| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
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The aim of this module is to provide all students with a basic grounding in systematic review and critical appraisal methods so that they are in a position to undertake their own first systematic review.
Combining lectures, workshops and self-directed learning this module seeks to provide the first time systematic reviewer with a sound grounding in the principles of systematic reviewing, including framing the question, identifying and critically appraising relevant studies, synthesising results, and interpreting and disseminating conclusions. This module will equip all students with a basic understanding and skills needed to actively participate in the planning and conduct of a systematic review.
The introduction to systematic reviewing and critical appraisal will cover the following topics:
• An introduction to systematic reviewing, its approaches and epistemology;
• How to design a research question
• Data management
• Developing a search strategy, databases and data sifting, including a practical session
• Critical appraisal
• Quantitative review methods – including introduction to meta-analysis
• Qualitative and mixed review methods
At the end of the module students should be able to:
• Exhibit an understanding of the basic approaches and epistemological underpinnings of systematic reviewing
• Describe the process of systematic reviewing and the rationale for the steps taken
• Demonstrate an understanding of critical appraisal in systematic reviews
• Determine the appropriate application of either qualitative, quantitative or mixed review methods relative to the research question being addressed
• Recognise the different types of bias that may affect systematic reviews and understand how to minimise them
At the end of the module students should be able to:
• Apply the knowledge learned to provide a thorough and robust critical appraisal of a published systematic review
• Understand how to select and apply appropriate tools and methods in the planning and organising of a systematic review
• Understand the application of appropriate tools and methods to identify, data extract and critically appraise relevant studies
• Undertake study selection based on a set of eligibility criteria
• Undertake purposeful data extraction
• Conduct critical appraisals of included studies
• Identify appropriate synthesis methods according to their research question and evidence identified.
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Present in person: Introduction to each session |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | To access and engage with directed reading and online content |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Exercises set between sessions to support learning |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 0:30 | 3:00 | Present in person: Discussion and feedback on workshops |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 6 | 1:30 | 9:00 | To further embed understanding of material outlined in lecture materials and workshops |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Preparation for small group teaching |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Present in person: Skills development exercises embedded within each session |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 6 | 3:00 | 18:00 | Assignment |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 6 | 0:30 | 3:00 | Delivered online via Canvas |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 6 | 0:30 | 3:00 | Delivered online via Zoom. To help with independent study, skills practice and written assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 13 | 1:00 | 13:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 6 | 0:30 | 3:00 | Present in person: To introduce workshops embedded within each session |
| Total | 100:00 |
This module aims to provide students with the confidence and skills to undertake their own systematic review and critical appraisal.
In order to ensure that all students are at a similar level of comprehension students will be asked to read and prepare prior to the learning and teaching activities.
The scheduled and structured learning is designed to introduce systematic reviewing and critical appraisal and will equip students with the skills to carry out a systematic review. There will be a mixture of small group teaching, guided learning and workshops during which students will be encouraged to interact with one another and develop their skills in the different elements of conducting a systematic review.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 100 | To undertake a critical appraisal of a published systematic review (2000 word count) |
Students will write a 2000 word critical appraisal of a systematic review selected by the module leader.
This assessment will enable us to assess student’s skills and knowledge of systematic review methodology and its application. Students will be expected to critique the inclusion criteria, search strategy, synthesis, conduct of the review and reporting. A discussion on bias will be expected. Appropriate critical appraisal tools can be used to guide the critique.
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Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2022/23 academic year. In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2023/24 entry will be published here in early-April 2023. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.