ODONT 6017OL - Research Methods and Ethics

Online - Semester 1 - 2020

The course of seminars and workshops aims to provide students with an appreciation of research methods, experimental design and ethics as they apply to research in dentistry and forensic sciences. Students will gain an understanding of scientific methods, human and animal ethics as well as the ethics approval process. In addition students will receive a grounding in biostatistics, experimental design and methodology, analysis, management and presentation of data, evaluation of research papers, scientific writing and oral presentations. Students are also required to complete training in laboratory and chemical safety, use of bibliography databases and the Cochrane Library and evidence-based dentistry. Where possible, the material presented will be selected to meet the research project of the students enrolled.

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Course Details

Course Code	ODONT 6017OL
Course	Research Methods and Ethics
Coordinating Unit	Dental
Term	Semester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	Online
Units	3
Contact	Supervision as required
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Restrictions	Available to Grad Dip Forensic Odontology students only
Assessment	Participation in seminar, evaluation and written critique of given scientific paper

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Denice Higgins

Director and Senior Specialist Odontologist
Forensic Odontology Unit/ Adelaide Dental School
Helen Mayo South, North Terrace Campus

Phone: 8313 6292

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Full details will be made available in MyUni.

Course Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1.	Be able to demonstrate knowledge of research literacy
2.	Be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of basic research methods
3.	Be able to explain the significant risks and ethical issues raised by the conduct of research
4.	Be able to identify appropriate techniques underlying different research approaches
5.	Be able to understand and apply the fundamental principles of the research process as they apply to answering research questions in dentistry
6.	Be able to critically evaluate scientific research and literature and techniques to inform evidence based specialist research and practice

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Deep discipline knowledge informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1 accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)	1-6
Critical thinking and problem solving steeped in research methods and rigor based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment	4,5,6
Teamwork and communication skills developed from, with, and via the SGDE honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning	1-3
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	1-6
Intercultural and ethical competency adept at operating in other cultures comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges	3,5,6
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate	3-6

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Details will be made available in MyUni.

Recommended Resources

Details will be made available in MyUni.

Online Learning

Learning modules and formative multiple choice true false quizzes will be made available through MyUni.
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
- Participation in online seminar program
- Attend ethics workshops
- Evaluation and written critique of scientific paper
- Presentation of research proposal
Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Structured learning

Type Number of
sessions Session Duration Total
hours

Tutorials/Seminars 12 4 hours 48

Assessment Tasks

Type Number of
sessions Expected
preparation
Time (Hours)

Total
hours

Extended lab report / Assignments 12 2.5 30

Research Proposal 12 2 24

Total 54

Non-contact (semester)

Type Number of
sessions Anticipated
time (hours) Total
hours

Weekly reading/other study 12 4 48

Total 48

Learning Activities Summary

Full details are available in MyUni.

Specific Course Requirements

N/A

Small Group Discovery Experience

N/A

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

ASSESSMENT TASK	TASK TYPE	WEIGHTING	COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
Participation in online learning modules	Formative	0%
Evaluation and written critique of scientific paper	Summative	40%	1-6
Presentation of research proposal	Summative	60%	1-6

Assessment Related Requirements

N/A

Assessment Detail

Full details are available in MyUni.

Submission

Full details will be available in MyUni.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator