Masters Degrees (Oral)

This course offers a wide ranging, in depth knowledge of oral biology in its broadest sense including relevant microbiology and disease processes. It also provides a sound educational background so that you can go on to lead academic oral biology programmes within dental schools.

Why study Oral Biology at Dundee?

This course is specifically designed for individuals who wish to pursue career pathways in academic oral biology, with a focus, though not exclusively, on developing individuals who can deliver and, more importantly, lead oral biology courses within dental schools.

Oral Biology is a significant subject area that is integral to undergraduate and postgraduate dental training worldwide. The scope of Oral Biology includes a range of basic and applied sciences that underpin the practise of dentistry. These subjects include: oral and dental anatomy; craniofacial and dental development; oral physiology; oral neuroscience; oral microbiology. These subjects will be integrated with the relevant disease processes, for example, craniofacial anomalies, dental caries and tooth surface loss.

What's so good about studying Oral Biology at Dundee?

This programme focuses on the research and education experience of the staff in the Dental School in Dundee. Such expertise lies in the fields of craniofacial development and anomalies; pain and jaw muscle control; salivary physiology; cancer biology; microbiology; cariology and tooth surface loss.

In addition it makes use of the extensive resources available for postgraduate programmes: extensive histological collections; virtual microscopy; oral physiology facilities; cell biology and dental materials laboratories.

Who should study this course?

The MSc in Oral Biology is for graduates who wish to pursue a career in academic oral biology. The course will be of particular interest for those wishing to establish themselves as oral biology teachers, innovators and course leaders within a dental school.

Teaching and Assessment

The Dental School is well placed to deliver such a course with an established staff of teaching and research active within oral biology, and its related fields, an in-house e-learning technologist and substantial links to the Centre for Medical Education in the School of Medicine. There will be an opportunity for students to exit with a PGCert in Oral Biology after successful completion of modules 1 -4 or a Diploma in Oral Biology after successful completion of modules 1 - 7.

How you will be taught

The programme will be delivered via a blend of methodologies including: face-to-face lectures / seminars / tutorials; on-line learning; directed and self- directed practical work; self-directed study; journal clubs.
What you will study

The MSc will be taught full-time over one year (September to August). Semester one (Modules 1 – 4) and Semester 2A, 2B (Modules 5 – 8) will provide participants with wide ranging, in-depth knowledge of oral biology, together with focused training in research (lab-base, dissertation or e- Learning) and its associated methodology. The MSc course is built largely on new modules (5) supported by 2 modules run conjointly with the Centre for Medical Education within the Medical School. All modules are compulsory:

Semester 1:

Module 1: Academic skills 1: principles of learning and teaching (15 credits)
Module 2: Cranio-facial development and anomalies (15 credits)
Module 3: Dental and periodontal tissues, development and structure (20 credits)
Module 4: Oral mucosa and disorders (10 credits)

Semesters 2A and 2B

Module 5a: Academic skills 2a: principles of assessment (15 credits)
Module 5b: Academic Skills 2b:educational skills
Module 6: Neuroscience (20 credits)
Module 7: Oral environment and endemic oral disease (20 credits)
Module 8: Project (60 credits)

The project is designed to encourage students to further develop their skills. This could take the form of a supervised laboratory research project, a literature based dissertation or an educational project. The educational project would be based around the development of an innovative learning resource utilising the experience of the dental school learning technologist.

How you will be assessed

Exams on the taught element of the programme will be held at the end of semester one. Essays and assignments will also contribute to the final mark, and the dissertation will be assessed through the production of a thesis and a viva exam.

Careers

The MSc Oral Biology is aimed at dental or science graduates who are either early in their careers or wish to establish themselves as oral biologists within dental schools. Oral Biology is a recognised discipline in many dental schools worldwide. Graduates will have gained sufficient knowledge and skills to enable them to be teachers, innovators and educational leaders in the field. In addition, successful graduates will be well placed to undertake further postgraduate study at PhD level. In some cases, this may possible within the existing research environments within the Dental School, the wider College of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing and the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification of the University of Dundee.

