Emerging Technologies Informationist
Advanced Literature Searching in the Health Sciences
What You'll Learn
- How to identify the types of projects dependent on advanced searching
- How to construct advanced searches
- Procedures for citation management
- Best practices for reporting search strategies
9 Modules
36 Hours
4 hrs per module (approx.)
About Advanced Literature Searching in the Health Sciences
Master the fundamental components of advanced literature searching in the health sciences.
Informationist Mark MacEachern and a team of fellow health sciences informationists at the University of Michigan designed this course for anyone responsible for constructing literature searches as part of their research. This course will specifically help professionals and researchers in the health sciences improve the overall quality and reporting of their literature searches.
After completing the course, you will better understand the importance of literature searches in health sciences work, the components of effective searches, and best practices to sufficiently report the search process. All learners who rely heavily on past research in their project work – regardless of their experience or current competence – will benefit from this practical learning experience.
Skills You'll Gain
- Health Research
- Medical Libraries
- Public Health
- Research
- Scientific Literature
- Translational Research
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Advanced Literature Searching in the Health Sciences, a course designed to strengthen systematic and strategic search skills for health-related research. You will learn how to plan, execute, and refine effective literature searches while navigating common challenges. Core content is supported by practical exercises, glossaries, and reference resources.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Introduction
- Introduction
Module 2: What is an Advanced Search?
- What is an Advanced Search
- Quiz (1 Question)
Module 3: Types of Projects
- Types of Projects
- Quiz (4 Questions)
- Lesson 3 Discussion (1 Question)
Module 4: Bias
- Bias
- Quiz (7 Questions)
Module 5: Selecting Databases & Resources
- Selecting Databases & Resources
- Quiz (3 Questions)
Module 6: Constructing Searches
- Constructing Searches
- Quiz (10 Questions)
- Hands-On Practice
Module 7: Citation Management
- Citation Management
- Quiz (3 Questions)
- Hands-On Practice (1 Question)
Module 8: Reporting Searches
- Reporting Searches
- Quiz (9 Questions)
Module 9: Wrap-Up
- Wrap-Up
Grading Policy
Learners must earn 70% overall to pass. Lesson Quizzes and Activities are weighted individually and combined into a cumulative course grade.
Health Sciences Informationist
Health Sciences Informationist
Health Sciences Informationist
Health Sciences Informationist
Health Sciences Informationist
Health Sciences Informationist
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required
