SP2271 - Introduction to the Scientific Literature
Description
Students in this course gain the skills to understand and analyse peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. Critically reading scientific papers involves analysing them against the existing body of scientific knowledge to determine a paper's merits and limitations, reliability, and significance. This skill is crucial for keeping abreast of scientific progress and making evidence-based decisions. Students will learn to analyse methodology, interpret results, and evaluate conclusions. Based on library research, they will evaluate a paper in the context of the field and substantiate, challenge or extend its conclusions. Students will learn to communicate their analysis constructively in multiple modes.
Objectives
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Information literacy: Determine the significance, relevance and accuracy of scientific information.
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Literature review: Assess the suitability and reliability of a source. Effectively synthesise information from multiple sources.
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Scientific analysis: Analyse the coherence between the study's aim, evidence and conclusions in consideration of methodology, logic, and quantitative reasoning.
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Scientific communication: Summarise scientific ideas clearly, succinctly and accurately. Convey a balanced, evidence-based, and constructive analysis in visual, written and oral forms.