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This MSc programme is designed to provide students with an in-depth working knowledge of the principles and practice related to Oral Sciences. The major strength of this programme is that the programme is aligned to and delivered by internationally renowned members from the Oral Sciences Research Group located within Glasgow Dental School. Students will experience and participate in cutting edge research within the theme while learning techniques widely relevant to biomedical sciences. This programme will be of particular interest to those interested in pursuing or furthering careers in oral and dental related occupations, as well as laboratory scientists or academics. This programme also enables graduates to gain experience in research before applying to a doctoral programme.

Why this programme

◾If you are passionate about oral sciences and keen to learn through an in-depth, evidence based, critical approach, and enthusiastic about specialising in a particular area – oral disease pathogenesis or infection control and decontamination, then this programme is for you.
◾Our staff are internationally experienced researchers and academics with both clinician and science backgrounds, experts in biofilm infections, oral inflammation and infection control.
◾There is a long tradition of excellence in Oral Sciences at the University of Glasgow, with pioneering research by MacFarlane, Samaranayake and Bagg, and other current Glasgow academics continue to make important contributions in the field of Oral Sciences.
◾A range of transferable skills are integrated and embedded into this programme, which will improve possibilities in the job market.
◾You will undertake research alongside pre- and post-doctoral researchers and learn how to work as a team and improve technical skills and communication.
◾Students can learn first-hand within a dedicated oral sciences research laboratory infrastructure linked directly to clinical research facilities.
◾There is a direct link with our doctoral research programme.

Programme structure

◾Translational research approaches
◾Evidence based medicine and statistics
◾Laboratory techniques in oral sciences
◾Principles of oral sciences
◾Research methods in oral sciences
◾Research dissertation in oral sciences

Core and optional courses

Core

Statistics 1

Evidence based medicine

Translational medical research approaches

Medical research and ethics

Principles and critical interpretation of laboratory methodologies

Research methods

Research Dissertation

Optional

Microbes in medicine

Translational immunology

Pathogenesis in oral disease

Decontamination and infection control

Career prospects

Graduates are well placed for a variety of employment opportunities in the oral and dental industries, as well as a wide array of the biomedical science sectors. This course provides a sound basis from which to apply for employment in laboratory positions in industry or in academia, or to continue professional training in dentistry and oral hygiene, or for further doctoral-level research training for academic or teaching careers.

A high proportion of our graduates go on to complete PhDs in Glasgow or other high quality institutions across the world. Careers of some of our recent graduates include:
◾Clinical research scientist (NHS)
◾Senior clinical scientist (GlaxoSmithKline)
◾Laboratory scientist (BluTest Laboratories)
◾Assistant professor (Khyber Medical University)
◾Associate professor (University Sains Malaysia)
◾Postdoctoral research fellows (University of Glasgow)
◾Scientist (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency)

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Summary

This new and innovative course builds upon the integrated nature of the School of Dentistry’s clinical and basic science divisions, and aims to prepare future researchers, from scientific or clinical backgrounds for research careers based in addressing oral health needs. You’ll gain a thorough background in oral sciences, the investigative, cutting edge technologies that enable oral scientific discovery and the necessary training in research governance and rigour. All areas of translational research pathways will be addressed, including aspects of commercialization which will be taught through the Leeds University Business School. Disease focused modules provide opportunities for in-depth exploration with research experts in the fields of Cancer, Musculoskeletal and Oral and systemic disease links.

Our teaching staff includes world leading experts with track records in translating research discoveries into novel healthcare products and practices. Student integration within the wider Dental school will be facilitated by undertaking recently updated modules shared with students from other MSc programmes.

Aimed at dental and biosciences graduates, the course will allow you to follow a career path focused on oral research and its translation into positive impacts on health.

Course Content

You’ll gain a thorough background understanding in oral sciences, the investigative, cutting edge technologies that enable oral scientific discovery and the necessary training in research governance and rigour. All areas of translational research pathways will be addressed, including aspects of commercialization which will be taught through the Leeds University Business School. Disease focused modules provide opportunities for in-depth exploration with research experts in the fields of cancer, musculoskeletal and oral and systemic disease links.

Career Opportunities

You will gain insight into all stages of translational research, preparing you for a career working across multi-disciplinary teams within research and innovation management. The course aims to enhance your career prospects of securing PhD studentship positions, whether that be in pre-clinical or clinical research.

The innovation management in practice module enables you to learn about the commercial aspects of translational research. It may be that you want to go into the oral healthcare industry, so knowledge of business skills will be a useful transferable skill.

