Course coordinator
Mr Christopher Sexton
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2026 (27/07/2026 - )
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Herston
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- Dentistry School
This course provide students with experiential learning in research through the conduct of a chosen research project and occasional workshops.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
DENT7321
Restrictions
Restricted to students enrolled in DMD program only.
Course contact
Lecturer
Mr Christopher Sexton
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course provide students with experiential learning in research through the conduct of a chosen research project and workshops. Students will lead the development and analysis of primary research in the field of Dentistry. Students will employ effective scientific communication skills through the writing of a scientific manuscript and communicating their findings to experts in research.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply ethical considerations underpinning research in a health project.
LO2.
Critically evaluate, transform, and interpret information in the context of the existing knowledge base and translational implications of the findings.
LO3.
Demonstrate effective academic writing in the production of a research report suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
LO4.
Discuss and justify the research methods, and conclusions in defence of the research findings.
LO5.
Interpret and transmit research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
LO6.
Develop and demonstrate the teamwork capabilities required to collaboratively construct a rigorous research project.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection |
Progress Interview Stream
|
Pass/Fail & Hurdle |
3/08/2026 - 14/08/2026 19/10/2026 - 30/10/2026 15/03/2027 - 25/03/2027
The first group task focuses on ethical governance and data collection status. The second task is an individual interview to assess each student’s understanding and contribution to the project. The final group interview evaluates project advancement and readiness for completion. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Research project milestone: Data analysis plan
|
20% |
24/09/2026 5:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project |
Research project milestone: Research project report
|
50% Hurdle |
7/05/2027 5:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Research project milestone: Final research project presentation
|
30% |
17/06/2027 |
| Presentation |
Research conference presentation
|
17/06/2027 |
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
Progress Interview Stream
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- Pass/Fail & Hurdle
- Due date
3/08/2026 - 14/08/2026
19/10/2026 - 30/10/2026
15/03/2027 - 25/03/2027
The first group task focuses on ethical governance and data collection status.
The second task is an individual interview to assess each student’s understanding and contribution to the project.
The final group interview evaluates project advancement and readiness for completion.
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L06
Task description
This assessment stream consists of three progress interviews designed to support and monitor the development of the research project. Conducted at key points across the course, these tasks provide opportunities for feedback on project governance, individual and group engagement, and overall progress.
The first group task focuses on ethical governance and data collection status.
The second task is an individual interview to assess each student’s understanding and contribution to the project.
The final group interview evaluates project advancement and readiness for completion.
These tasks aim to assist with project management, support successful completion of the research project and ensure individual accountability for the project.
Performance parameters, and assessment criteria and standards 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
Students must attend and actively contribute to individual and/or group interview activities, demonstrating preparation and engagement with the task.Submission guidelines
Assessment submissions will be organised at times during the stated date ranges.
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.
The submission date range is sufficiently flexible to allow students a range of dates to submit their task.
Research project milestone: Data analysis plan
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
24/09/2026 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L06
Task description
This is a research project group task.
A structured document outlining how collected data will be prepared, managed, and analysed. This includes proposed quantitative statistical methods or qualitative framework that will be utilised. The purpose of the task is assess students' justification of approaches, and alignment with their specific research project questions and objectives.
Performance parameters, and assessment criteria and standards 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 is through ePortfolio link available
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.
Research project milestone: Research project report
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 50% Hurdle
- Due date
7/05/2027 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
A comprehensive written report of the full research project, including:
Title
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
This is the capstone project for your Research Informed Practice courses.
Performance parameters, and assessment criteria and standards 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.
Hurdle requirements
To satisfy the hurdle requirement, students must achieve a minimum mark of 50% on the Research Project assessment criteria.Submission guidelines
Submission is through ePortfolio
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 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.
Research project milestone: Final research project presentation
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
17/06/2027
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students will deliver an oral presentation summarising their research project. The presentation should clearly outline the background and rationale for the study, including justification for the chosen study design and methods. Students should then present the results, interpret and discuss their findings, and provide clear conclusions and implications arising from the project.
Students should also highlight and reflect on their contribution to the research project. Following the presentation, students will be asked questions to clarify aspects of the work and demonstrate their understanding of the study design, methods, results, and conclusions.
Performance parameters, and assessment criteria and standards 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
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.
Submission guidelines
Submit presentation 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.
Research conference presentation
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Due date
17/06/2027
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students will present a brief summary of their research project to their cohort and members of the public. The presentation should outline the background and rationale for the study, including brief description for the study design and methods. Students should present the key results, interpret and discuss their findings, and provide conclusions and implications arising from the project.
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
Students are required to present their research project and findings to their peers.Submission guidelines
Presentation slides are 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.
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 at least 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 |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Applied Class |
Research (Self Directed) Students undertake an independent research project under the guidance and supervision of academic staff. Through regular meetings and feedback, students develop their research and subsequently prepare a written research report that presents their methods, findings, and conclusions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, 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: