Module manager: Paula Lancaster
Email: P.E.Lancaster@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Sep to 31 Aug (12mth) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Must meet the entrance requirements for MSc Oral Surgery programme
DSUR5065M
This module is not approved as an Elective
Preparation and completion of an individual project provides practical experience in independent formulation of ideas and hypotheses, interpretation of current literature, including but not exclusive to evidence-based-practice and clinical guidelines, which gives a solid foundation for further research. Students will agree and undertake an individual project, which may draw holistically from the programme modules e.g., capstone project, or be a traditional research project, to deepen their understanding of the philosophy of research, methodology, ethics and ethical approval and good practice. They may gain experience of working within research groups, with clinical and non-clinical colleagues. Skills will be enhanced in literature searching, data management, interpretation and the critical appraisal of published research as well as safety and ethical issues. There will be opportunities for students to develop their experience of the presentation of data in both written and oral formats.
This module represents an essential research based component of the MSc Oral Surgery. It aims to provide students with the opportunity to:-
1. enhance their professional skills in Dentistry through an individual original project such as a capstone project or traditional research project.
2. develop their understanding of research methodology, good practice and the ethics and philosophy of research, which may include working within research groups with clinical and non-clinical colleagues.
3. enhance their skills in literature searching, data handling and interpretation, and in critical appraisal of published literature.
4. provide them with some insight into the processes of planning
and executing a project.
5. gain experience of scientific writing and presentation of data in written and oral formats.
Through successful completion of this module students will be able to;
1. Formulate ideas and hypotheses proactively and develop, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these
2. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and comprehension of the subject area and expertise in relevant research skills which may include: - critically evaluating current issues, - research and advanced scholarship, - relevant ethical and legal issues, - relevant health and safety issues
3. Interpret and communicate outcomes which extend to the forefront of the discipline or area of clinical practice through scholarship of publishable quality
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1.Work Ready Skills – communication, collaboration, critical thinking, time management, initiative, argument, analytical, IT
2.Sustainability Skills -future thinking, ethical, information searching, evidence-based practice
3. Enterprise Skills – creativity and innovation, planning, information searching, developing vision and purpose, active learning
4. Academic Skills – critical thinking, presentation, numeracy, writing, language, integrity, ethics, information searching, time management, referencing, reflection
5. Digital Skills – communication, critical evaluation, creativity, information, data, presentation, numeracy, writing
6. Technical Skills – design and execution of a project including, literature searching, development of a scientific hypothesis, ethical and legal considerations of methodology, data collection, data management, analysis, interpretation and evaluation, communication of findings, IT.
This module will provide students the opportunity to explore in depth an area of clinical or scientific interest. In reviewing literature or conducting a project of their own design students will gain experience in the design, planning, execution and delivery of a project under the supervision of a clinical or academic expert.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Lecture | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Seminar | 4 | 1.5 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 433 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 17 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 450 | ||
Feedback will be integral to students’ progress in this module. With an emphasis on self-direction and exploration students will be guided through development of their project by tutors. Feedback will be used and provided in the following ways:
1. Feedback from tutors will help students focus on a project type and subject of their choice. This will be provided continuously in supervisory meetings
2. Feedback from tutors and peers will help students develop a greater understanding of areas of ambiguity or equipoise and how evidence may be developed. This will be provided in the project proposal.
3. Students presentation skills and communication will be developed by provision of feedback in the project proposal. This feedback will be from peers and tutors.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Group Discussion | Live conversation and discussion on proposed project – 10 mins live conversation from student with up to 20 mins Q&A from group discussion | 0 |
| Project | Project Proposal – written project proposal with background, aim(s) and objectives, outline methodology (including sample size if relevant) and analysis approach (1000 words). | 0 |
| Essay or Dissertation | Dissertation – written using University template (10,000 words) | 75 |
| Presentation | Live conversation (in person or via Teams) to present project (up to 15 mins) with Q&A from 2 assessors (up to 45 minutes) | 25 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The Live Conversation may be in person or via Teams and requires the student to discuss the project they have undertaken. This may include a live presentation with slides, a demonstration, other interaction or conversation with an evidence-based background about the project. There is no compensation (NC) between summative components of assessment, all components must be passed. In the event of failure of one or more component(s), the module mark will be capped at 50 on successful resit of the failed component(s)
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 19/05/2026
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