Unit information: BUOLD Dissertation in 2015/16

Unit name	BUOLD Dissertation
Unit code	ORDSM0002
Credit points	60
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Robb
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Student must have satisfactorily completed the Diploma in Postgraduate Dental Studies
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Bristol Dental School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This Unit of Teaching will take place as a Mandatory Unit as part of a modular distance learning programme. The programme will allow students to build certificate, diploma or masters level qualifications by combining optional 20 credit units. This Unit will be completed after 6 Optional Units have been completed as the requirement to obtain the masters qualification

This unit has the following two Elements and their general aims are: -

Element 1. Critical Reading Techniques (20 Credit)

To enable the student to acquire the skills needed to search for literature on a specific topic, appraise the literature on a specific topic and produce a literature review on a specific topic.

Element 2. Project Report (40 Credit)

To enable the student to develop an understanding of the process and planning involved in producing a 10 000 word project report. In addition to demonstrating their ability to communicate their findings in a written dissertation, students will develop their ability to design, conduct and analyse a project

Intended Learning Outcomes

Critical Reading

Students should obtain a knowledge and understanding of the following:

• the use of medical literature databases
• the techniques methods of critical appraisal of the literature
• the role of systematic reviews and metanalyses
• the process of evaluating clinical guidelines

The student should acquire the skills and attributes necessary for:

• the production of a literature review on a specific topic

Project Report

Students should obtain a knowledge and understanding of the following:

• the importance of planning and preparation required to undertake a project

The student should acquire the skills and attributes necessary for:

• the development of a thorough understanding of the chosen subject / area
• the ability to collate and critically assess / interpret information and /or data
• the ability to communicate effectively knowledge in a scientific manner
• provide recommendations based on their project findings

Teaching Information

Self directed CAL sessions

Seminars/webinars

Reflecting writing

Assessment Information

This Unit will have three summative assessments: - 1. Mid-unit asssignment (10%) 2. End of unit assignment (20%) 3. Project report (70%)

Element 1. Critical Reading Techniques (30% of unit mark)

• Summative written mid unit assessment comprising 1500 words (40%) and an end of unit assessment of 2500 words (60%).
• There will be formative assessment and feedback by the course tutors within each component of the unit, and based on performance on tasks embedded in the element.

Element 2. Project Report (70% of unit mark)

• Summative assessment will be based on the submission of the project report which will be marked by two internal university examiners and verified by the external examiner. The candidate will be required to present the findings to the course tutors, other students and possibly the external examiner.

In order to pass the Unit candidates must achieve a pass mark in both elements of the unit

Reading and References

Baggini J & Fosl JS. The Ethics Toolkit: A Compendium of Ethical Concepts and Methods. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. 2007.

Hardy S, Ramjeet J. Reflections on how to write and organise a research thesis. Nurse Res. 13(2);27-39: 2005

Jonsen AR, Siegler M & Winslade WJ. Clinical Ethics: A Practical Approach to Ethical Decisions in Clinical Medicine, 6th Ed. McGraw Hill. 2006.

Sapsford, R. & Jupp, V. Data collection and analysis. London: Sage. 1996

Slowther A, Johnston C, Goodall J & Hope T. A Practical Guide for Clinical Ethics Support. Oxford: UK Clinical Ethics Network. 2004.