Building your search queries for systematic reviews

Content:

This seminar focusses on the search queries for your systematic review or scoping review. We will discuss the methodology to build the search queries in detail using the databases PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Secundary search techniques like citation chasing and handsearching will also be discussed. This will be a hands on session, where you can apply the information and exercises to your own research. A PICO (or variant) on your research question can be useful but is not necessary.

Target group:

This seminar is aimed at researchers in (bio)medical sciences. A decent knowledge of the databases PubMed and Web of Science is required. Ideally you will have followed the E-sources course already. Short tutorials provided by the library on Mediasite should be watched to become familiar with these databases if necessary.

Date:

Teachers:             

Marjan Andries and Barbara Lejeune (Dep. Library – UAntwerpen)

Language:            

English

Docop points:   

This course counts for 0.3 docop-points.

Registration:

Via Sisa Self Service. Log in with your student account. Registration is possible as from 3 September 2026 and after you've been (re-)enrolled as a PhD student for academic year 2026-2027.

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Content:

This seminar will equip you with the skills to conduct systematic searches, a cornerstone of various review types within the social sciences and humanities. Whether you're embarking on a systematic, scoping, rapid, narrative, … review, a well-executed search is paramount. We will discuss the methodology to build search queries in detail using subject specific databases, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Other techniques like citation chasing and handsearching are also looked into in depth.

We’ll balance theory with practical exercises whenever possible.

Target group:

In this session we specifically target PhD researchers in the Exact Sciences and Social Sciences & Humanities. A solid understanding of Scopus, Web of Science and applicable subject databases is necessary. Prior completion of the course E-sources for the social sciences & humanities/Exact sciences is recommended. If you're new to these databases, consider familiarizing yourself through self-study before attending. 

Practical information

Date:

Teachers:             

Marjan Andries and Barbara Lejeune (Dep. Library – UAntwerpen)

Language:            

English

Docop points:   

This course counts for 0.3 docop-points.

Registration:

Via Sisa Self Service. Log in with your student account. Registration is possible as from 3 September 2026 and after you've been (re-)enrolled as a PhD student for academic year 2026-2027.

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