Critical appraisal course

Applied Nutrition Literacy

How to Critique Nutrition Research with Confidence and Competence

How do you discern credible evidence from flawed research?

Have you wondered how to differentiate between rigorous evidence and sensationalised claims?

Do you want to feel confident in knowing if a study is high-quality versus highly-flawed?

It’s time to go beyond vague phrases like “studies show…” or“research says…”

It’s time to become truly confident and competent in your critical appraisal skills.

The Need for Research Literacy

In an era dominated by pop-science podcasts and social media misinformation, such skills are more essential than ever.

You'll Learn How To:

Become a true scientific and critical thinker

Comprehensively understand research designs, methods and terminology

Critically appraise nutrition studies with real confidence

Skillfully interpret research findings and apply them in context

Meet Your Instructors

Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, in addition to an undergraduate (BSc.) degree in biology and physics.

Danny is the founder of Sigma Nutrition and for over 10 years has hosted the popular podcast Sigma Nutrition Radio, discussing topics related to nutrition science. He is also a respected educator in the health and fitness industry, having spoken at conferences and events all over Europe, as well as the United States and Australia.

Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.

Dr. Alan Flanagan is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Surrey. He holds a PhD in nutrition from the same institution.

Alan is the founder of Alinea Nutrition, an online education hub for nutrition and healthcare professionals.

Alan is also Research Communication Officer for Sigma Nutrition where he features as a co-host on the world’s leading evidence-based nutrition podcast.

Originally a lawyer by background in Dublin, Ireland, Alan spent a decade practising as a barrister before moving into science.

Syllabus Overview

Module 1: Being a Scientific Thinker

1.01: What Is Science?
1.02: What Is a Scientific Thinker?
1.03: What Is ‘Evidence’? What Is ‘Scientific Proof’?
1.04: The Scientific Process
1.05: Falsification
1.06: Transparency & Bad Science
1.07: Structure of a Research Paper

Module 2: How to Read Research Effectively to Inform Practice

2.01: Filtering Research (Identifying Relevant Papers)
2.02: Identifying the Research Question
2.03: How to Skim/Scan with Intent
2.04: The First Read-Through
2.05: Scrutinising Data Tables & Figures
2.06: Review & Incorporation into Overall Knowledge Base

Module 3: Becoming Comfortable with Common Statistical Methods

3.01: Why Use Statistics?
3.02: Quantitative vs. Qualitative Data
3.03: Dependent vs. Independent Variables
3.04: Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
3.05a: Epidemiological Risk Estimates
3.05b: T-tests, ANOVA, and Regression

Module 4: Considerations for Interpreting Nutrition Research

4.01: Hierarchy of Evidence vs. Standards of Proof
4.02: Looking for Converging Lines of Evidence
4.03: Issues with Applying Principles of Reductionism to Nutrition Research
4.04: Confounding and Control Variables
4.05: Internal & External Validity
4.06: Introduction to Types of Nutrition Research and Evidential Frameworks

Module 5: Nutritional Epidemiology

5.01: What Is Nutritional Epidemiology? Benefits & Shortcomings
5.02: Trial Designs & Their Application
5.03: Methods of Dietary Assessment
5.04: Understanding Reported Results
5.05: Division of the Exposure of Interest
5.06: Temporal Relationships
5.07: Population Types & Considerations for Interpreting Findings

Module 6: Randomised Controlled Trials and Mendelian Randomisation

6.01: Design Aspects of Biomedical Randomised Controlled Trials
6.02: Levels of Control in Nutrition Studies
6.03: Issues in Applying Biomedical RCT Model to Nutrition Interventions
6.04: Reductionism & Null Findings in Nutrition Interventions
6.05: Reconciling Conflicting Findings Between RCTs and Epidemiology
6.06: Introduction to Mendelian Randomisation [MR]
6.07: One Sample vs. Two Sample MR
6.08: Considerations for MR of Nutritional Exposures

Module 7: Meta-Analysis

7.01: Conceptual Basis for Meta-Analysis
7.02: Interpreting Forest Plots and Meta-Analysis Results
7.03: The Importance of the Primary Included Studies
7.04: Meta-Analysis of Nutritional Epidemiological Research
7.05: Meta-Analysis of Nutritional Intervention Trials

Module 8: Mechanistic Research and Animal Models

8.01: Mechanistic Research
8.02: Cell Models in Nutrition Research
8.03: Animal Studies in Nutrition Research

FAQs

Got Questions? We’ve Got You Covered

Who is this content for?

This course is for those who want to be able to critically appraise nutrition research. This will include medical professionals, nutrition practitioners, nutrition science academics, and nutrition/health/medical students. However, it is also suitable for people outside of these professions who are keenly interested in nutrition science.

No. All of the core course lectures are pre-recorded so you can watch them whenever you want. However, the modules will become available on a schedule. But all the main course content is pre-recorded, and you don’t need to finish the course by a certain date, so you can study when it suits you!

Access to Module 1 will open on a Sunday.

Each subsequent module will be available every 1-2 weeks subsequently, depending on the module.

However, bear in mind that you don’t have to stick to this schedule. The course can be completed at pace that suits your learning preferences and professional/personal schedule.

Yes! We offer currently-enrolled students 20% off the normal price.

In order to get the discount:

  1. Open this application form.

  2. Upload your details and proof of registration.

  3. Once we’ve received your application, we’ll email you details of how to avail of the student discount.

The course is a one-time payment of €679. Alternatively, you can choose to pay in two installments of €349. Students can get a discount of 20%.