NES8314 : Critical Thinking and Analysis for Evidence-Based Environmental Science
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Marie McIntyre
- Lecturer: Mr Ryan Woodward, Dr Gavin Stewart
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
A wealth of research data is available both via peer-reviewed research literature and online from environmental, ecological and wildlife studies, as well as human and veterinary health, trade and other data published by national governments and national and international arms-length government agencies and non-governmental organisations. Making informed decisions based on these data can, however, be challenging: different research studies may have different sample sizes, aims, objectives, and the amount of information reported may be variable. Search strategies for published data must be done in a rigorous manner to ensure that the data used in subsequent analyses is not inadvertently biased. The module will equip students with excellent transferrable skills to undertake different kinds of literature review including rapid reviews, scoping reviews, systematic mapping, systematic reviews, evidence synthesis etc. Students will be taught how to understand the reporting of findings in the research literature. Students will also gain skills in modern software screening approaches to aid the filtering and synthesis of large numbers of references.
Outline Of Syllabus
• Introduction to research reviews, setting the review question, and the stages of a review
• Critical appraisal of research literature
• Finding and managing information for your review
• Developing and undertaking a review
• How to report systematic reviews - Evidence synthesis products
• Exploring biases in reviews
• Introduction to synthesis and hands-on meta-analysis
• Using systematic reviews, evidence synthesis etc. to aid policy decision-making
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Evidence synthesis assignment (KMM) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Systematic Review (GBS) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 1:30 | 12:00 | Setting the question, Stages of a review (GS), Critical appraisal (KMM), Managing information (RW), Developing a review (KMM), Evidence synthesis products (KMM), Introduction to synthesis (GS) |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 1 | 19:00 | 19:00 | Shiny interactive website studies |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 8 | 1:30 | 12:00 | Evidence synthesis (KMM), Developing a search strategy (RW), Developing and undertaking a review (KMM), Exploring biases in reviews (KMM), Introduction to synthesis and hands-on meta-analysis (GS) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 112:00 | 112:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Module introduction and orientation |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The practical classes will be PC-based, and give students experience in first, systematic reviews and collaborative searching of online records. They will be given example exercises using case studies that address topical environmental issues, so that they can develop their skills in undertaking systematic reviews, and then utilise software systems and/or add-on packages to undertake further reports.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 70 | Systematic review assignment. 2000-3000 words maximum |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 30 | Meta-analysis assignment. 2000 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | 1 | M | Students critically appraise a paper and then discuss their responses in a journal club |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
After students have received the theoretical background in lectures, and obtained practical experience using the software to undertake the systematic reviews and meta-analysis assignments, the two case studies will provide them with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to apply what they have learnt.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES8314's Timetable