This course will cover the broad topic of scientific research and writing skills. It will start with the principles of scientific enquiry and study design. Systematic literature searches will be covered as well as basic statistics. Examples of published research in the field of Critical Care or other relevant clinical fields will be explored, critically appraised for relevance, validity, bias and applicability. Students will have the opportunity to learn and practice scientific writing skills.

A variety of teaching methods will be scheduled during the week including lectures, tutorials, journal club and seminar.

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Summative assessment will be carried out using 2 methods:

1. Students will be asked to perform a literature search in a topic related to Critical Care - approx. 2500 words. Then develop a research question. Design a project using an appropriate method to answer this question, replicating the introduction and methods section of a scientific paper (80%).

2. A presentation summarising the proposed research project (20%).

The aim of the course is to improve the students' knowledge and skills in identifying relevant published research in the field of critical care.

In addition, student will improve their ability to appraise published research, apply an analytical approach and eloquently present scientific work in both written and oral form.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critically appraise current literature in the field of Critical Care.

■ Critically discuss research methods and important elements of study design.

■ Critically evaluate and make informed judgements regarding clinical applicability of published evidence.

■ Communicate using appropriate methods to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.