Course syllabus for

Degree Project for Master's Degree (120 credits) in Odontology, 30 credits

Examensarbete för masterexamen i odontologi, 30 hp
This course syllabus is valid from autumn 2023.
Please note that the course syllabus is available in the following versions:
Course code
2QA175
Course name
Degree Project for Master's Degree (120 credits) in Odontology
Credits
30 credits
Form of Education
Higher Education, study regulation 2007
Main field of study 
Odontology 
Level 
Second cycle, contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits) 
Grading scale
Fail (U) or pass (G)
Department
Department of Dental Medicine
Decided by
Styrelsen för utbildning
Decision date
2011-01-25
Revised by
Education committee DENTMED
Last revision
2022-12-14
Course syllabus valid from
Autumn 2023

Specific entry requirements

  • Applicants with a Degree of Master of Science in Dental Surgery comprising 300 or 270 credits are required to have at least 60 credits at the second cycle-level, of which at least 30 credits within the main field of odontology, including the course Scientific Theory and Research Methodology within Dentistry (15 credits), or the equivalent.
  • For applicants with a Degree of Master of Science in Dental Surgery comprising 180 credits, an additional 30 credits in completed second cycle courses within the main field of odontology, including the course Scientific Theory and Research Methodology within Dentistry (15 credits) or equivalent, are required. In addition to this, 60 credits in completed courses, of which 30 credits at second cycle level, are required.

Proficiency in Swedish and English equivalent to Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English A/English 6 is also required.

Objectives

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of odontology, with a particular focus on the chosen dental field
  • identify and design research questions
  • show advanced knowledge of scientific methods and apply the acquired knowledge to the field of dentistry
  • reflect on and apply ethical aspects in their own research area
  • systematically search for and collect relevant data
  • critically review, evaluate and synthesise information
  • independently plan and complete a written project within a given time-frame, which contributes to the development of knowledge in the dental field
  • demonstrate an ability to, orally and in writing, communicate with others, at both a national and international level, regarding their own knowledge, conclusions and arguments
  • orally and in writing communicate in English about research in odontology
  • evaluate their own work and scientific contribution, and show insight into the possibilities and limitations of research
  • identify and take responsibility for their own need of further knowledge

Content

The student independently, with consultative supervision, carries out a research project in the field of odontology. The student is trained in the different aspects of the research process, including critical review of literature, data collection and analysis, as well as in giving oral presentations. By giving feedback on another student's work, the student's critical review skills are further enhanced.
 
The quality and scope of the project report should correspond to a publishable article for a scientific journal in the dental field. The project report is written in English and is supplemented with a summary in Swedish.

Teaching methods

The main part of the course is dedicated to the completion of the research project. The project is implemented with the consultation of a selected supervisor. The progress is continuously monitored in scheduled seminars. There are also scheduled lectures and workshops on the selected topics.

The seminars, lectures and workshops are held at the Department of Dental Medicine at campus Flemingsberg, while the research project is carried out either at the Department of Dental Medicine or elsewhere under the guidance of an appointed supervisor.

Examination

Examination:

  • Written presentation of the research plan; after the research plan is approved, the experiment or collection of material and data may proceed.
  • Written and oral progress report of the research project at a half-time seminar, as well as written peer review of another student's project.
  • Written and oral presentation of the master's project at a seminar, as well as written and oral peer review of another student's project.

If the student does not pass the half-time examination, does not submit the assignments related to the written project by the scheduled time, or does not attend the examination, they must wait until the next examination opportunity. Examinations are carried out once a semester.

Compulsory activities: Seminars and workshops.

The examiner decides if, and how, absence from compulsory parts can be compensated. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in compulsory course elements or compensated for any absence in accordance with instructions from the examiner. Absence from a compulsory course element could mean that the student can not retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

Transitional provisions

Examination according to previous versions of the syllabus will be offered for the last time in the spring semester of 2024. If the course undergoes major changes or is closed down, examination according to the current version of the syllabus will be offered no more than two academic years after the implementation of the revision/close-down.

Other directives

Language of instruction: Swedish and English.
Language of examination: English.

Literature and other teaching aids

Recommended literature

Wallén, Göran Vetenskapsteori och forskningsmetodik
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