You may want to go into academic teaching positions within your own country; this MSc will provide the knowledge required to teach oral biology at undergraduate level.

Application Deadline

For September 2017 entry, please submit your application by the 30th July 2017.
Late applications may be considered on an adhoc basis.

Oral Biology, Oral Medicine, Oral, Dentistry, Dental

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Programme description

This programme is for dental surgery graduates who wish to extend their knowledge, clinical practice experience and expertise in oral surgery.

The programme will give you theoretical and practical understanding of oral surgery and how it relates to other dental specialities.

The syllabus includes components of the core competencies for oral surgery training for the General Dental Council and Royal College of Surgeons of England guidelines:

extraction of teeth & retained roots/pathology
management of associated complications including oro-antral fistula
management of odontogenic and all other oral infections
management of impacted teeth
management of complications
peri-radicular surgery
dentoalveolar surgery in relation to orthodontic treatment
intraoral and labial biopsy techniques
treatment of intra-oral benign and cystic lesions of hard and soft tissues
management of benign salivary gland disease by intra-oral techniques and familiarity with the diagnosis and treatment of other salivary gland diseases
insertion of osseointegrated dental implants including bone augmentation and soft tissue management
appropriate pain and anxiety control including the administration of standard conscious sedation techniques
management of adults and children as in-patients, including the medically at risk patient
management of dento-alveolar trauma and familiarity with the management and treatment of fractures of the jaws and facial skeleton
management of oro-facial pain including temporomandibular joint disorders
clinical diagnosis of oral cancer and potentially malignant diseases, familiarity with their management and appropriate referral
the diagnosis of dentofacial deformity and familiarity with its management and treatment
diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases and familiarity with their management and appropriate referral
control of cross-infection
medico-legal aspects of oral surgery

Programme structure

You will participate in lectures, seminars and a rehearsal of procedures in the clinical skills laboratory.

You will also undertake an integrated programme of theoretical, clinical and laboratory teaching.

Throughout the course you will be assessed by written examinations, case presentations, oral examination and the completion of a research project.

Career opportunities

This programme has been designed for dental surgery graduates who wish to specialise in oral surgery.

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This full-time, three-year Master's programme is designed for students either from UK/EU or overseas countries.

Degree information

The programme combines taught courses with a research component. Students attend teaching clinics, lectures, seminars, and carry out research leading to a project dissertation. There are supervised clinical and laboratory craft courses and the opportunity to observe at in-patient operating sessions.

Students undertake modules to the value of 360 credits.

Year One consists of core modules to the value of (135 credits). Year Two consists of core modules (135 credits), dissertation (90 credits). Year three (Advanced Training only) is non credit bearing. There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Principles of Treatment Core Course (Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
-Clinical Care Core Course (Oral/Oral Maxillofacial Surgery)
-Dento-Alveolar Surgery 1
-Theory of Oral/ Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
-Dento-Alveolar Surgery 2
-Dento-Alveolar Surgery 3
-Trauma and Correction of Facial Deformity
-Oral Oncology
-Clinical Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
-Dento-Alveolar Surgery 4
-Clinical Science and Research Methods

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 10,000-12,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through clinical instruction on a one-to-one basis, theoretical instruction including seminar teaching, lectures, journal club, self-directed learning and problem-based learning.

Careers

The programme aims to offer education and training in oral surgery that will provide a solid foundation for progression towards higher surgical training and/or a research career in this field. Graduates who have recently completed the programme have returned to take up positions around the world as academics and clinicians in oral surgery.

Employability
Current students are planning, on completion of the programme, to sit the MOS (Membership in Oral Surgery) tri-collegiate examination of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The programme’s students benefit from the broad programme structure that includes operating sessions, outpatient clinics, lectures, demonstrations and seminars and the use of investigative techniques to illustrate the diagnosis and management of orofacial surgical disease

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This full-time, two-year Master's programme offers an understanding of applied clinical sciences and the concepts of oral surgery, with practical experience in dentoalveolar surgery.

Degree information

The programme combines taught courses with a research component. Students attend teaching clinics, lectures, seminars, and undertake research study leading to a dissertation. There are supervised clinical and laboratory craft courses and the opportunity to observe at in-patient operating sessions.

Students undertake modules to the value of 360 credits.

