Course coordinator
Dr Nima Kianoush
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2026 (20/07/2026 - 21/11/2026)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Herston
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- Dentistry School
This course provides a foundation in the concepts of oral epidemiology, research methods and research practice, particularly those relevant to dental public health. The competency building activities of this course provide students with experiential learning through the review of published research and critical appraisal of evidence that are applied in clinical dental practice.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
DENT3021
Restrictions
Restricted to students in the DDM program only.
Course contact
Lecturer
Dr Nima Kianoush
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Selwin Samuel
Dr Nicole Stormon
Dr Karan Gulati
Mr Christopher Sexton
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to enable you to: apply the fundamentals of the research process to a clinical context and apply an evidence-based approach to your clinical practice; integrate clinical knowledge and research skills to read and evaluate oral health literature from an epidemiological perspective; and synthesise and communicate the evidence underpinning your clinical practice to a range of audiences.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply technical terminology, definitions and calculations used in health-focussed research.
LO2.
Critically evaluate, and synthesise existing evidence from a range of sources to develop coherent and logical arguments.
LO3.
Construct informed research questions, aims and objectives to guide a health-based research project.
LO4.
Assess study designs used to answer clinical questions in oral health research.
LO5.
Interpret and professionally communicate evidence-based practice knowledge, skills, and ideas to specialist audiences.
LO6.
Recognise and demonstrate interprofessional collaboration skills including role clarification and negotiation, team functioning and communication (trust, accountability, inclusion, psychological safety), underpinned by relationship-focused-care and services.
LO7.
Develop and demonstrate the teamwork capabilities required to collaboratively construct a rigorous research proposal.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project |
GEMS IPCP Curriculum Assessment
|
Pass/Fail, MUST PASS |
31/07/2026 - 7/08/2026 |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Tutorial Exercises
|
10% |
28/08/2026 1:00 pm 4/09/2026 1:00 pm 11/09/2026 1:00 pm 18/09/2026 1:00 pm 25/09/2026 1:00 pm
This is a statistical practice provided in the modules, in a self-directed manner. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation |
Seminar Presentation
|
35% |
7/09/2026 - 26/10/2026 |
| Examination, Quiz |
In-class Quiz
|
10% MUST PASS |
13/10/2026 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique |
Literature Review
|
45% |
29/10/2026 3:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
GEMS IPCP Curriculum Assessment
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- Pass/Fail, MUST PASS
- Due date
31/07/2026 - 7/08/2026
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06
Task description
The assessment will be completed in your timetabled tutorial class, with a final submission date set a week later.
This is a team assessment, and all team members are expected to contribute equally to the team’s assessment items during the tutorial. Teams will be assigned prior to the tutorial. There are two (2) parts to this assessment – a worksheet based upon a client video that your team will choose during the tutorial class, and a team check in with your tutor.
Part One
Part One requires you to complete a worksheet and will draw on the content of the GEMS IPCP module one, focusing on role-clarification and negotiation, team communication, team functioning, and relationship focused care and services
Length: There is no word limit for the worksheet.
Part Two
Part Two involves a check-in with a tutor, to assess and reflect on processes of collaboration.
Length: approx. 10 minutes
Teams will need to submit Part One in the Assessment tab on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site at the end of the tutorial class. Additional information regarding submission will be provided on the HABS1240 GEMS IPCP Learn.UQ course site.
Please refer to the assessment information on Learn.UQ for further details and requirements for the assessment.
Assessment security
Open assessment: In this assessment you can use resources such as your notes, course materials, and other tools, including AI, while completing the task. The focus is not on memorising information, but on understanding, applying judgement, and demonstrating your own thinking.
Hurdle requirements
Pass/ FailSubmission guidelines
Online submission via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
The IPCP module is a Pass/Fail assessment task. Students who pass the module will receive a course grade based on their passing the remaining must pass assessment/s in the course.
- Students who are unable to attend the module because they are away from Brisbane or ill on the day of the tutorial class, will be given an opportunity to complete the assessment individually. Successful completion of the assessment will again enable a PASS grade for the module as above depending on other pass requirements within the course.
- For all students who submit a genuine attempt at the assessment but do not achieve a pass grade for their submitted work, they will be given a second opportunity to pass the module by completing a reflective essay. If this is task is successfully completed, a grade for the course will be awarded based on the remaining assessment in the course.
- Students who do not engage with the module and do not submit a genuine attempt, will be given an opportunity to complete a 5,000 word assignment on teamwork. Successful completion of this assignment will enable the student to be eligible to pass the course with a maximum grade of 4 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 4, a maximum grade of 4 will be awarded).
- Students who fail the module, who do not complete either the reflective essay or the teamwork assignment above will be awarded a maximum grade of 3 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 3, a maximum grade of 3 will be awarded).
