Course Syllabus

Research Project Description

Mammography screening for early detection of breast cancer is offered in most European countries, as well as in the U.S. However, do all women profit equally from attending mammography? For example, breast density has turned out to be one of the more significant risk factors for breast cancer, but mammography is less sensitive for very dense breasts. Recently, efforts have been made for research aimed at evaluating the possibilities and benefits of offering more personalized screening. Efforts have been put into studying the possibility of adding computer assisted diagnostics (CAD) for automated breast density analysis and cancer detection, but also to the possibility of using computer assistance in breast parenchymal texture analysis (i.e. other patterns than density and the associated risk of breast cancer). Studying participation patterns, the impact of morbidity and defining high risk groups is all a part of it.
In order to assess whether screening works differently in women with different types of breasts in terms of density and texture, participation patterns, morbidity and long-term cancer risk, we are currently using data from the Capital Region mammography program, Denmark. We are comparing the sensitivity and specificity within the mammography program, evaluating participation patterns in a socio-demographic context and assessing long term risk for cancer. 
With this background, and within the realm of more personalized screening, the Research Assistant will collaborate with a senior researcher in a project studying recent data from mammography programs with the aim of assessing measures of quality assurance. The Research Assistants will learn about the research process, work on real data and be able to take independent decisions regarding the analysis.

Learning Objectives

The primary objective is for you to experience the world of research and gain skills that will prepare you for any future career you choose to pursue. By the end of the term, you will grasp the complexities of the research project and have made your own contribution to the project. You will have learned to communicate ideas
and findings, both orally and in writing, to colleagues within your particular discipline, as well as peers from other disciplines.

Project-Specific Objectives Include:

Relevant literature search, data analysis including risk calculations, written discussion about the results of the data analysis and a summary report of the findings.

Research Mentor

My von Euler-Chelpin

Associate Professor (Section for Environmental Health, Dept. of Public Health, University of Copenhagen) Ph.D. (Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 2007). Research Consultant at UNESCO, Paris and Nairobi, and International Committee of the Red Cross, 1986-2002. Researcher, Dept. of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 2002–present. With DIS since 2011.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Research Assistant

You are expected to spend a minimum of 10 hours per week on the project. The workload
may vary over the semester. If you are travelling to do field research in a different
location, additional time may be required.
As research assistant, you will engage in some or all of the following:
1. Participate in weekly meetings with your research mentor at a time set collectively at
the beginning of the term.
2. Participate in a research orientation at the beginning of the semester 
3. Participate in two research workshops during the semester.
4. Write an assessment of your own strengths and weaknesses in the research
process at the beginning of the semester. Revisit at the end of the semester as part
of an evaluation of your own participation in, and learning from, the research project.
5. Keep a research journal and submit it in person or via email every week (or another
specified interval) to your research mentor, describing the activities of the week, and
outlining goals for the following week.
6. Conduct literature reviews.
7. Participate in carrying out the research project. This may include: familiarizing yourself with core biomedical concepts, prototyping, design testing, preliminary user studies. The specific responsibilities may vary depending on how the project progresses. Be prepared to contribute to tasks that may come up
during the semester. Research processes are not always predictable.
8. Present the relevance of the research and/or findings to peer(s) from other
disciplines at the End of Semester Showcase.
9. Make a final oral and/or written presentation of the research you are involved in,
depending on what is agreed with your research mentor.

Readings

The readings will be agreed upon with the Research Mentor at the beginning of the semester -
the exact content will differ depending on your background. You will receive guidance
concerning the basics of relevant concepts, study designs, methods of analysis, etc.

Evaluation and Grading

All research assistants are assessed on their participation, weekly status reports to the research mentor, self-evaluation and presentation to peers from other disciplines. Additional evaluation and grading depends on the individual research project and project phase and is outlined by the research mentor. It may include literature reviews, a poster presentation for an expert panel, a working paper, etc.

Research Orientation & Workshops

Days and times are available in the Course Summary, below.

Field Research (if applicable)

Some research projects include field research. Expenses related to fieldwork will be
covered by a DIS travel grant. The fieldwork will be planned with the research
mentor at the beginning of the semester.

Approach to Mentoring

All DIS research mentors have been trained in mentoring students but their approach to
mentoring may differ. Mentoring is about engaging at a different - and often deeper -
level than what is typical in the class room. However, mentoring also comes with some
degree of ambiguity, which is important for you to expect. The research
mentor will work closely with you throughout the semester but part of the training is also
for you to use your own judgement, to make assessments and decisions. As part of
planning your tasks and responsibilities for the semester together, the research
mentor will talk to you about her/his approach to mentoring.

Expectations of the Research Assistant

The specific expectations of the individual research assistant are agreed upon at the
beginning of the semester. In general, a research assistant is expected to take initiative,
take ownership of the project and work independently. You must also be prepared for
meetings and be willing to part take in relevant discussions. In cases where more
research assistants are involved in the same project, you will be expected to engage in
some teamwork. Carrying out a research project is not a straightforward and
predictable process. This is part of what makes it exciting. It also means that
communication is crucial. You are expected to take responsibility for communicating
about problems or issues that arise.

Data

The data sets are register based, on individual level, anonymized or pseudo-anonymized. If needed, the format can be adapted to the any prior knowledge of software the student might have. The project is approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency 2016-41-4961, which is the approval needed for purely register based research in Denmark.

Disability and Resource Statement

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Academic Support in Copenhagen (acadsupp@dis.dk) or in Stockholm (academics@disstockholm.se), depending on the project location. In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes.

Academic Regulations

Please make sure to read the Academic RegulationsLinks to an external site. on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

• Course Enrollment and GradingLinks to an external site.  
• Academic Expectations and Honor CodeLinks to an external site.