Oral Sciences MSc
Research Dissertation in Oral Sciences MED5486P
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing
- Credits: 60
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Summer
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
The research project consists of a dissertation of 7000-10000 words; It is an independent piece of work in which the student selects a relevant topic related to Oral Sciences and carries out a laboratory-based, data-based or literature-based investigation.
Timetable
Regular meetings (ca.`weekly) with supervisors.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The research project consists of a dissertation of 7000-10000 words - an independent piece of work in which the student selects a relevant topic of interest and carries out a laboratory-based or dry-based investigation (all ILOs). An oral presentation of the project is made at the end of the work in the form of a poster (ILO4). Students are required to engage in regular meetings with dissertation supervisors (ILO1)
Assessment - Dissertation of 7000-10000 words (70%), oral presentation (20%) and engagement/participation in scientific discussions with supervisors assessed in the form of a portfolio (10%)
Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? No
It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.
[No exceptions]
Course Aims
The masters-level dental research project or dissertation aims to provide students with the opportunity to engage in detail with one topic relevant to oral sciences, to carry out original research into that topic or issue, and to present an extended, written argument. It requires them to draw on their knowledge of key concepts and theories gained from other parts of the oral sciences programme, together with their knowledge of research methods and analytical techniques, in order to present a coherent, masters-level dissertation or project.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Plan and execute a substantial piece of original research project with the support of a dissertation supervisor whilst engaging in bi-monthly meetings and scientific discussions providing regular updates, insights and challenges associated with the project.
■ Formulate specific research questions and critically evaluate relevant literature relating to a specific topic or issue.
■ Design appropriate research methods to gather data, and to analyse that data using relevant techniques.
■ Communicate a complex, extended argument effectively in writing and verbally using appropriate academic conventions.