This is the first course in a series of three courses on research methods. This course is sequential to the two previous courses given in Year 1, MEDC1114 and MEDC1212 (Fundamentals of Epidemiology and Biostatics 1 and 2), this means that the syllabus of this course builds upon the knowledge and skills obtained in Semesters 1 and 2. It will continue the scientific journey with an emphasis on analytical skills and critical thinking. The overall aim of this course is to deliver the required knowledge and skills to prepare the students for their research project. In-depth study research methods and biostatistics concepts for the analysis of categorical and continuous data relevant to the interpretation of research findings will be emphasized. The focus is on understanding when a specific statistical test is used in medical research and knowledge on interpreting the medical findings, rather than on the computational aspects. Topics include selecting appropriate measures of association, outcome measures, and quantitative analysis. By the end of this course, the student will be able to differentiate between the different research designs and list their strengths and limitations. Specifically, students will be exposed to the foundations of conducting a scientific research. In addition, each student will be able to start thinking of a potential research project that they will be able to pursue during the following two semesters.