The research project consists of a dissertation of 7000 words maximum; It is an independent piece of work in which the student selects a relevant topic related to Oral Sciencesl and carries out a laboratory-based or data-based investigation.

Regular meetings (ca.`weekly) with supervisors.

None

None

The research project consists of a dissertation of 7000 words maximum - an independent piece of work in which the student selects a relevant topic of interest and carries out a laboratory-based or library/clinical data-based investigation. An oral presentation of the project is made at the end of the work.

Assessment - Dissertation of 7000 words (80%), oral presentation (20%)

The masters-level dental research project or dissertation is a means of getting students to engage in detail with one topic or issue relevant to dental sciences, to carry out original research into that topic or issue, and to present an extended, written argument. It requires them to draw on their knowledge of key concepts and theories gained from other parts of the dental sciences programme, together with their knowledge of research methods and analytical techniques, in order to present a coherent, masters-level dissertation or project.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Plan and execute a substantial piece of original research project with the support of a dissertation supervisor;

■ Identify the literature relating to a specific topic or issue and to present a synthesis and critical review of that literature;

■ Formulate specific research questions and to identify specific problems deriving from the literature review;

■ Select appropriate research methods to gather data, and to analyse that data using appropriate techniques,

■ Present the findings from their research and to draw appropriate conclusions that relate to the research questions or problems identified.

■ Communicate a complex, extended argument effectively in writing using appropriate academic conventions,

■ Execute and complete tasks on time.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.