Year One consists core modules (135 credits). Year Two consists of core modules (135 credits) and a dissertation (90 credits). There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Principles of Treatment Core Course (Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
-Clinical Care Core Course (Oral/Oral Maxillofacial Surgery)
-Dento-Alveolar Surgery 1
-Theory of Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
-Dento-Alveolar Surgery 2
-Dento-Alveolar Surgery 3
-Trauma and Correction of Facial Deformity
-Oral Oncology
-Clinical Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
-Dento-Alveolar Surgery 4
-Clinical Science & Research Methods

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation (10,000 - 12,000 words).

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through clinical instruction on a one-to-one basis, theoretical instruction including seminar teaching, lectures, journal club, self-directed learning and problem-based learning.

Careers

The programme aims to offer education and training in oral surgery that will provide a solid foundation for specialist practice and progression towards higher surgical training.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Dentist, Efstathios Savvoulidis Dentists
-Dentist, Smile Dental Care
-Dentist, Adriana Delak Private Dental Office and studying PhD Oral Maxillo Facial Surgey, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Why study this degree at UCL?

Students benefit from the broad programme structure that includes operating sessions, outpatient clinics, lectures, demonstrations and seminars, and the use of investigative techniques to illustrate the diagnosis and management of orofacial surgical disease.

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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the specialty concerned with the diagnosis and management of diseases, injuries and defects affecting the mouth, jaws, face and neck.

All units are based on the speciality of oral surgery but within the wider context of maxillofacial surgery. The three year course provides specialist oral surgery clinical training. You will undertake minor oral surgery under supervision, carried out under local anaesthesia, conscious sedation and general anaesthesia. You will also attend theatre to assist and observe major surgery and attend consultation clinics, trauma clinics, ward rounds and carry out ward duties.

The clinical component of the course consists of the following units:
-Surgical Basic Sciences (Basic surgical science, preoperative and postoperative care) and Patient Care (Assessing patients, medical aspects of patient care and control of pain and anxiety)
-Reflective Oral Surgery Practices
-Dental Tissues (Infections and inflammation of the teeth and jaws, removal of teeth and surgical implantology)
-Bone: Disease and Injury (Diseases of bone and the maxillary sinus, oral and maxillofacial injuries)
-Soft Tissues (Cysts, mucosal disease, premalignancy and malignancy)
-Salivary Tissue, Pain and TMJ (Salivary gland disease, facial pain and disorders of the temporomandibular joint)

You will attend weekly interactive seminars led by senior staff and some invited guest speakers. Some of these have actor patients present to allow you to rehearse your clinical skills. If you study the full three year MSc you will also attend external teaching events such as residential blocks for basic science applied to surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Aims

The course aims to:
-Provide dental practitioners with the knowledge and skills to undertake oral surgery in the context of wider knowledge of oral and maxillofacial surgery
-Provide you with the appropriate knowledge, understanding, intellectual skills, practical skills and attitude to practice oral surgery in selected cases
-Enable you to carry out critical evaluation, problem solving and use sound judgement for clinical problems
-Give you the knowledge to criticalyl understand the issues involved in the scientific basis of oral and maxillofacial surgery
-Ensure you are competent in the design and interpretation of original clinical research at the forefront of current dental research (including data collection and statistical analysis using appropriate computer software)
-Provide you with the knowledge and experience to plan, implement and complete a research project showing initiative and personal responsibility

Career opportunities

MSc courses are designed for dental practitioners who wish to further their knowledge of surgery and are a useful foundation for specialist training in this field.

The three year course provides specialist oral surgery clinical training.

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This is the only MRes programme in the UK with a specific focus on oral cancer. It provides a robust and wide-reaching education in both fundamental and applied cancer biology, together with focused training in laboratory research and associated methodology. There is a particular focus on oral cancer, its aetiology, diagnosis and management.

Why study Oral Cancer at Dundee?

Dundee University is internationally renowned for the quality of its cancer research and has over 50 cancer research groups: current funding for cancer research is about £40 million from research councils and charities.

This course offers a Masters level postgraduate education in the knowledge and understanding of molecular aspects of cancer with a particular emphasis on oral cancer, its aetiology, diagnosis and management. We offer outstanding research-focused teaching from internationally-renowned scientists and clinicians.

