Dissertation (Surgical Sciences) (P02407)

? Credit Points : 60 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : MED-P-MED

A dissertation would be undertaken in the third year and would involve the planning, execution and development of a significant body of clinical or laboratory research. The project for the dissertation would require prior approval but is likely to involve a critical analysis of a surgical topic using evidence based medicine.

The dissertation would consolidate the knowledge and understanding gained from the first two years of study. In providing an opportunity to study a particular topic in depth, the dissertation would develop further the ability to analyse published evidence and apply the principles of evidence based medicine to the professional practice of surgery.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Must have passed all nine Certificate and Diploma level courses

? Co-requisites : All students registered on the MSc in Surgical Sciences MUST do this core course.

? Special Arrangements for Entry : This course will be supported by a purpose-built delivery platform which acts as a course intranet (based on the award-winning systems from the University's Learning Technology Section). Registered students are provided with a user name and password that allows them to access this course intranet. The intranet provides a variety of educational material and supports a range of approaches by the students to the material provided and facilitates discussion with tutors. The dissertation would involve the planning, execution and development of a significant body of clinical or laboratory research. The project for the dissertation would require prior approval but is likely to involve a critical analysis of a surgical topic using evidence based medicine. A CD ROM of the course readings is mailed to each student at the beginning of the year.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Surgical Sciences, (Medicine, Schedule R)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Additional Class Information : Students are expected to complete at least 10 hours of self-directed study per week working through the project reading identified texts, supported through discussions with tutors. The total workload for this course will be approximately 600 hours.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The dissertation aims to ensure that candidates develop a deeper understanding of research methodology and acquire an understanding of the application of evidence based surgery applied within the one of the specialties of neurosurgery, urology, general, cardiothoracic, head and neck, maxillofacial surgery, paediatric, plastic and orthopaedic surgery.

Assessment Information

The supervised research project will be undertaken in an approved topic which will require the submission of a written dissertation. The dissertation is a written assignment of 10-15,000 words. This will require to be marked both by the supervisor and a second internal examiner. Candidates who achieve over 50% will be awarded a Master of Science.