This course aims to provide an introduction to the concepts and methods used in reproductive and sexual health research and to equip students with the principles, methods and research skills necessary to conduct policy-relevant research; it provides a non-clinical foundation in the main aspects of reproductive and sexual health: family planning, obstetric health and AIDS/STIs (not including laboratory-based studies); by the end of this course students should be able to: demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of evidence-based approaches to research of reproductive and sexual health issues; critically assess and apply these research approaches to inform development, health and social welfare programmes; demonstrate a good understanding of the socio-cultural, political and ethical issues surrounding reproductive and sexual health; identify and address appropriate research questions in reproductive and sexual health, using methods from a range of public health disciplines; carry out research activities to identify effective components of reproductive and sexual health services within programmes.