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340.802.81
Expert Searching for High Quality Evidence in the online Environment

Course Status
Cancelled

Location
Internet
Term
2nd Term
Department
Epidemiology
Credit(s)
2
Academic Year
2021 - 2022
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
One Year Only
Prerequisite
Description
Internet search engines such as Google give the illusion that finding answers to most questions has become a relatively simple process. However, doing an expert, comprehensive, and efficient search for peer-reviewed literature and other high quality academic articles appropriate for graduate level work or the production of systematic reviews requires a specific set of skills and knowledge. This course addresses the competencies needed to complete comprehensive, systematic, and transparent searches of the literature.
Introduces students to effective and efficient searching of the medical literature, in particular the skills and knowledge needed to produce an effective search in support of a systematic review of the medical literature. Discusses existing standards and evidence for these standards. Familiarizes students with software that helps with managing the results of literature searches. Addresses the competencies needed to complete comprehensive, systematic, transparent searches of the literature.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe the iterative steps involved in conducting an expert search for a literature review
  2. Identify databases, online tools, and help guides that are available to use when conducting an expert search for a literature review
  3. Develop an effective search strategy to locate relevant literature in at least two core databases of medical information
  4. Document searches conducted for a literature review in a way that is transparent and reproducible
  5. Create a bibliography using a citation management tool such as RefWorks or Mendeley
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 95% Assignments
  • 5% Participation
Special Comments

The class moves extremely fast. It is not recommended to join the course after the first session.