Distance Education Graduate Course offered through the University of Saskatchewan's MSc/PhD in Health Sciences Program

Course Title:            HSC 802.3 Introduction to Systematic Reviews

Course Features

• Learner centered Distance Education Course (Blackboard and Blackboard Collaborate)
• 3 credit units graduate level course
• Open to students from a variety of health science backgrounds
• Experienced instructors (Cochrane Reviewer Trainer, Experienced Librarians)

Description:

Students will work in teams of at least two individuals and carry out a collaborative project which will involve intensive library research, data extraction, verification, analysis and interpretation of the data.  The teams will learn and practice established procedures for conducting secondary research (a systematic review) and meta-analysis.  Evaluation will include assignments (search and selection strategy, short papers, and a written protocol) and a presentation at a technology-assisted research seminar.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course has been designed for graduate students or clinicians in health related disciplines with background in applying interventions.  This includes a wide range of disciplines such as rehabilitation therapy, nursing, kinesiology, pharmacy and nutrition, medicine, etc.  If you are not sure if this is for you, consult the instructor.

Relevance to the Health Sciences MSc/PhD:

     Advantages for current graduate students: 

     The course will:

• provide students with the skills necessary to be informed critical consumers of the health literature and to independently perform systematic reviews.
• emphasize practical skill development in linking clinical research to the knowledge translation continuum.  
• complement the existing core course requirements for the program while still providing a valuable skill set that is currently not offered at the U of S.
• provide flexibility for students who have time constraints.
• provide student flexibility to choose a topic of interest from a wide spectrum of health issues for the course research project.
• provide students with an opportunity to produce a publishable paper. 

Advantages for clinicians                 

• This course would provide a unique “stepping stone” opportunity for health sciences clinicians (eg, Physical Therapists, Physicians) from throughout the province and country considering a move to an MSc/PhD within the U of S’s Health Sciences Program.
• The online delivery of this course will allow for a relatively flexible and student-directed learning environment.
• Students will be provided with opportunities to explore self-selected topics in depth if an enhanced understanding of key background information is required. 
• Clinicians will appreciate the opportunity to link their clinical knowledge and expertise with the evidence-based practice focus of this course.

Development Team:

• This course has been developed by a Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) funded collaborative development team with representation from the Health Sciences Library, Educational Media Access and Production (EMAP), and Continuing Physical Therapy Education (CPTE). 

Computer Requirements: Participants in this course will require

• a computer with audio speakers
• a USB headset with microphone (students registering for the course will be provided with information on types of headsets that will work well)
• access to highspeed internet
• Flash plug-in downloaded on their computer

This course is open to individuals with a health science background, whether or not they are registered in a Masters or PhD program. The course will run again in September 2012, and runs for 3 months. For more information, see Course Outline.

Application / Registration Information:

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 5, 2012. No applicants will be admitted to this course after September 5th. For non U of S students, tt is suggested that you registeras soon as possible - contact Angie Zoerb for more information. See contact information below.

Students currently enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan College of Graduate Studies and Research may register for this course through the U of S PAWS system. Permission of the instructor is required. Note: Students will need to register through the College of Graduate Studies and Research, using the title of CLR 802. To view the course information, visit http://www.usask.ca/calendar/coursecat/. To search for the course, in the Subject Code field, select CLR.

Non University of Saskatchewan students must complete Form GSR 105 - Application for Non-Degree Admission. A $75 application fee must accompany the form. Transcripts are required for NON U of S alumni. Form GSR 105, payment and other required documents must be sent to: