NNEK19003U Systematic Reviews in Nutrition

Volume 2019/2020
Education

MSc Programme in Human Nutrition

Content

The course is aimed at performing systematic reviews and meta-analyses based on self-selected topics from the human nutrition field (natural science aspects). The lectures and exercises cover systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The group work will apply the systematic literature search and meta-analysis methodologies to a self-selected topic under supervision. The focus of the course is to give an understanding of the main principles of nutrition research and provide training in independent evaluation of evidence. The project work is finalized by a report (systematic review paper) and defended at an oral examination.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

●Knowledge about different types of studies and the scientific evidence they provide

●Knowledge about the scientific literature relating to a chosen nutrition topic

Skills

●Define an objective for a systematic review related to a topic in nutrition science

●Identify studies providing different levels of evidence (randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, etc.) related to the objective

●Compare the scientific evidence provided by the identified studies and write a systematic review related to the objective

●Use of software programs for extraction, management and analysis of data

●Compile data from relevant studies and conduct a meta-analysis

Competences

●Reflect upon the use of different scientific methodologies (study design, analytical methods and risk of bias) in studies in relation to the objective.

●Apply a critical approach when discussing the results of the systematic review and its relation to nutritional science.

●Discuss the nutritional significance and implications of the scientific results for the general population, as well as for future research.

Literature

See Absalon for a list of course literature

Qualifications within the field of the courses Nutrition Related Diseases and Evidence, Diet and Health or similar are recommended

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Lectures, group work and seminars. The groups will be formed based on interest in the topics and will consist of 3-5 students per group. The group work project is supervised by a scientific supervisor. At the seminars, the students will present their progress and discuss their projects.
Kurset er identisk med NNEK17001 Thematic Course: Human Nutrition.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Guidance
  • 4
  • Lectures
  • 24
  • Preparation
  • 25
  • Project work
  • 150
  • Theory exercises
  • 2
  • Total
  • 206
Oral

The students will receive oral feedback at the two seminars, from both scientific supervisors and course responsible, and on their project progression at the supervisory meeting.

Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 20 minutes
The examination is oral and each student is examined individually. The students present a self-selected section of the group report and defend the entire report. Each student is evaluated individually. Oral exam weighs 50%, written assignment weighs 50%.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

To register for the re-exam, the student must hand in a 5-10 page review of a systematic review paper chosen by the course responsible 3 weeks prior to re-exam. The examination is oral (20 min), and the student will present and defend the report. Oral exam weighs 50%, written assignment weighs 50%.

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome.