Unit Code: DNT700

Unit Name: Research Methods

Description: This course aims to introduce students to the key foundational principles underpinning research and the major research methodologies utilized in health-related research. The long-range goal is to foster scholarship and critical thinking, add to the body of scientific information and facilitate graduates from the Pacific to develop and contribute to dental research in the Pacific region. Lectures and practical exercises will furnish students to have a much better grasp on how to prepare for their final research project; a mandatory component of the undergraduate programme.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, the students will be able to : 1. Appraise the need for research. 2. Evaluate the underlying assumptions and common methodology for scientific research. 3. Develop a research question for a research topic 4. Critically assess literature reviews extracted from electronic library media and develop a knowledge base. 5. Develop appropriate research objectives based on the research problem and literature review 6. Determine the variables, study types and appropriate data collection/data handling technique, workplan for research 7. Identify the appropriate statistical analysis for experimental-type research and naturalistic inquiry 8. Produce full research proposal for ethics approval

Prerequisite: N/A

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1