MCD8002 : Critical Appraisal and EBD
MCD8002 : Critical Appraisal and EBD
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Mr Greig Taylor
- Lecturer: Professor Giles McCracken, Mr David McGeeney
- Owning School: Dental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To introduce and build on students’ knowledge of the principles and methods of evidence-based clinical practice and facilitate their application in the assessment of approaches to evidence-based patient care.
Outline Of Syllabus
• What is evidence-based practice?
• Formulating answerable clinical questions.
• Searching for the best evidence.
• Hierarchy of evidence.
• Critically reviewing evidence.
• Systematic review and evidence synthesis
• Critically evaluating evidence in assessment (screening and diagnosis)
• Critically evaluating evidence in interventions
• Applying EBD in clinical practice
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate critical appraisal techniques and how to formulate answerable clinical questions
2. Apply methods to search the literature for research-based evidence that addresses clinical questions
3. Apply tools to assess the methodological quality of research
4. Demonstrate the application of evidence-based findings to clinical practice
Intended Skill Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate the acquisition of information skills needed for evidence-based practice, including searching for relevant and high-quality literature using specialised bibliographic databases (e.g. Medline)
2. Demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate research evidence using the principles and methods of evidence-based practice
3. Present a critical review of evidence relating to a specific area of clinical interest. understand how their project relates to the current literature
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Preparatory work for written assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 7 | 1:00 | 7:00 | Sync/PiP online: content and introduction |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 3:00 | 12:00 | PiP: 4 small group activities for statistics course |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 2:30 | 10:00 | PiP: 4 extended small group activities |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 4 | 2:30 | 10:00 | Joint exercise on appraising evidence. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | PiP: discussion of programme content and preparation of assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 120:00 | 120:00 | Structured online learning and reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures and small group teaching will support students in developing their knowledge and understanding of the underpinning of Evidence Based Dentistry. This will address the following outcomes: IKOs 1-4.
Student lead group work and supported sessions will provide the opportunity to apply a variety of critical appraisal tools and use of evidence in clinical situations. This will address the following outcomes: ISOs 1-3.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 100 | 3000-word Critical appraisal of literature in relation to a focused clinical question related to the clinical programme |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Students will submit a critical appraisal (written communication) of a selected aspect of clinical practice, as evaluated from the perspective of evidence-based practice (information literacy, problem solving, numeracy, computer literacy). To this end, students will apply the tools of CA and EBD to arrive at a conclusion about the value of the intervention or assessment practice and its place in their own clinical practice
Critical appraisal of literature in relation to a focused clinical assessment is designed so students can demonstrate attainment of the following outcomes: IKOs 1-4 and ISOs 1-3.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MCD8002's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- MCD8002's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 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, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.