Outline

Overview

This unit requires the candidate to complete a specific research project in dentistry and oral health under supervision and present the research findings in the format of a treatise. The treatise is a formal piece of writing relevant to the research subject area of the Extended Masters Degree.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Discipline of Population Oral Health
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	DENT6011 and DENT6012 and DENT6013
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Knowledge in all aspects of general dentistry
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Shanika Nanayakkara, shanika.nanayakkara@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Dissertation or thesis	Research treatise Preparation and submission of treatise for examination, amend treatise addressing examiners' feedback, if required	100%	Mid-semester break Due date: 29 Sep 2025 at 23:59	Honours/master equivalent treatise	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Oral presentation Oral presentation on research project progress	0%	Multiple weeks	Various	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

1. Final treatise submissions for examination, submit amended treatise with responses to examiner comments, if required.

2. Oral presentation

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1). The learning outcomes of this unit of study is reported by grade only.

As a general guide, a pass or satisfactory requirements indicates student demonstrates the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors and DCD research provisions. A fail or failed requirements indicates students fails to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as required by the DCD research provisions.

The treatise will be submitted via Turnitin to ensure academic integrity.

If the submission of the amended treatise is required, the amended treatise with track changes along with point by point responses to examiner comments must be submitted.

Oral presentation on the research project is a milestone requirement for this unit of study. Students are expected to deliver at least one oral presentation either at a conference, the School Research Day, or at any other research conference. Students are expected to actively seek feedback on oral presentation from supervisor(s), academic coordinator(s), research collaborators and peers. Students are required to submit the details of their oral presentations to the UoS coordinator when requested. Failure to deliver an oral presentation and/or to submit the presentation details to the UoS coordinator will result in an unsatisfactory outcome.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Treatise must be submitted within 4 years of the commencement of the course

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance is a professional responsibility required of all students admitted to academic programs within the Sydney Dental School. All programs in the Sydney Dental School have a 90% attendance policy, for all compulsory components of Units of Study, as detailed in the Faculty of Dentistry Attendance Provisions 2015. This includes all clinical and practical sessions. The course requirements cannot be satisfied if more than 10% of any section of a course is missed for any reason.
Professionalism: Students in all Sydney Dental School programs are subject to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Professionalism Requirements 2019 and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Professionalism Provisions 2019. Professionalism is an essential component of developing competency to practice. It is important for students to demonstrate professional behaviour in all contexts and environments. In accordance with these local provisions: candidates who demonstrate serious or repeated unprofessional behaviour may be required to show cause as to why their enrolment should be continued. Failure to show cause may result in exclusion from the course.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Complete all experimental aspects of the proposed project
LO2. Analyse research data and present the findings in a scientifically acceptable format
LO3. Summarise and discuss the main findings of previous relevant literature; show how the findings advance knowledge; indicate limitations of the findings; and propose future directions in research.
LO4. Finalise the treatise for examination, address examiners' comments and concerns, and amend treatise if required
LO5. Deliver an oral presentation on the DCD research project

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Oral Medicine - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and Oral Pathology - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and Oral Surgery - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and Orthodontics - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and Paediatric Dentistry - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and Periodontics - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and Prosthodontics - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and Public Health Dentistry - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and Special Needs Dentistry - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and
	Oral Medicine - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Oral Pathology - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Oral Surgery - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Orthodontics - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Paediatric Dentistry - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Periodontics - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Prosthodontics - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Public Health Dentistry - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Special Needs Dentistry - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories.
	Oral Medicine - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Oral Pathology - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Oral Surgery - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Orthodontics - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Paediatric Dentistry - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Periodontics - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Prosthodontics - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Public Health Dentistry - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Special Needs Dentistry - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories.
	Oral Medicine - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. Oral Pathology - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. Oral Surgery - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. Orthodontics - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. Paediatric Dentistry - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. Periodontics - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. Prosthodontics - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. Public Health Dentistry - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. Special Needs Dentistry - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas.
	Oral Medicine - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Oral Surgery - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Orthodontics - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Paediatric Dentistry - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Periodontics - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. Prosthodontics - 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since the last time this Unit was offered.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students must comply with work health and safety, infection control and dress standard policies of all laboratories, placement sites and Local Health Districts (LHDs).

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DENT6014: Dental Research Studies 5

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Surry Hills, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links