NRS8002 Systematic review and meta-analysis
NRS8002 Systematic review and meta-analysis
Spring 2026
A systematic review is a structured approach to synthesizing research evidence, minimizing bias,
and answering specific research questions through a repeatable methodology
This course aims to introduce PhD students and post-doc researchers to systematic review methodology and familiarize them with the process of conducting a systematic review. The focus will be on systematic reviews of interventions, but reviews addressing qualitative, prevalence and prognostic questions will also be presented.
Organiser: Norwegian Research School for Global Health and Sustainable Futures in collaboration with NTNU and NIPH
Course leaders: Heather Ames, Marit Johansen, Ingvild Kirkehei and Lillebeth Larun, all from Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH)
Course description and ECTS credits:
The course consists of webinars, digital resources, course work, assignments, three-days of physical teaching in Oslo and the possibility to submit an exam. A pass on the exam and the two assignments will give 5 ECTS credits (approximately 125 hours of work in total for in classroom time, independent learning, assignments, and the exam).
From the 9th of February to 9th of March there will be digital meetings followed by digital small group work. The focus will be on the steps for conducting a systematic review. Online learning resources will be made available. After completing this part of the course, students will submit a group assignment and an individual assignment. From the 9th to 11th of March (monday to wednesday) there will be a three-day seminar with lectures and groupwork in Oslo. This physical seminar is mandatory for the participants. In the period from the 11th of March to 10th of April students will write their exam, a protocol for a systematic review, and will have the opportunity for follow-up supervision from their instructor and a librarian.
Important dates and times (Norwegian time):
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February 9th |
Kick off seminar |
11:00-12:00 |
Digital |
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February 9th |
Group work 1: Developing your research question (PICO or PERSPE(c)TIF) |
12:15-14:00 |
Digital |
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Week 9 |
Group work 2: Refining your research question |
Group sets up time |
Digital |
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Week 10 |
Group work 3: Databases and search words |
Group sets up time |
Digital |
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March 4th |
Written assignment due |
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|
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March 9th-11th |
Interactive teaching seminar at NIPH Lindern Campus |
9:00-16:00 |
In-person |
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April 10th |
Exam due |
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Kick-off seminar will be for one hour; 11:00 - 12:00, groupwork will depend on the group to find relevant time in the assined week.and be from 9:00-12:00, and the interactive three-days seminar in Oslo will be whole day teaching: 9:00-16:00
Recommended previous knowledge: The participants are required to have knowledge of research methods at a master’s level. The participants also need good written and oral English skills. The course gives priority to members of the Norwegian Research School in Global Health and Sustainable futures, but participants from other institutions can be considered if there are spaces available. If the assignments are approved, attendance is more than 80% and the exam is a pass, the student is accredited with 5 ECTS credits.
When you are accepted to the course and to help you prepare and write up your protocol an extensive information packet which contains practical information, reading lists, online resources, assignments and exam information will be sent.
Deadline for registration is 30 Jan, 2026
Remember also to apply in Søknadsweb
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