Skip to main content

260.615.01
Critically Reviewing the Scientific Literature

Location
East Baltimore
Term
2nd Term
Department
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Credit(s)
2
Academic Year
2018 - 2019
Instruction Method
TBD
Class Time(s)
Wednesday, 3:30 - 5:20pm
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

None

Description
MHS students in MMI are expected in their theses to critically review and comment on the scientific literature in their chosen topic. This course teaches this skill set as part of the preparation for writing the thesis.
Unlike the typical literature review course, focuses specifically on literature that is flawed in the approach or methods used to examine a scientific question and examines how well the conclusions drawn are justified by the data. Oral discussions of assigned literature are accompanied by weekly 2-3 page written reviews, which provides opportunities for students to get feedback on their writing skills, as well as their critical reading skills.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Critically review methods used to analyze a scientific question
  2. Identify biases in scientific literature
  3. Identify conclusions in literature that are not justified by the data
Enrollment Restriction
MHS students in MMI