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 2020.
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
Pass, Fail
Department
Department of Dental Medicine
Decided by
Styrelsen för utbildning
Decision date
2011-01-25
Revised by
Education committee DENTMED
Last revision
2019-12-12
Course syllabus valid from
Autumn 2020

Specific entry requirements

Degree of Master of Science in Dental Surgery or about at least 180 credits or equivalent. 30 credits in completed courses within the main field of study odontology (second cycle) including the course Scientific Theory and Research Methodology within Dentistry (15 credits) are required. In addition to this 60 credits in completed courses, of which 30 credits in second cycle, are required. And proficiency in Swedish and English equivalent to Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English A/English 6.

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
  • 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 on the selected topics.

Compulsory attendance is required at the scheduled seminars and lectures. The course coordinator decides whether, and if so how, absence from compulsory course elements can be made up.
 
The seminars and lectures are held at the Department of Dental Medicine, Huddinge, while the research project is carried out either at the Department of Dental Medicine, Huddinge or elsewhere under the guidance of an appointed supervisor.

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.
 
Written and oral presentation of the master's project at a seminar, as well as a 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.

Transitional provisions

Examination will be provided during a period of two years after a close-down of the course.

Other directives

Language of instruction: Swedish and 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