The MRes Oral Cancer will also provide you with considerable experience in the design and execution of a substantive laboratory-focused research project in the field of molecular oncology.

Throughout the course, you can also take part in journal clubs to develop your critical analytical skills. In addition, you will be given comprehensive training in academic writing and presentation skills.

What's so good about studying Oral Cancer at Dundee?

The MRes Oral Cancer has been developed from the innovative collaboration between the College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing and the School of Life Sciences, and it complements the establishment of the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre here in Dundee.

The Dundee Cancer Centre aims to enhance cancer research and apply discoveries to improve patient care. Key to this is training the next generation of cancer researchers.

How you will be taught

The course will be taught through a combination of face-to-face lectures, tutorials, discussion group work and journal clubs, self-directed study and supervised laboratory research.

What you will study

Semester one will provide in-depth teaching and directed study on the molecular biology of cancer, with a particular emphasis on oral cancer, and comprises five compulsory modules plus a mandatory course introduction/orientation:

Module 1: Cell Proliferation and Cancer
Module 1a: Research Techniques
Module 2: Cell Signalling and Cancer
Module 3: Cancer Cell Biology
Module 4: Oral Cancer: Aetiology, Diagnosis and Management

Following the successful completion of the taught modules 1-4, students will be guided to focus on a specific research project, which, after completion of a series of practical classes and a relevant literature review, will be carried out in semester 2 and throughout the remainder of the year.

How you will be assessed

Modules 1-4 will be assessed by examination (60%) and coursework (40%). The research project will be assessed by coursework and oral examination (100%).

Careers

The course is aimed primarily at early career dentists and has been designed to prepare participants for clinical academic research careers. Upon graduating, participants will be ideally positioned to continue to postgraduate study, at PhD level.

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This course is designed for dentists who wish to advance their knowledge of this clinical specialty at a postgraduate level.

There are four separate units: Research Methods (15 credits); Biostatistics (15 credits); Specialist Clinical Component (90 credits); and, for MSc students, a dissertation (60 credits).

In the cases of the Research Methods and Biostatistics units, the aim is to enable you to become competent in the design, data collection, and simple analysis and interpretation of clinical research projects.

The aim of the Specialist Clinical Component is to give you an understanding of the scientific basis of oral and maxillofacial surgery with particular emphasis on current theories relevant to the diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical management of patients. The evidence base supporting clinical surgical practice is emphasised.

The Specialist Clinical Component permits observation of a wide range of surgery including facial trauma, implant and reconstructive, cancer and reconstructive, salivary gland and orthognathic surgery, as well as participation in dentoalveolar surgery.

The aim of the dissertation (for MSc students only) is to offer research training in identification, formulation and implementation of a specific research project. The research project is in line with the research themes of control of pain and anxiety or surgical implantology or oral cancer and health services research.

Aims

The course aims to provide dental practitioners with the knowledge and skills to undertake minor oral surgery in the context of a wider knowledge of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Teaching and learning

Teaching and learning methods are designed to encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning and to integrate work with formal educational activities.

The core text book for the course is provided. This book, Master Dentistry Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Radiology, Pathology and Oral Medicine (ISBN 0443061920), has been produced by Division of Dentistry staff: Coulthard, Horner, Sloan and Theaker.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is by essay and SBA's throughout the course and related to the taught units. You will also maintain a clinical surgical logbook and undertake a clinical competency test. There is also an oral examination.
-Research Methods: Formal assessment takes the form of two tutor marked assignments
-Biostatistics: Formal assessment takes the form of two tutor marked assignments
-Clinical component: This is assessed by written examination and clinical examination in the form of an oral presentation
-Dissertation (10,000-15,000 words)

Career opportunities

The course prepares you for a future career in clinical practice, teaching or research.

Some graduates return to established surgical practice whilst for many this degree forms the first step in training and they go on to pursue specialist clinical training and appropriate clinical examinations.

Graduates may find their advanced knowledge a good foundation for surgical dentistry, oral surgery or oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. Some graduates proceed to undertake higher research degrees such as MPhil or PhD.

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This 12-month full-time MSc course explores the interdisciplinary field of oral biology, for those from either a scientific or clinical background. It provides the opportunity to develop a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights around the subject.

