340.606.01
Methods for Conducting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

Location
East Baltimore
Term
3rd Term
Department
Epidemiology
Credit(s)
4
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
M, W, 1:30 - 2:50pm
Lab Times
Friday, 1:30 - 2:50pm (01)
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Ian Saldanha
Contact Name
Ian Saldanha
Contact Email
isaldan1@jhu.edu
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

(1) Two terms of Epidemiology (340.601 AND 340.602 or 340.721 AND 340.722 or 340.751 AND 340.752)
AND
(2) Two terms of Biostatistics (140.621 AND 140.622 or 140.651 AND 140.652)

Description
Presents the essential steps for conducting systematic reviews including 1) formulating answerable questions, 2) searching the literature, 3) data abstraction, 4) risk of bias assessments, and 5) qualitative and quantitative syntheses of the evidence. Focuses on analytical skills for performing meta-analyses and network meta-analyses. Includes Bayesian and likelihood approaches to meta-analysis.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe and apply methods for synthesizing evidence using epidemiological tools such as systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and network meta-analysis
  2. Identify the role of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in public health and medicine
  3. Explain the essential steps of conducting a systematic review
  4. Formulate an answerable research question using the "PICOTs" framework
  5. Design search strategies for PubMed and Embase
  6. Collect data for a systematic review
  7. Appraise the risk of bias in randomized trials
  8. Conduct, present, and interpret the results of meta-analyses
  9. Interpret the results of network meta-analyses
  10. Critique the methodologic rigor of systematic reviews
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 5% Participation
  • 85% Group Work
  • 10% Peer-feedback
Instructor Consent
Consent required for all students
Consent Note
Background knowledge must be approved.
Consent Contact
isaldan1@jhu.edu
Jointly Offered With
Clinical Investigation
Special Comments

LAB is an essential part of the course and attendance is required.