Module aims

This is an interactive module that aims to develop the students’ ability to summarise, critique and present scientific literature. The focus will be on learning the principles of high-quality academic research in both basic and applied work, from both AI and healthcare perspectives.

The teaching will be carried out through weekly reading group tutorials in which students present and critique a published paper, under the close supervision of the module leaders. After the tutorial session the student will produce a written report to be formally evaluated by the module leaders.

At the end of the module, students should be able to evaluate, appraise, and critically review published research work, as well as deepen their understanding of the broader field of AI for Healthcare.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing this module, students should be able to:

  • Identify the strengths and weaknesses of a scientific publication from both AI and healthcare perspectives.
  • Critically evaluate and extract core information from both basic and applied research work.
  • Independently assess how to structure and write high-quality papers.
  • Assess how key research papers transformed the understanding of their respective domains.
  • Summarise complex research and organise the material into a structured presentation.
  • Lead group discussions and communicate effectively and concisely across multidisciplinary topics.
  • Critique findings, results, and conclusions of papers.
  • Produce technical reports and present scientific topics to audience unfamiliar with the topic.

Teaching methods

A weekly session will take place in the first and second term through a flipped-classroom approach. The sessions will be interactive, and the student leading the discussion will produce a presentation of key aspects from the paper as well as lead the discussion on the algorithmic and/or healthcare.

Assessments

Formal assessment: This module will be formally assessed through the delivery of a presentation on an academic paper chosen by the student, in addition to the production of a written report that summarises and critiques the paper and reflects on the discussion that took place during the session. Both the presentation and the written report are required to pass the module.

Assessment will be based on the overall presentation clarity, material covered in the discussion, as well as quality of the submitted report write-up; and will consider the student’s critical analysis of the paper, demonstrated knowledge of the context and relevant research landscape, as well as the student’s skills in answering peers’ questions. Additionally, every student will be expected to actively contribute to the discussion in other students’ presentations and provide peer feedback.

Peer feedback: We encourage a culture of collaborative research where students can freely discuss new innovative ideas in an open way and provide constructive criticism respectfully. Therefore, after each presentation, each student in the audience will be asked to provide feedback on one aspect they liked the most about the presentation, and a suggestion of one area of improvement.

Module leaders

Dr Ahmed Fetit and Professor Aldo Faisal