Postgraduate Course: Introduction to Systematic Reviews (PUHR11038)
Course Outline
| School | Deanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This course introduces Master of Public Health (MPH) students to the principles and practice of evidence synthesis. As well as offering practical experience of conducting each stage of a typical systematic review, the course will examine evidence synthesis in context, focusing on the important contribution this set of methodologies makes to healthcare decision-making and public health policy. |
| Course description |
This 10-week, 10-credit course introduces Master of Public Health (MPH) students to the fundamental concepts and methodologies of evidence synthesis in public health. It provides an opportunity to develop a critical understanding of why, when, and how to conduct systematic literature reviews and effectively communicate findings.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2025/26, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: 75 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 20,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
78 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Written exam 0%, Coursework 100%, Practical exam 0%
Final written assignment |
| Feedback |
Students will receive weekly feedback to support their progress through the weekly activities, which are also aligned with the contents of the final assessment. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Have a critical understanding of the principles and processes involved in conducting evidence synthesis for public health
- Have gained practical skills in all stages of the evidence synthesis process, including planning a research project, developing and conducting a literature search and systematically selecting relevant material
- Develop skills in critical appraisal and data synthesis
- Have practised communicating the findings and implications of a systematic review to a lay audience using appropriate language
- Have demonstrated professionalism in your approach to working collaboratively with colleagues to complete group tasks
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Additional Information
| Course URL |
http://www.chs.med.ed.ac.uk/education/mph/ |
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
The proposed delivery and assessment strategy aligns with current trends in public health employment, ensuring that students develop the knowledge and skill set required for a wide range of public health roles.
Through direct experience in conducting all phases of a literature review, students will gain essential competencies in team collaboration, a key skill for public health professionals working in research, policy, or practice.
Critical appraisal and interpretation of public health research evidence are fundamental skills for both applied and academic positions. This course strengthens students' ability to evaluate research rigorously, enhancing their readiness for evidence-based decision-making in professional settings.
By gradually building competency in:
¿ Using relevant research terminology,
¿ Applying problem-solving approaches to methodological challenges, and
¿ Developing confidence in presenting and disseminating findings,
students will cultivate autonomy and independence in research.
Ultimately, stronger research competency and confidence may inspire further academic curiosity, fostering a culture of critical inquiry and lifelong learning among the MPH student cohort.
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| Additional Class Delivery Information |
Some classes may take place in a computer lab or on a tutorial basis. |
| Keywords | Systematic Review,public health,protocol development,literature review,critical appraisal |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Marshall Dozier
Tel: (0131 6)50 3688
Email: Marshall.Dozier@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Lucy Courage
Tel: (0131 6)51 7111
Email: lcourage@ed.ac.uk |
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