MSc Endodontics (Dental Specialties) / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Research Methods

Course unit fact file
Unit code DENT61010
Credit rating 15
Unit level FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

The Research Methods unit is an interactive online course which provides students with an introduction to key material required for the interpretation, design and execution of clinical and clinically related research. The unit presents an introduction to research methods, epidemiology and evidence-based practice and teaches critical appraisal skills.

The course includes both practical and theoretical components and is supplemented with optional timetabled face-to-face sessions, which are used to consolidate the online material and provide students with an opportunity to discuss the topics in person. The face-to-face sessions are also provided in a distance learning format to ensure they are accessible to all postgraduate students.

The course is presented in a series of nine topics over ten teaching weeks:

  1. Library Skills
  2. Epidemiology - key concepts
  3. Epidemiology - study design
  4. Critical Appraisal (2 weeks)
  5. Dissertation Skills
  6. Protocol Design
  7. Ethics
  8. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis
  9. Evidence based practice

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Biostatistics DENT70001 Co-Requisite Compulsory

Aims

The unit aims to produce students who are competent in issues related to the interpretation, design and execution of clinical and clinically related research. The latter may include medical education, public health and basic-science areas such as genetics, microbiology or biomaterials. The Research Methods units also provides students with critical appraisal skills so that on a life-long basis they will be able to apply these skills to assess any research evidence that comes before them.

Assessment methods

Assessment of this unit is comprised of the following elements:

  • Mid-semester assignment (1,500 words) - 35%
  • End of semester assignment (2,500 words) - 60%
  • Participation in discussion board activities - 5%

Feedback methods

Feedback will be provided on Blackboard within the required timeframes.

Study hours

Independent study hours
Independent study 150

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Juliette Kendall Unit coordinator

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