The course involves four taught core modules and a five-month laboratory research project leading to a dissertation. It encompasses a wide breadth of biomedical research that is also applicable to clinical dentistry and medicine, derived from the research strengths available within the School of Dentistry. The course has a strong research focus in the taught element, as well as the laboratory research projects, and it is envisaged as an entry for postgraduate research.
Distinctive features

The distinctive features of this course include:

• This is a hybrid course, which provides taught components and a laboratory-based research project.
• The taught part of the course has a strong focus on research methodology and modern experimental design/approaches, as well as the relevant Oral Biology background, thus laying a good foundation for the research project.
• Students will develop laboratory research skills.
• Training is provided to enable students to use research equipment independently.

Structure

This is a 12-month full-time multidisciplinary modular programme consisting of four taught core modules (part 1) to a total of 120 credits and a laboratory-based research project (part 2) studied over five months and worth 60 credits.

• Part 1: Taught Component

During Part 1, the modules are delivered concurrently over a 26-week period.

• Part 2: Research Project

Following satisfactory completion of the assessed course work and examinations in Part 1, you will progress to Part 2 of the course, the dissertation, which commences in April. You will be required to complete and submit a laboratory-based research project dissertation and present your work as a poster presentation (total 60 credits) to obtain a Master’s degree.

The research projects offered as part of the MSc course in Oral Biology are all laboratory-based. Research projects will be collated from supervisors in the School of Dentistry and their collaborators. We have an extensive collaborative network with co-supervisors/collaborator based in the Schools of Medicine, Biosciences and Pharmacy. You will be asked to propose a first and second choice of research project, and in most cases students will be able to pursue their first choice.

Those who do not achieve the MSc in Oral Biology may be eligible for the exit awards of a Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Biology (120 credits) or a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).

For the Postgraduate Certificate award, students must have completed a particular module together with one other module, which will give them the knowledge and the intellectual, practical and transferable skills appropriate to a qualification in basic science and its practical application.

Core modules:

Research Methods
Cell Biology of Oral Tissues
Microorganisms in Oral Diseases
Tissue Repair, Regeneration & Scientific Methods
Dissertation

Teaching

All taught elements are delivered within the School of Dentistry. Students may attend other Schools (such as Medicine, Pharmacy or Biosciences) to undertake their research project.

A range of teaching methods is used on this programme, including:

Lectures
Small group teaching
Discussion groups
Self-directed learning
Oral scientific presentation
Poster / scientific presentation
Laboratory research skills
Writing a dissertation

Due to the relatively small intake for the MSc course, most teaching is delivered via small group teaching, involving seminars or student-led discussion groups. Such a teaching environment should facilitate a good student-teacher relationship, where academic problems can be identified and addressed with relative ease. Students may arrange for additional mentoring as required via the module leaders.

Additionally, all students will attend Student Induction, which includes presentations on the structure of the course and each module, the student services and graduate centre, a tour of the building and library and IT facilities.

During the taught component, you will be provided with reading lists for each module. To foster the high research element of the course the majority of course reading will be via peer-reviewed research journals which are readily accessible via the University electronic library for e-journals. Text-books are available within the libraries on the Heath Campus.

Assessment

Throughout the course, you will be issued with student assessments that may take the form of essays, presentations and reports. These will be used to monitor your academic progress.

You must pass both parts of the course in order to qualify for the Master’s degree. You must pass Part 1 in order to progress to Part 2.

Module assessments are used to assess learning outcomes and allow you to express Master’s level concepts of understanding, analysis, evaluation and presentation. You will be required to pass all four module assessments in the taught element and the dissertation with a minimum pass mark of 50%.

You must complete each assignment according to the assignment submission schedule issued to students at the start of the course.

Career prospects

A Master's degree in Oral Biology opens the door to a variety of possible future careers. The modules are designed to prepare each student to optimise their learning towards their chosen future career. The core skills modules immerse you in the research environment, developing research skills which will be practised in the laboratory-based research project, leading to a dissertation. This should allow you to distinguish yourself in today's highly competitive job market.

We anticipate that students will pursue further PhD qualification leading to research careers in the biomedical or pharmaceutical industry or an academic career in biomedical or dental research and teaching.

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About the course

This course will equip you with a critical, systematic understanding of oral pathological conditions that require diagnosis by histopathological methods. You’ll study the laboratory methods used to prepare oral diagnostic material for histopathological examination and the research tools used to advance the practice of diagnostic oral pathology.

