2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

FOOD3141 Critical Appraisal of Scientific Literature

20 Credits Class Size: 25

Module manager: Dr James Smith
Email: j.smith252@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Module replaces

FOOD3140

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In this module, students will undertake a critical in-depth review of a mature subject within the broad fields of food science and nutrition. The module will involve the application of library and critical appraisal skills and academic integrity principles, such as conducting library and online databases searches, including article retrieval critical review of the primary literature, as well as appropriately communicating research to a scientific audience.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students would have carried out an in-depth literature review on a topic within the fields of food science and/or nutrition, writing in the defined style of a specific, peer-reviewed scientific journal. The article will be marked on the basis of its publication-readiness and students will aim for a publication quality piece of work.
An initial lecture will be provided on how to go about a writing a review for journals, and specific advice will be given throughout the module by the potential supervisors, for the following year.
By the end of the module the students will be able to read and synthesis the literature, and carry out high-level scientific writing.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject area:
SSLO1: Planning and writing a publication-quality literature review article, using an academic/scientific writing style.
SSLO2: Using journal ‘instructions for authors’ to correctly format and prepare an article manuscript, conforming to required standards (e.g. word count, structure, referencing style, table and figure formats etc).

Skills outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Academic writing, academic language, academic integrity – these will be key skills in writing the final review article.
SKLO2: Advanced Information searching and consolidation, highlighting a research area topic for further investigation: Use of multiple search engine tools, such as web of science, Leeds library and google scholar to find relevant and appropriate scientific literature to investigate a topic in-depth. Database management will be important, e.g. EndNote.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Supervision 4 1 4
Lecture 2 2 4
Private study hours 192
Total Contact hours 8
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback is integral and will be supplied by the Module Leader and individual (assigned) supervisors during the process of preparing the review manuscripts for publication. Additional opportunities for students to communicate with the Module Leader are in two (2) lectures for peer group support and reflection on the own progress of writing the manuscripts.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Coursework
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 0

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

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