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PHPS40990

Academic Year 2025/2026

Systematic Reviews, Meta-analysis and Clinical Guidelines (PHPS40990)

Subject:
Public Health & Population Sci
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Carla Perrotta
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The aim of this module is for students become confident in pooling effect estimates from a variety of study designs. The course aims to go beyond the basics for the MA. We will work hands-on using R to conduct meta-analysis of different types –interventional studies and observational studies. The course topics will include producing an interpreted summary of table findings and using the GRADE framework to assess the confidence in estimates of individual outcome, clinical guidelines production and implementation-

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
 Conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis independently.
 Confidence in the use of software used to conduct meta-analysis
 Analyse heterogeneity, use meta-regression, sub-group analysis and individual patient data.
 Generate and interpret GRADE recommendation tables
 Communicate results and design strategies to implement recommendations.

Indicative Module Content:

Hands-on risk of bias assessment
Exploring heterogeneity, meta-regression, sub-group analysis
meta-analysis in R
Clinical Guidelines development
Informing decision-makers

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18

Autonomous Student Learning

70

Online Learning

12

Total

100


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Online sessions -recorded, online R lab

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Practical hands-on exercises to apply concepts learned during the module Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8, Week 10, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
100
Yes

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Mary Codd Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Catherine Phillips Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ricardo Piper Segurado Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Akke Vellinga Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Ruairí Weiner Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Pratiksha Nagar Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Online Learning Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 17:00 - 17:50