Course Description

This course, designed by Informationist Mark MacEachern and his team at the University of Michigan, focuses on mastering the fundamental components of advanced literature searching in the health sciences. It aims to enhance the quality and reporting of literature searches for professionals and researchers within the health sciences sector.

What Students Will Learn

• The components of advanced searches.
• Identification of projects that require advanced searching techniques.
• Construction of effective advanced searches.
• Recognition and mitigation of biases in search processes.
• Utilization of effective citation management procedures.
• Best practices for reporting search strategies.

Prerequisites

No prior prerequisites are required to take this course. It is designed for individuals at an introductory level in the health sciences field.

Course Coverage

• Understanding the significance of literature searches in health sciences.
• Learning the elements of effective search construction.
• Exploring techniques to detect and counteract search-related biases.
• Hands-on practices in managing citations.
• Training on how to adequately document search methodologies.

Who This Course Is For

This course is intended for health science professionals, researchers, or any individual involved in research that heavily relies on past studies and literature searches. It is tailored to benefit all levels of experience and competence.

Application of Skills in the Real World

The skills acquired from this course can significantly improve the rigour and outcomes of literature searches in professional research within the health sciences. Participants can apply these advanced search techniques and best practices in reporting to ensure comprehensive reviews of existing literature, contributing to higher quality research outputs and informed decision-making in their respective fields.