Presentation
Often there is an apparent conflict among results derived from multiple studies addressing the same question as these may differ in experimental choices, be time and/or space limited, and have small sample and/or effect size. Reviews can help integrating disparate information, but only if performed in a systematic manner. A systematic review addresses clearly formulated questions/hypotheses by using systematic and reproducible methods to identify, select and critically appraise all relevant studies, to extract and analyze the data from the selected studies, and to report the methods and results; often they use meta-analysis as a statistical tool for combining the results of selected studies, considering study precision, to allow general conclusions and evaluation of result consistency across studies. The general goal of this course is to disseminate the use of meta-analysis in ecology, providing students with tools that allow them to assess the quality of meta-analyses, interpret their results, and carry out high-quality meta-analyses.
General information
- Course type: Non Degree Course
- Qualification awarded: Diploma/Certificate
- Duration: 1 Month
- ECTS credits: 6
- Learning Objectives and Intended Skills: It is intended that students acquire: (i) Instrumental skills, e.g., skills in analysis and synthesis, organization and planning, oral and written communication, use of computer tools in the scope of bibliographic search and meta-analysis, management of information, decision-making ability, problem solving. (ii) Personal and interpersonal skills, e.g., skills in group work and in interdisciplinary teamwork, critical thinking and understanding of specialists’ language. (iii) Systemic skills, e.g., skills in autonomous learning, searching, practical application of theoretical knowledge, planning, self-criticism and self-assessment. It is also intended to promote creativity, care about rigor and quality.
- Admission requirements: Holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent in Biology, Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Geography, Geology, other Life Sciences. Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.
- More information: UC website
Study programme
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | REGIME | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis in Ecology | Compulsory | 1 month | Environmental Sciences | 6 |