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      Logo of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
      En
      Locations and ContactFHNW LibraryMedia Relations

      CAS Systematic Review Information Specialist

      Research and publication support for systematic searching and transparent and reproducible reporting of evidence-synthesising secondary studies

      Key data

      Degree
      Certificate of Advanced Studies FHNW Systematic Review Information Specialist
      ECTS points
      10
      Next start
      15.01.2027
      Final application date
      Fri, 13.11.2026
      Teaching language
      English
      Place
      Online and Muttenz
      Price
      CHF 5600
      Register now

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      The Campus Muttenz Library, together with the University Medical Library Basel, offers a certified continuing education programme for research and publication support of systematic reviews (and related study types) at the FHNW School of Life Sciences. The CAS programme focuses on examples from various health-related fields and also draws from other disciplines wherever possible and is open to participants from all empirical disciplines. The CAS programme includes learning on how to:

      • conduct systematic literature searches
      • create transparent and reproducible reports
      • provide specific methodological advice

      Organisation

      The CAS programme is aimed at university graduates from all empirical disciplines. It is particularly for those in academic libraries, universities and research institutions who regularly support and/or participate in systematic review teams.

      The admission criteria are defined in the programme description (see downloads).

      Participants complete the CAS programme with a systematic research project in accordance with the methodological requirements (final thesis). On completion of the programme, participants will know

      • the job description of information specialists and their various roles
      • the methodological requirements (completeness, transparency, reproducibility) for conducting systematic reviews and the methodological processes involved
      • specific guidelines, frameworks and digital tools for carrying out the individual steps of systematic reviews, and be able to apply these
      • qualitative/quantitative methods for synthesising evidence and be able to carry out an independent systematic literature search in a relevant area, document it and write it up as part of a scientific publication
      • strategies for establishing and publicising the service in their institution
      • how to advise researchers on systematic reviews
      • the most important resources for following methodological developments in systematic review implementation, and thus continuously and independently expand their knowledge

      The CAS programme requires around 250 hours of work, divided into:

      • 3 attendance blocks of 2.5 days each (Fri/Sat plus Sunday morning in January, February and May)
      • 48 online lessons (16 evenings on Thursdays between 4 and 7 pm at latest, up to 3 lessons, from January to June)
      • Final thesis (approx. 50-60 hours, July to December)

      For accommodation during attendance blocks in Muttenz, please note that prices may be more affordable in close by towns in Germany or France. Public transport within the greater Basel area is excellent, we recommend the SBB app for easy public transport navigation

      • PD Dr Christian Appenzeller-Herzog (University Medical Library Basel)
      • Dr Hannah Ewald (University Medical Library Basel)
      • Dr Thomas Fürst (University Medical Library Basel)
      • Dr Heike Gerger (Department of Family Medicine, Maastricht University and Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam)
      • Dr Julian Hirt (RefHunter; Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel; OST - University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland)
      • Dr Andreas Ledl (Head of New Philologies, Economics and Educational Science, Zurich University Library)
      • Dr. Maria-Inti Metzendorf (Institute of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf)
      • Monika Wechsler (University Medical Library Basel)

      All lecturers are fluent in German and can help if critical understanding issues arise during the live lessons.

      Graduates tell us

      Portrait of Alisa Berger, Liaison Librarian Medicine
      The CAS Systematic Review Information Specialist programme offered excellent complementary training for my professional development from medical communications specialist to research librarian and information specialist in a university library. The combination of in-person and online class time integrated well with my work schedule. The in-class exercises and final project provided opportunities for immediate application of the skills learned during the course. Access to FHNW resources facilitated familiarization with a broad range of subject area-specific bibliographical databases. Finally, the diverse group of participants and instructors synergized to create a supportive and collaborative learning environment – what more could one want from continuing professional education?
      Alisa Berger, Liaison Librarian Medicine
      Further testimonials
      Weiterbildung Englischint_wb_cas

      FHNW School of Life Sciences

      FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
      School of Life Sciences

      Hofackerstrasse 30

      CH - 4132 Muttenz

      E-Mailinfo.lifesciences@fhnw.ch

      More information about the location