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Dental Research Project A (DENT90119)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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January
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This subject provides students with a background in research design, ethics, statistics and literature review before commencing a research project. In the 3rd year of the DDS, the continuation and completion of this project will take place under the companion subject 'Dental Research Project B’. At the commencement of this subject, students will be divided into groups and a supervisor and research project will be allocated to each group. Each group will be maintained throughout second and third years. The School reserves the right to adjust the membership of a group when necessary. The research project can be undertaken in any of the following disciplines: Restorative Dentistry, Growth and Development, Oral Biology, Oral Medicine, Pathology and Surgery or Population and Oral Health Sciences or any related discipline after consultation with the Convener. In conjunction with the supervising staff member(s), each group will be required to develop the research project's aims and objectives, determine the details on facilities required and consult with the supervisor(s) at regular intervals.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, the student should:

  • be able to document research findings;
  • have the ability and confidence to participate effectively in collaborative research and learning as a team member, while respecting individual differences;
  • have the ability to evaluate and synthesize research and professional literature;
  • have developed high-calibre problem-solving abilities characterised by flexibility of approach;
  • have a superior capacity to articulate knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations;
  • be able to design, conduct and begin to report original research;
  • have a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for ethics of scholarship.
  • be competent in formulating a hypothesis and in planning how the hypothesis may be tested;
  • be competent in planning the execution of the research and understanding the process of undertaking the research;
  • be able to discuss principles of research methodology, methods of recording the data, analysing the results;
  • be able to discuss validity of results and setting these in the overall knowledge of the topic;
  • be able to discuss the importance of formulating precise objectives for a research project;
  • be able to discuss the need for a thorough review of the existing knowledge of the research topic;
  • be able to discuss the need for the scientific assessment of the results and the presentation of the findings in a manner acceptable to the scientific community.

Generic skills

  • Access new knowledge from different sources, analyse and interpret it in a critical manner;
  • Develop skills in effective communication with teaching staff and peers;
  • Develop effective organisational skills and time management;
  • Develop skills in team work, leadership and workplace safety;
  • Identify and address their own learning needs;
  • Identify, interpret, measure and record data;
  • Develop intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological basis of research activities;
  • Value and be able to apply scientific evidence;
  • Have the capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work.
  • Be able to articulate knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations;
  • Demonstrate profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship;

Last updated: 3 November 2022