ODONT 6017OL - Research Methods and Ethics

Online - Semester 1 - 2020

The course of seminars and workshops aims to provide students with an appreciation of research methods, experimental design and ethics as they apply to research in dentistry and forensic sciences. Students will gain an understanding of scientific methods, human and animal ethics as well as the ethics approval process. In addition students will receive a grounding in biostatistics, experimental design and methodology, analysis, management and presentation of data, evaluation of research papers, scientific writing and oral presentations. Students are also required to complete training in laboratory and chemical safety, use of bibliography databases and the Cochrane Library and evidence-based dentistry. Where possible, the material presented will be selected to meet the research project of the students enrolled.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ODONT 6017OL
    Course Research Methods and Ethics
    Coordinating Unit Dental
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Online
    Units 3
    Contact Supervision as required
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Restrictions Available to Grad Dip Forensic Odontology students only
    Assessment Participation in seminar, evaluation and written critique of given scientific paper
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Denice Higgins

    Director and Senior Specialist Odontologist
    Forensic Odontology Unit/ Adelaide Dental School
    Helen Mayo South, North Terrace Campus

    Phone:  8313 6292
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Full details will be made available in MyUni.
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

     On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

           1.               

    Be able to demonstrate knowledge of research literacy

    2.

    Be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of basic research methods

    3.

    Be able to explain the significant risks and ethical issues raised by the conduct of research

    4.

    Be able to identify appropriate techniques underlying different research approaches

    5.

    Be able to understand and apply the fundamental principles of the research process as they apply to answering research questions in dentistry

    6.

    Be able to critically evaluate scientific research and literature and techniques to inform evidence based specialist research and practice

    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-6
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    4,5,6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    1-3
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1-6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    3,5,6
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    3-6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    Details will be made available in MyUni.

    Recommended Resources

    Details will be made available in MyUni.

    Online Learning

    Learning modules and formative multiple choice true false quizzes will be made available through MyUni.



  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    • Participation in online seminar program
    • Attend ethics workshops
    • Evaluation and written critique of scientific paper
    • Presentation of research proposal




    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Structured learning

    Type Number of
    sessions
    Session Duration Total
    hours
      Tutorials/Seminars 12 4 hours 48

    Assessment Tasks


    Type Number of
    sessions
    Expected
    preparation
    Time (Hours)

    Total
    hours
    Extended lab report / Assignments 12 2.5 30
    Research Proposal 12 2 24
    Total 54


    Non-contact (semester)

    Type Number of
    sessions
    Anticipated
    time (hours)
    Total
    hours
    Weekly reading/other study 12 4 48
    Total 48
    Learning Activities Summary
    Full details are available in MyUni.
    Specific Course Requirements
    N/A
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    N/A
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    ASSESSMENT TASK

    TASK TYPE

    WEIGHTING

    COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME(S)

      Participation in online learning modules

      Formative

     0%

     

      Evaluation and written critique of scientific paper

      Summative

    40%

    1-6

      Presentation of research proposal

      Summative

    60%

    1-6

    Assessment Related Requirements
    N/A
    Assessment Detail
    Full details are available in MyUni.
    Submission
    Full details will be available in MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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