Course syllabus for

Theory and methodology of science in odontology, 15 credits

Vetenskapsteori och forskningsmetodik inom odontologi, 15 hp
This course has been cancelled, for further information see Transitional provisions in the last version of the syllabus.
Please note that the course syllabus is available in the following versions:
Autumn2011 , Autumn2014 , Autumn2018
Course code
2QA172
Course name
Theory and methodology of science in odontology
Credits
15 credits
Form of Education
Higher Education, study regulation 2007
Main field of study 
Odontology, Odontological Prophylaxis, Dental Technology 
Level 
Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements 
Grading scale
Fail (U) or pass (G)
Department
Department of Dental Medicine
Decided by
Styrelsen för utbildning
Decision date
2010-12-22
Revised by
Education committee DENTMED
Last revision
2019-11-11
Course syllabus valid from
Autumn 2018

Specific entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor's degree of at least 180  credits in within dentistry, odontological prophylaxis or dental technology. And proficiency in Swedish and English equivalent to Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English A/English.

Objectives

The major aim of the course is that the student should obtain extensive knowledge and comprehension of theory of science and research methodology as well as of their application in research within the field of dentistry, odontological prophylaxis or dental technology. The course also intends to prepare the student for participation in research and development by enhancing their critical thinking skills and awareness of research ethics.

The student should on completion of the course independently be able to:

  • Explain basic concepts within theory of science and research methodology and relate these to their own field of knowledge within dental research.
  • Evaluate and choose appropriate strategies for information searches as well as perform searches in relevant scientific medical databases.
  • Critically review and assess the quality of evidence of scientific literature mainly within the field of dentistry.
  • Analyse, assess and apply research-ethical basic principles.
  • Explain the process of data documentation and management.
  • Explain and assess the similarities and differences between qualitative and quantitative research designs.
  • Apply and interpret basic principles of statistical analytical methods.
  • Integrate the knowledge of theory of science, research ethics and research methodology in a written research plan within a chosen field in dental research.
  • Describe the current state of research within the chosen field.

Content

The course covers:

  • Theory of Science
  • Research methodology
  • Research ethics
  • Research design
  • Literature search and critical review of scientific articles
  • Statistical analytical methods

Teaching methods

The course contains varying working methods consisting of lectures, workhops, seminars and student-activating group work that stimulates the cooperation between dentists, dental hygienists and dental technicians. Individual studies and project work.

Compulsory attendance applies to all lectures, seminars and workshops.
 
The course coordinator decides whether, and if so how, absence from compulsory course elements can be made up.

Examination

Written assignments regarding statistics, scientific articles and ethical application. An independently written research plan within a chosen field, as well as a written peer review of another student's research plan. Oral presentation of the research plan at a half-time seminar. Oral presentation of the final research plan at a seminar. 
 
Students who do not pass a regular examination can participate in five more examination sessions. If the student has failed six examinations/tests, no additional examination is given. In case a student is registered for an examination but does not attend, this is not regarded as an examination.

Transitional provisions

The course has been cancelled and was offered for the last time in the autumn semester of 2019. Examination will be provided until the autumn of 2021 for students who have not completed the course. The course has been replaced with another, and examination will be provided according to the guidelines in the syllabus for 2QA294.

Other directives

Language of instruction: Swedish and English.

Literature and other teaching aids

Recommended literature

Ejlertsson, Göran Statistik för hälsovetenskaperna
Forsman, Birgitta Forskningsetik
Helgesson, Gert Forskningsetik för medicinare och naturvetare
Nilstun, Tore; Lundqvist, Anita; Löfmark, Rurik Vetenskapsteori i medicin och klinik
Strålfors, Peter; Olsson, Anders G.; Simonsson, Nisse Vetenskapligt förhållningssätt : introduktion till vetenskapligt tänkande och arbetssätt speciellt inom biomedicinsk forskning
Wallén, Göran Vetenskapsteori och forskningsmetodik
Okasha, Samir Philosophy of science : a very short introduction
Petrie, Aviva; Sabin, Caroline Medical statistics at a glance
Bland, Martin An introduction to medical statistics
Rothman, K Epidemiology. An introduction.
Brunette, Donald Maxwell Critical thinking : understanding and evaluating dental research
Riegelman, Richard K. Studying a study and testing a test : how to read the medical evidence
Oral healthcare and the frail elder : a clinical perspective MacEntee, Michael I.; Müller, Frauke.; Wyatt, Chris; MacEntee, Michael I.
Brondani, Mario; MacEntee., Micael I Dental psychometrics and a re(de)fined model for oral health in old age
Current research articles and chosen specialisation literature