Systematic Review of Scientific Literature

Code:

RSLC01

Acronym:

RSLC

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
CNAEF	Personal development

Instance: 2025/2026 - 2S (of 09-02-2026 to 14-07-2026)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Civil and Georesources Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Systematic Review of Scientific Literature

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
PDEEC	0	Syllabus	1	-	1,5	12	40,5
RSLC	0	Syllabus	1	-	1,5	12	40,5

Teaching language

English

Objectives

This training aims to promote cross-cutting skills in the area of systematic literature research and information processing. Participants will be able to apply general principles of scientific research (traceability and reproducibility) in literature review processes and create and report scientific knowledge in accordance with the highest international standards.

At the end of the training, students should be able to:

Develop a systematic review protocol following the PRISMA-P 2015 guidelines, ensuring the application of rigorous, transparent, and reproducible methodologies in the synthesis of scientific evidence.

Learning outcomes and competences

The learning outcomes for the systematic review course are defined by the ability to:

• Define the concept of systematic review and distinguish between different types of reviews (systematic, narrative, meta-analysis).
• Explain the importance of PRISMA-P in the transparency and methodological rigor of systematic reviews.
• Identify the stages of the systematic review process, from formulating the question to summarizing the results.
• Apply the PRISMA-P criteria to develop a complete systematic review protocol.
• Formulate structured research questions (e.g., PICO model or variants) for systematic reviews.
• Design search strategies in scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane), using Boolean operators and appropriate filters.
• Select and justify eligibility criteria and data extraction methods for the review.
• Implement methods for assessing the risk of bias and the quality of the included studies.
• Develop a PRISMA-P flowchart appropriate to the review protocol.
• Critically evaluate systematic review protocols, identifying strengths and limitations.
• Justify methodological decisions made in the protocol, ensuring reproducibility and transparency.
• Identify challenges and limitations in conducting systematic reviews and propose solutions.
• Prepare the protocol for submission to scientific journals or registration platforms.
• Understand the peer review process and the importance of transparency in scientific reporting.

Working method

B-learning

Program

Lesson 1 - Introduction to Systematic Reviews and PRISMA-P

1. Structure of articles
2. Fundamental Concepts of Systematic Reviews
3. The Importance of Systematic Reviews in Science
4. Introduction to PRISMA and PRISMA-P
5. Registration and Reproducibility of Systematic Reviews
6. General Structure of a PRISMA Systematic Review
7. General Structure of a Systematic Review Protocol
8. Introduction to Information Sources for Systematic Reviews

Lesson 2 - Essential Components of PRISMA-P

1. The Role of PRISMA-P in Standardizing Protocols
2. Structure and Key Items of PRISMA-P
3. Clear Definition of the Research Question
4. Study Eligibility Criteria
5. Planning Data Management and Information Collection
6. Example of a Systematic Review Protocol

Lesson 3 - Search Strategies and Study Selection

1. Search Strategies in Scientific Databases
2. Construction of Search Strings
3. Identification of Complementary Sources
4. Study Screening and Selection Process
5. Tools for Managing the Selection Process

Lesson 4 - Data Management and Bias Risk Assessment Strategies

1. Extracting and Organizing Data from Included Studies
2. Assessing the Methodological Quality of Studies
3. Assessing the Risk of Bias in Included Studies
4. Strategies for Mitigating the Risk of Bias
5. Documentation and Transparency in Data Management

Lesson 5 - Strategies and Guided Practice on Synthesis and Analysis of Results

1. Data Synthesis Methods
2. Assessment of Heterogeneity in Studies
3. Qualitative Data Synthesis
4. Assessment of Risk of Bias Between Studies
5. Interpretation of Results and Implications for Practice

Lesson 6 - Strategies for Writing and Evaluating the PRISMA-P Protocol

1. Scientific Writing of the Protocol
2. Review and Improvement of the Protocol
3. Registration of the Protocol in Databases
4. Preparation for Submission of the Protocol

Mandatory literature

Page , Matthew J.; The PRISMA 2020 statement : an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews

Teaching methods and learning activities

Trainee-centered e-learning teaching and learning model, with an emphasis on an active and practical approach.

This model promotes a deep understanding of the current challenges faced in research activities, integrating real-world problem-solving techniques.

Classes will take place in an online forum where the problems presented and questions asked by students will be discussed.

Students will have access to the specific content of each class in traditional text and video format one week before the respective class.

In order to access each class, students will be asked to solve a problem (7% of the weighting) and/or ask a question (5% of the weighting) based on the texts and information provided in the video. The total weighting of this component is 72%.

Each of the six classes will last 120 minutes.

The final grade will be given after the presentation of an article following PRISMA-P, which will have a weighting of 28%.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Trabalho escrito	72,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	28,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	12,00
Trabalho escrito	28,50
Total:	40,50

Eligibility for exams

Completion of all work

Calculation formula of final grade

Pre-class problem solving: 6 * 7%
Pre-class questions: 6* 5%
Article in accordance with PRISMA-P: 28%.