CRITICAL REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE - 2020/1

Module Overview

Two of the intended learning outcomes for this programme are to appraise scientific literature and to communicate ideas, principles and research. In order to achieve these outcomes this module deals with approaches used to select and cite appropriate information from the scientific literature. The quality and accuracy of scientific reporting in press publications will be explored.

Module provider

School of Biosciences and Medicine

Module Leader

ELLIOTT Gill (Biosc & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Week1:

• Seminar 1: Scientific journals – peer-review and impact factor (1h)


• Workshop 1: Online search engines and databases (1h)

Week 2:

• Seminar 2: Performing a literature review (1h)


• Workshop 2: Citing references correctly (1h)

Week 3:

• Deadline for “Evaluating the literature” assignment on SurreyLearn


• Tutorial 1:One-to-one tutorial to discuss literature review plan (1h)

Week 4:

• Seminar 3: Science reporting in the press (2h)

Weeks 5 - 8

• Self-study: progression with literature review

Week 9: Tutorial 2: One-to-one tutorial for feedback on literature review draft

Week 11: Submission of literature review

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

“Evaluating the literature” exercise 20% 3000 to 4000 – word literature review 80%

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate :

• Ability to appraise scientific literature within the field of Medical Microbiology


• Citation of references using a standard format


• Ability to communicate ideas, principles and research through the production of a literature review


• Appreciation of the importance of accurate and high quality communication of science

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• An “Evaluating the Literature” exercise to be completed via SurreyLearn. Deadline: the third week of the module


• A 3000 to 4000-word literature review on a relevant topic. Deadline: the last week of the module

Formative assessment and feedback

Students will be able to complete a practice SurreyLearn exercise, and also meet with their personal tutor on a one-to-one basis to discuss progress with the literature review. Students will be able to gauge their progress during the seminars and workshops.

Module aims

• Identify databases through which peer-reviewed scientific literature can be found
• Evaluate the quality and impact of different peer-reviewed publications
• Develop competence in using standard citation methods
• Guide students through the process of writing a literature review
• Appraise the quality of science reporting in the press

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Develop a critical understanding of the scientific literature through facilitated self-directed learning. The skills gained on this module are directly transferable to all other modules on the programme, and to the wider science profession.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Six hours of seminars, workshops and class discussion


• Two hours of one-to-one tutorials

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MMIM028

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.