We teach you competence in the microscopical diagnosis of common and significant oral pathological lesions. You’ll learn when further information or additional procedures are needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Your career

We offer clinical and non-clinical courses that will further your career and develop your interests. Many of our clinical graduates go on to specialist dental practice, hospital practice or academic posts.

World-leading dental school

Our internationally recognised oral and dental research is organised into two overarching themes: ‘clinical and person centred’ and ‘basic and applied’. These themes are supported by three interdisciplinary research groups: Bioengineering and Health Technologies, Integrated Bioscience, and Person Centred and Population Oral Health.

We believe that dental science should not be constrained by the traditional boundaries created by specific clinical disciplines and that progress derives from a multidisciplinary approach. Our research supports our teaching enabling a blended approach to learning.
Your course will make the most of virtual learning environments and advanced practical sessions, as well as traditional lectures and seminars.

Facilities

You’ll develop your clinical skills in one of our two clinical skills labs or in our new virtual reality Simulation Suite where you can use haptic technology to undertake a range of clinical techniques.

You’ll complete your clinical training in Sheffield’s Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, part of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. There are 150 dental units with modern facilities for treatment under sedation, a well-equipped dental radiography department, oral pathology laboratories and a hospital dental production laboratory.

We have new modern research facilities and laboratories for tissue culture, molecular biology, materials science and histology- microscopy. All laboratories have dedicated technical support and academic expertise to guide you.

Core modules

Basic Principles of Pathology; Basic Techniques in Histopathology; Research Problems and Approaches; Laboratory Research Methods; Diagnostic Oral Histopathology; Advanced Oral Histopathology; Current Concepts in Dentistry; Dissertation.

Teaching

Teaching is through an induction period, observational work- shadowing, supervised reporting, staff and student-led seminars, practical laboratory techniques, lectures, literature review, dissertation, independent directed self-study.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through introductory multi-choice assessment, examinations at the end of each semester consisting of written papers and a microscope-based exam, assessed essays and presentations at journal clubs and seminars, dissertation project.

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This full-time, one-year Master’s programme includes the diagnosis and medical treatment of, and research into, conditions of the mouth, face, salivary glands and jaws.

Degree information

The programme’s students gain an understanding of aetiopathogenesis, clinical features, investigation and management of disorders of the oral mucosa and salivary glands, non-neoplastic disease of the jawbones and disorders of sensation of the mouth, and develop skills in investigating and managing such diseases.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of five core modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits). There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Principles of Therapeutics and Treatment Core Course (Oral Medicine)
-Clinical Care Core Course (Oral Medicine)
-Advanced Clinical Care in Oral Medicine
-Principles and Practice in Oral Medicine
-Clinical Science and Research Methods

Dissertation/report
Each student undertakes an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 10,000-12,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, clinical teaching on a one-to-one basis, seminar teaching, lectures, journals club, case discussion, self-directed learning and problem-based learning.

Careers

After completion of the programme, graduates have typically followed five potential pathways:
-Academic/hospital positions in oral medicine in countries where no further academic or clinical training is required
-PhD programmes (typically in the UK, but also in the EU and overseas)
-NHS clinical training positions, either foundation training or specialist training (in the UK)
-NHS posts e.g. speciality doctor/dentist in the UK
-Positions in dental practices in the UK, EU and overseas.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Associate Dentist, National Dental Practice
-Senior Health Officer, Eastman Dental Hospital (NHS)
-Senior Registrar, Margalla College of Dentistry
-Dental Consultant, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Employability
The institute has an internationally renowned oral medicine unit with staff who are highly active in teaching and research, and the associated Eastman Dental Hospital has a strong patient base that ensures exposure to a wide range of oral medicine conditions. The programme ensures that students lay the groundwork towards an academic and/or hospital career in oral medicine in the UK or abroad.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The programme’s students benefit from the opportunity to become closely involved in the clinical care of patients, taking full part in the processes of examination, diagnosis, assessment, investigations and the prevention and management of disease. They will also be exposed to the research activities of the unit and gain significant experience in translational research design and delivery.

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This full-time, one-year Master’s programme is designed to provide an understanding of applied clinical sciences and the concepts of oral and maxillofacial surgery, with practical experience in dentoalveolar surgery.

