Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This dissertation unit extends over the three year duration of the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry course. The research and dissertation foster the development of research skills in the area of oral medicine while under supervision. It provides students with experience and practice in defining a clear research question, preparing a formal research proposal, conducting a review of a body of scientific literature and formal writing at a professional standard.

Professional Behaviour Requirements - Please refer to the Dental School Handbook regarding requirements and consequences of non-compliance, which can delay course progression and/or graduation, depending on circumstances.

Credit
30 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodOral Health Care Centre of WA (OHCWA)Face to face
Non-standard teaching periodOral Health Care Centre of WA (OHCWA)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) undertake a research project and write a dissertation in a research area of their choice that is relevant to their clinical specialty and training and that has been approved by their supervisor (students are encouraged to undertake research projects that are suitable for publication in the professional literature); (2) identify the aim(s) of the research project; (3) broadly sketch the context within which the research is located; (4) review the relevant literature; (5) identify how the research was performed and how the data were collected and analysed [this is assessed by external examiners and results are recorded as an Ungraded Pass (UP) and Ungraded Fail (UF)]; and (6) and discuss the results in the context of clinical practice, further research and the literature in general.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) dissertation and (2) professional behaviour assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the dissertation and professional behaviour assessment components.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
A/Prof Ramesh Balasubramaniam and A/Prof Omar Kajun
Unit rules
Prerequisites
a Bachelor of Dental Science of The University of Western Australia or equivalent , a pass in the Primary examinations of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons or equivalent and at least two years' full-time equivalent experience in general dental practice
Co-requisites
Students are required to be registered with the Dental Board of Australia for the duration of the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (90840).
Note
Submission of the final thesis for marking is required at least two weeks before the final examination.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.