DENT 7200 - Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2017

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.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code DENT 7200
    Course Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
    Coordinating Unit Dental
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Restrictions Doctor of Clinical Dentistry only
    Course Description 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.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Neville Gully

    Course Timetable

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

    Weekly Seminar Series in Semester. Topics include;
    Databases, Cochrane Library
    Pre-reading Statistics
    What is research? Basic principles.
    Scientific method. Ethical concepts.
    Study designs in Clinical Research
    Reviewing the literature, Systematic Reviews
    Developing research questions. Formulating hypotheses. Experimental design.
    Reviewing the literature
    Health Welfare and Safety
    Intellectual Property
    Practical biostatistics
    Data management & analysis
    Effective Oral Presentations
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    1. Demonstrate an appreciation of research methods, study design and experimental design as they apply to research in dentistry
    2. Demonstrate understanding of scientific method, ethics and the code of conduct of research
    3. Demonstrate understanding of study design, experimental design, basic biostatistics and methodology
    4. Demonstrate ability to search for, locate and evaluate research literature critically
    5. Demonstrate ability to manage and analyse data
    6. Demonstrate the skills of scientific communication including scientific writing and oral presentation
    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)
    4&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&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
    2,3&4
    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
    2
    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
    1-6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    N/A
    Recommended Resources
    N/A
    Online Learning
    N/A
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Seminars and workshops supported by problem-solving tutorials which develop the material covered.
    Workload

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

    10 hours per week
    Learning Activities Summary
    Seminars on: Basic principles of research, Scientific method, Ethical concepts, Study designs in clinical research, Developing research questions, Formulating hypotheses, Experimental design, Reviewing the literature, Developing research protocols, Practical biostatistics, Data management & analysis, Practical ethics & issues, Intellectual property, Giving oral presentations.

    Workshops on: evidence-based dentistry, Cochrane Library and bibliographic databases, and laboratory & chemical safety.Evaluation and written critique of selected scientific papers.Preparation of literature review and research protocol.Student presentation of Research Protocol.
    Specific Course Requirements
    None
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    The course is exclusively SGDE
  • 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
    Providing satisfactory progress is made towards the research project a CN grade will be awarded.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    None
    Assessment Detail
    Work undertaken to present research protocol to the School and preparation of literature review.
    Submission
    Details will be provided via MyUni
    Course Grading

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

    GS8 (Coursework Grade Scheme)
    Grade Description
    CN Continuing
    FNS Fail No Submission
    NFE No Formal Examination
    F Fail
    NGP Non Graded Pass
    P Pass
    C Credit
    D Distinction
    HD High Distinction
    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
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