Degree information

The programme combines taught courses with a research component. Students attend teaching clinics, lectures, seminars, and carry out research leading to a project dissertation. There are supervised clinical and laboratory craft modules and the opportunity to observe at inpatient operating sessions.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits). There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Principles of Treatment Core Course (Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
-Clinical Care Core Course (Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
-Dento-Alveolar Surgery 1
-Theory of Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
-Dento-Alveolar Surgery 2
-Clinical Science & Research Methods

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation (10,000 - 12,000 words).

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered via supervised clinical teaching on a one-to-one basis and theoretical instruction including seminar teaching, lectures, journal club, self-directed learning and problem-based learning.

Careers

One of the programme's aims is to contribute to the development of oral and maxillofacial surgery in other countries especially where healthcare challenges are different from the United Kingdom, recognising that trainees may have to contend with a higher prevalence of untreated disease, limited financial and technical resources, and potentially limited expertise and support for the speciality.

Employability
On completion of their studies, some graduates undertake senior house officer posts in UK teaching hospitals and take the opportunity to progress through specialist training posts to become NHS Hospital Consultants. Overseas graduates may return to their home country to continue their specialist training. Some graduates go into NHS or private dental practice whilst others pursue medical training or further research, teaching and academic careers.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The students benefit from the broad programme structure that includes operating sessions, outpatient clinics, lectures, demonstrations, practical clinical skills, seminars and the use of investigative techniques to illustrate the diagnosis and management of orofacial surgical disease.

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This Masters programme is designed for dental graduates who wish to develop clinical and research skills in oral and maxillofacial surgery. It will provide you with a qualification which will enable you to extend your clinical diagnostic and treatment skills to a higher level. It will also provide you with a solid grounding in research methodologies.

Why this programme

◾You will have access to patients and opportunities to carry out oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures under supervision.
◾The University is well recognised as a centre of excellence for research in the fields of 3D imaging, bone bioengineering and orthognathic surgery.
◾Oral and Maxillofacial surgery are special interests in the surgical specialties, linked with the renowned oral and maxillofacial surgical service in the city and regional hospitals in the west of Scotland.
◾You will have the opportunity to attend all postgraduate lectures in the Dental School which includes invited speakers from the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons in Glasgow and from dental companies.

Programme structure

You will take a core course consisting of basic sciences, health sciences and research sciences.

The clinical component is dedicated to didactic teaching, reflective learning, clinical procedures and hands-on training in oral surgery.

Clinical courses
◾Dentoalveolar surgery
◾Oro-facial infections
◾Oral pathology
◾Local anaesthesia, general anaesthesia, sedation
◾Maxillofacial trauma
◾Dentofacial deformities
◾Cleft and craniofacial deformities
◾Temporomandibular disorders
◾Head and neck surgery
◾Oral medicine.

Research component

You will be encouraged to carry out a concise research project using existing facilities alongside our well-established research themes.

Career prospects

Graduates are able to apply for senior house officer posts in the UK, or join a higher research programme leading to PhD qualification.

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This course introduces you to the principles of experimental pathology applied to oral disease. It is provides a grounding in experimental method for dental graduates who plan to follow either a career in academic dentistry or one of the clinical specialities. It also provides an opportunity for science graduates to learn about oral disease, in preparation for a career in dental research.

We offer you a fundamental training in the principles of laboratory research methods and the range of techniques used to study the behaviour of oral tissues in health and disease.

Programme outline
Your programme will be modular, focused on acquiring laboratory skills and knowledge. The taught modules provide the basic understanding to help with the research component. There is a structured course of seminars with associated practical work, dealing with the structure and behaviour of cells and tissues in health and disease. This core begins with fundamental and general concepts of cell biology and continues with the application of these concepts to a consideration of oral and dental disease. Related disciplines such as oral microbiology and immunology are also covered.

Throughout the programme, emphasis is placed on the evidence upon which the concepts are based and the way in which such evidence is obtained by observation and experiment. You are actively encouraged to take part in the seminars.

Running in parallel with the core programme are several related series of seminars dealing with research methods, statistics and techniques of fundamental importance to experimental pathology such as tissue culture, molecular biological techniques, immunocytochemistry, light and electron microscopy. You will undertake a laboratory-based research project in the final module of the programme, exploring any aspect of oral disease.

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