Module manager: Dr Karen Vinall-Collier
Email: k.a.vinall@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Entry requirements for the MSc Dental Public Health or MSc Dental Materials or Professional Doctorate of Paediatric Dentistry
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module forms part of the MSc for Dental Public Health, MSc Dental Materials and Professional Doctorate in Paediatric Dentistry and provides a foundation in the principles of undertaking a robust synthesis of published evidence and an introduction to different literature review methodologies.
This aims of the module are to:
- provide students with knowledge and comprehension of the principles of undertaking a robust synthesis of published evidence
- introduce students to different literature review methodologies.
- provide students with the knowledge to perform a comprehensive and robust search of published literature available on online-databases.
- demonstrate strategies to implement accurate and precise searches to manage data to identify, critique and distil evidence for informed decision making
- demonstrate how to formulate an answerable research question.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Formulate an answerable research question.
2. Apply knowledge of literature search techniques to design a comprehensive search strategy on academic journal databases.
3. Apply and appraise the different types of evidence synthesis methodology.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have:
1. Academic Skills to demonstrate the ability to search for evidence, apply critical thinking and present findings using appropriate referencing styles. Digital Skills to demonstrate digital proficiency through information gathering and database software.
2. Technical Skills to demonstrate your skills in presenting and sharing information across a variety of formats and media, ensuring reliability and integrity both of the sources and the ideas they generate.
The module will cover the:
- Development of an answerable research question using tools to guide question formation.
- Development of a search strategy.
- Principles of different methodologies of evidence reviews and types of evidence synthesis.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Lecture | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Practical | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Seminar | 3 | 0.5 | 1.5 |
| Seminar | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Independent online learning hours | 15 | ||
| Private study hours | 118.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 16.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
There is a designated formative coursework task that will provide formative feedback to the students in preparation of their summative assessment.
Students will receive a 2-hour session on developing a review question using PICO. Students will be asked to prepare, using pre-recorded material, a reading list and will receive instruction and opportunity to work through a proforma for developing search concepts to use for a literature review. The students will receive real-time feedback in the live session on their work. Additionally, the 1-day literature searching workshop includes a mixture of lectures, seminars and demonstrations, as-well-as, hands-on practical support using the electronic database searching tools and reference storage software, where immediate feedback will be given.
These opportunities for formative feedback will culminate in submission of a formative assignment task, whereby the students will produce a literature search strategy to practise their database searching skills. Students will submit on Minerva a search strategy and a completed concept map. They will receive feedback which will inform their summative assessment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Presentation - Summative assessment: Formal live presentation | 100 |
| Coursework | Formative Assessment: Produce a literature search strategy and a concept map. | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team