Order Description:
Write a critical review in 2,500 words on one of the following topics:
1. Is there a role for giving micronutrient supplements to people infected with HIV?
2. Can a vegan diet meet the nutritional requirements of a child under 5?
3. Is there evidence that supplements of vitamins or minerals can affect the cognitive development of children?
4. What are the benefits of giving supplements of vitamin D to the elderly?
5. What are the benefits of portfolio diets in the prevention of CHD?
6. What is the evidence that calcium intake is a key factor in helping to maintain a healthy body weight?
7. How might the protein needs of an athlete differ from that of a sedentary person?
8. What evidence is there for higher levels of vitamins enhancing exercise performance?
If you have a genuine interest in writing on another question or topic this needs to be agreed with the module leader; Jessica Swann
Notes on writing a critical review or a critical assessment:
- This is a writing task that asks you to summarise a topic so that it is explained to another health professional who may not know anything about the subject. You should be able to explain what the main issues are and then comment critically on the topic based on your reading and understanding of the subject.
- Being critical does not mean being negative, it means questioning scientific information and opinions while presenting all sides of any argument. If you consider that there is a side to be taken, then do so, but be prepared to justify your position.
- All statements of fact and theory that you make need to be supported by references from original research papers or reviews published in peer reviewed journals. We are looking for evidenceof wide and up-to-date reading and well-informed understanding. Avoid secondary referencing. Avoid internet web sites: A web site should not be cited in support of a scientific fact but may be cited if it makes an important recommendation thatis not published elsewhere.
- The structure of a critical review can be as innovative as you want. It is useful to explain in an introduction or background what the subject is about and tell the reader how you are going to present your review. Introductory sections should review the basic science of the topic, for example: physiology, signs and symptoms of deficiency, nutrient requirements, epidemiology, and the implications for public health nutrition. In general the Introduction section moves from the general to the specific. It is best that you state some clear aims at the end of the Introduction which tells the reader what you are goingto discuss. The main body of the text should review the main issues in a logical order or at least with a clear structure, perhaps with sub-headings. The discussion is the place to summarise the arguments and draw any conclusions. In general the Discussion begins with the main conclusions and moves from the specific to the general.
- It can be helpful to have headings and subheadings, but they are not absolutely necessary if the text is written so that it is logically structured and arguments flow from one to the next. But headings can be helpful to give an order and structure to your thoughts.
- Start off by distinguishing between observational studies and experimental studies. It is a good idea to move from observational studies to experimental
- Tables can be very useful to summarise a number of studies that have investigated roughly the same issue so that the reader can easily make a comparison.
- This assessment aims to develop in your skills in summarising and paraphrasing. You should be able to read scientific papers and then write in your own words about what you have read. We want to hear your voice.
- Please try to write in language that is clear, simple and as plain as possible. Do not use jargon or complex technical terms without explaining the terms. We want to know that you know what you are writing about, and that you understand the issues that lie behind the question.
- Reference your material using the guidelines in the course handbook. I recommend that you should have at least 12 references for a piece of work this length. Any less and you have not done enough background reading.