Literature Review Earth Sciences

6 EC

Semester 2, period 4, 6

5264LIT12Y

Owner Master Earth Sciences
Coordinator dr. M.C. Hoorn
Part of Master Earth Sciences, Master Earth Sciences, track Geo-Ecological Dynamics, Master Earth Sciences, track Future Planet Ecosystem Science,

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

The Literature Review (LR) course consists of 4 workshop sessions aimed at preparing the student for the individual project. In these workshops we will discuss: 1) the Research Databases and Reference Managers; 2) The composition of a scientific Perspective or Review; 3) Practical assignment Perspective; 4) Practical assignment Review.

As part of the course the student carries out an individual project or LR paper of 6 or 12 EC. The LR should be related to the field of Earth Sciences, but the student is free in their choice of topic. It can be new, related to the research line of the teaching staff, follow from one of the courses in the programme, or exploratory and in preparation for a master thesis.

The student should find a daily supervisor and/or examiner to guide them. This guidance should include discussions on the suitability of the topic, determine the key literature, and the preparation of a review plan. Once the plan is ready, it should be submitted to Datanose. During the LR individual project, the student should be in regular contact with their supervisor or examiner. The final result includes a written report (accompanied by a citation database and a digital archive of the material studied) and an oral presentation in the period September - June. The criteria for the written report and the oral presentation are described in the course protocol.

Study materials

Syllabus

Software

Objectives

  • Define an appropriate scientific research question;
  • Find relevant scientific literature to answer the question posed;
  • Comprehend, structure and synthesize the collected information;
  • Form an opinion about the processed information in relation to the research question;
  • Present the results in a well-written report;
  • Present the results in an oral presentation.

Teaching methods

  • Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
  • Supervision/feedback meeting
  • Presentation/symposium
  • Self-study

The class sessions provide a basis to successfully carry out the individual project. Under the guidance of the supervisor and/or examiner the student will write a review proposal followed by the written review ranging from 3500 to 7500 words. The course concludes with submission in Datanose of the completed review and an oral presentation.

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Zelfstudie

150 to 200

Attendance

  • Some course components require compulsory attendance. If compulsory attendance applies, this will be indicated in the Course Catalogue which can be consulted via the UvA-website. The rationale for and implementation of this compulsory attendance may vary per course and, if applicable, is included in the Course Manual.

    • Additional requirements for this course:

    Students should attend all workshop sessions and also interact with their peers when discussing the assignments.

    Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    Final grade

    We use a rubric as guidance to assess the quality of the review and the grade will be submitted in Datanose. 25% presentation; 75% written work.

    Assignments

    The assignments consist of reading and discussing the composition, structure and narrative of existing reviews. In addition there is a training on scientific databases,  reference managers and responsible use of AI.

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
    1 Introduction ppt & literature
    2 Analysis of example perspectives ppt & literature
    3 Analysis of example reviews  ppt & literature
    4 Scientific databases, reference managers and AI use ppt & literature
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    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. M.C. Hoorn

    https://www.uva.nl/en/profile/h/o/m.c.hoorn2/m.c.hoorn.html

    In addition  Andreja Lekic will be guest teachers in this course

    https://www.uva.nl/en/profile/l/e/a.lekic/a.lekic.html