Tutorial Exercises
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
28/08/2026 1:00 pm
4/09/2026 1:00 pm
11/09/2026 1:00 pm
18/09/2026 1:00 pm
25/09/2026 1:00 pm
This is a statistical practice provided in the modules, in a self-directed manner.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
These exercises allow students to progressively demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they are acquiring through their studies. Development of knowledge and skills in these sessions has direct relevance to more detailed research-based work within this course and the broader program. For this task, you are required to complete the assessable exercises that are assigned to the five (5) specified tutorials. Task information and assessment criteria will be made available on the course Blackboard site prior to the assessment.
Assessment security
Open assessment: In this assessment you can use resources such as your notes, course materials, and other tools, including AI, while completing the task. The focus is not on memorising information, but on understanding, applying judgement, and demonstrating your own thinking.
Submission guidelines
Submission through Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Seminar Presentation
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
7/09/2026 - 26/10/2026
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L07
Task description
In this assessment task, you and your partner will delve into the realm of dental research by selecting and critically analysing both a landmark paper and a contemporary paper within a dental discipline. Working collaboratively, you will prepare a seminar presentation to share your findings with an expert audience. Additionally, each student will submit an individual written piece that delves deeper into the analysis of the selected papers.Task information and assessment criteria will be made available on the course Blackboard site prior to the assessment.
The presentation will be recorded and retained as per university policy. The recording will be stored in a secure manner and will only be accessed if required for the purposes of moderation of marking; provision of feedback to the student; and/or re-marking following a successful re-mark application.
Assessment security
Open assessment: In this assessment you can use resources such as your notes, course materials, and other tools, including AI, while completing the task. The focus is not on memorising information, but on understanding, applying judgement, and demonstrating your own thinking.
Submission guidelines
Written work and presentation submitted through eportfolio.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In-class Quiz
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Quiz
- Weight
- 10% MUST PASS
- Due date
13/10/2026 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05
Task description
2-hour MCQ/Short answer paper-based quiz , from the contents provided during lecture sessions. Task information and assessment criteria will be made available on the course Blackboard site prior to the assessment.
Assessment security
Secure assessment: This assessment is designed to protect academic integrity and assess your understanding of course concepts. You must only use the approved materials and tools for this assessment task. Use of prohibited materials in this task may be investigated and treated as academic misconduct. See assessment instructions for more details.
Hurdle requirements
You will need a minimum of 50% mark for this Quiz to pass the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Literature Review
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
29/10/2026 3:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
In this task, you are required to produce a literature review relevant to an oral health research question or topic within a general dental context. Task information and assessment criteria will be made available on the course Blackboard site prior to the assessment.
Assessment security
Open assessment: In this assessment you can use resources such as your notes, course materials, and other tools, including AI, while completing the task. The focus is not on memorising information, but on understanding, applying judgement, and demonstrating your own thinking.
Submission guidelines
Submitted via eportfolio.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of less than 20% |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 20% but less than 45% OR Has failed two or more hurdle requirements |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 45% but less than 50% OR Attains the overall pass mark BUT has failed one hurdle requirement |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 50% but less than 65% AND has passed the hurdle requirements |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 65% but less than 75% AND has passed the hurdle requirements |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of 75% but less than 85% AND has passed the hurdle requirements |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 85% and has passed the hurdle requirements |
Additional course grading information
Percentage marks will be rounded to the nearest whole number - e.g., 84.4% rounds down to 84%, and 84.5% rounds up to 85%. This applies to all grade cutoffs except for a grade of 4. The minimum pass mark is 50%, and a pass cannot be achieved by rounding up from 49.5%.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Case-based learning This activity explores seminal landmark papers and contemporary evidence in dentistry to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field’s evolution and current best practices. In this innovative activity, participants will embark on a captivating journey through the evolution of dental literature, dissecting seminal landmark papers and contemporary evidence shaping modern dental practice. Through interactive sessions blending historical perspectives with cutting-edge research, students will delve deep into the foundational principles and latest advancements in various domains of dentistry. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials The tutorials have been designed to support and strengthen your research writing and basic statistical skills. Participants will learn how to structure and write academic research papers, develop critical analysis and academic writing techniques, and master editing and proofreading. The cohort will also gain an understanding of fundamental statistical concepts, analysis, and interpretation, and learn to apply these skills to answer research questions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L07 |
|
Week 1 (27 Jul - 02 Aug) |
Tutorial |
GEMS Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Module You will work in small teams in the tutorial with students from: Audiology, Dentistry, Dietetics, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Social Work and Speech Pathology. There is one module consisting of on-line preparation and a face-to-face tutorial class. You will work in your small team to engage in a range of learning activities to develop your knowledge and skills to help prepare you for working in interprofessional collaborative teams when caring for clients. Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
- Recording of Teaching Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: