Master of Dental Science (Para Clinical-Thesis)

Course 252-PT (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus: 2008
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate

Contact

POSTRADUATE ADMINISTRATION OFFICERMs Kim Hanson School of Dental Science T +61 3 9341 1507 E khanson@unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview: The MDSc by research aims to enhance the academic and research skills of dental graduates developing an academic or research career. The MDSc could lead to or be converted into a PhD. The majority of your time will be spent working on your research project and writing a major thesis of approximately 40,000 words. Research projects are available in the following areas: Dental Materials Science; Oral Anatomy, Histology and Embryology; Oral Biology; Preventive and Community Dentistry. Although not formally enrolled in the subjects, you are required to complete 511731 Research Design 1 and 511732 Reseach Design 2.
Objectives: In this course, you would define and manage an original, independent research project. This would equip you for more sustained and original work at the doctoral level or for applied research positions in a wide context.

Entry Requirements:

You must hold an undergraduate degree in dentistry with very good academic results, and have completed at least two years full-time, continuous clinical work experience since graduation. Completion of professional development courses and a strong record in research publications would be highly regarded.

The following selection criteria are also taken into account:

  • Referees' reports and interviews -You will need to nominate three professional referees. An interview, in person or by telephone, may also by conducted.
  • Evidence of additional study - Many applicants will have completed primary Fellowship examinations, a postgraduate diploma or higher degree.
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Graduate Attributes: None
Generic Skills: Our research master's graduates should develop:
  • an ability to initiate research projects and to formulate viable research questions;
  • a demonstrated capacity to design, conduct and report independent and original research on a closely-defined project;
  • an ability to manage time to maximise the quality of research;
  • an understanding of the major directions of international research in the research area;
  • a capacity for critical evaluation of relevant scholarly literature;
  • well-developed and flexible problem-solving abilities appropriate to the discipline;
  • the ability to analyse research data within a changing disciplinary environment;
  • a capacity to communicate effectively the results of research and scholarship by oral and written communication;
  • an understanding of and facility with scholarly conventions in the discipline area;
  • a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of research and scholarship;
  • a capacity to cooperate with other researchers;
  • an ability to manage information effectively, including the application of computer systems and software where appropriate to the student's field of study.
Links to further information: http://www.dent.unimelb.edu.au/dsweb/postgrad_programs/masters_research.html
Notes: 1. Research projects are subject to the availability of teaching and supervisory staff.

2. This course does NOT qualify international students without a registerable undergraduate degree to practice dentistry in Victoria. Please refer to the Dental Practice Board of Victoria for further information (http://www.dentprac.vic.gov.au).

Download PDF version.