (women's, child, and population health), food security and diet quality, interpreting epidemiological findings, and translating research evidence into policy and practice.
Module 5: Scientific Writing and Reporting Guidelines Writing each section of a scientific paper, reporting guidelines (STROBE, CONSORT, PRISMA, RECORD), reference management (Zotero, Mendeley, EndNote), and ethical reporting/plagiarism prevention.
Module 6: Data Management and Statistical Analysis Data cleaning and management, handling missing data, descriptive and inferential statistics, regression analysis/adjusting for confounders, statistical software (R, Stata, SPSS), and interpreting/presenting results.
Module 7: Journal Selection, Manuscript Formatting, and Submission Selecting an appropriate journal, formatting manuscripts, writing cover letters, graphical abstract preparation, online manuscript submission systems, and navigating the peer-review process.
Module 8: Research Ethics, Grant Writing, and Research Dissemination Research ethics and IRB approval, informed consent, grant proposal development/budget preparation, and research communication (conference presentations and policy briefs).
Practical & Field Work
Drafting a functional research protocol and ethics application summary.
Developing a data analysis plan and presenting results using a sample dataset.
Preparing a publication-ready manuscript (or substantial draft) alongside a cover letter and journal selection rationale.
Learning Outcomes
After completing the course, participants will be able to:
Explain the role of research in advancing public health nutrition; identify research gaps and formulate clear research questions and hypotheses.
Distinguish between quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches; select an appropriate study design.
Choose suitable sampling strategies, calculate sample size, and develop/pilot data collection instruments.
Select and interpret nutrition and health indicators to assess nutritional status, diet quality, food security, and population health.
Write each section of a scientific paper following reporting guidelines (STROBE, CONSORT, PRISMA, RECORD).
Clean, code, and manage a research dataset; apply descriptive/inferential statistics and regression analysis using R/Stata/SPSS.
Prepare a publication-ready manuscript, select an appropriate journal, and navigate submission and peer review.
Obtain ethics/IRB approval, develop a grant proposal, and communicate research through presentations and policy briefs.
Target Audience & Requirements
Target Audience: Undergraduate students.
Entry Requirements: A basic knowledge of nutrition, public health, and statistics is required as a prerequisite.
Minimum Age: 18 years or above.
Career Pathways
Academic Progression: Supports undergraduate and postgraduate research in Nutrition, Public Health, Epidemiology, and related disciplines. Provides a strong foundation for Master's and PhD programs requiring research and scientific writing skills. Facilitates progression to advanced research-focused micro-credentials.
Professional Progression: Prepares learners for research assistant, research associate, monitoring and evaluation, and data analyst roles in universities, research institutes, NGOs, and development organizations. Enhances competitiveness for research fellowships, graduate admissions, and funded research opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Laptop, Projector, White board & Marker pen.
Assessment Criteria
Research protocol – 15%
Ethics application summary – 10%
Data analysis plan – 15%
Results presentation (using a sample dataset) – 20%
A publication-ready manuscript (or a substantial draft) – 30%
Cover letter and journal selection rationale – 10%
Certification
Awarded a Certificate of Completion by the DIU Micro-Credentials Academy, recognizing competency in public health nutrition research methods and scientific communication.
Financial Information
Tentative Course Fee: 3,500 BDT
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