MMedSci in Diagnostic Oral Pathology
Study mode: Full or Part Time
Duration: 1 year Full Time or 2 year Part Time (N.B. The option of part-time study is only available to home students)
Why choose the MMedSci in Diagnostic Oral Pathology at Sheffield?
This course is suitable for UK, European and overseas applicants and provides students with a strong grounding in the fundamental principles of Diagnostic Oral Pathology including the principles of research that inform clinical practice. The course is taught by experienced senior oral & maxillofacial pathologists and scientists with international reputations in the field and includes seminars, course work, directed self learning and supervised pathology practice. A modular structure enables students not wishing to complete a dissertation may complete either the Certificate or the Diploma as alternatives.
The applications process is now open - Click here to apply
Programme Outline
Oral Pathology is a specialism both of pathology and of dentistry. Pathology is the laboratory science dedicated to advancing understanding of the causes and nature of disease and histopathology is that branch of pathology involving the study of changes in tissues. The Master of Medical Science (MMedSci) course in Diagnostic Oral Pathology is concerned with the pathology of diseases and disorders that affect the tissues and organs of the oral cavity and its related structures. The course builds upon the basic understanding of pathology and oral pathology that will have been gained at undergraduate level and is particularly suited to those who have obtained some relevant postgraduate experience in a related clinical discipline. It provides a suitable basis for those who may wish to pursue further studies in oral pathology or to better inform their training in related clinical disciplines.
Aims and Objectives
Course Aims
- To provide dental graduates with the opportunity to enhance their academic, scientific and clinical skills as part of their career development
- To provide high quality teaching that is informed and invigorated by the research and scholarship of departmental staff and is alert to the benefits of student-centred learning
- To introduce or reinforce the principles of scientific research methodology
- To foster the further development of transferable analytical and communication skills
- To provide the opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge, foster critical and impartial analysis of scientific and clinical information
- To build on the student’s foundation in the basic and clinical sciences in order to increase their understanding of oral disease processes and management
- To assess students over a range of knowledge, understanding and skills, and to identify and support academic and clinical excellence
Course Objectives
- A high level of competence and judgment in the practical microscopical diagnosis of common and significant oral pathological lesions and conditions and initiative in determining the steps necessary to resolve a diagnosis for specimens beyond their immediate capabilities
- Knowledge and understanding of the roles of other members of the health care team in the execution of procedures involved in achieving successful outcome in the diagnostic process
- A high level of competence and self-direction in obtaining relevant information speedily to assist in the establishment or confirmation of a diagnosis
- Knowledge and understanding of the common laboratory methods used to prepare oral diagnostic material for histopathological examination and the main research tools and methods used to advance the practice of diagnostic oral pathology
- Critical awareness of current problems in oral pathology and knowledge of the sources of up-to-date information on oral pathological conditions and related scientific disciplines
- Broad knowledge and understanding of the principles underpinning scientific presentations.
- Competence at carrying out a short original research project involving the ability to identify problems, gather information, think analytically, resolve difficulties, critically analyse source material, choose appropriate methodologies, construct a hypothesis, sustain a logical argument and present the results of these processes clearly in both oral and written form
Curriculum
Students must complete a total of 180 credits. The modules available are: Basic principles of pathology (15 credits), Basic techniques in histopathology 15 credits), Laboratory research methods (15 credits), Research problems and approaches (15 credits), Current concepts in dentistry (15 credits), Diagnostic oral pathology (30 credits) and Advanced histopathology (15 credits). One third of the course (60 credits) involves a research project and submission of a written dissertation.
Assessment methods
- Formative introductory multiple choice assessment.
- Summative examinations at the end of each semester consisting of written papers and a microscope based exam.
- Assessed essay and presentations at journal clubs and seminars.
- Dissertation project
Teaching Methods
- Experiential clinical learning
- Seminars
- Laboratory practical sessions
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree with one year minimum postgraduate experience, preferably two years.
- An overall score of IELTS 7 with at least 6 in each component
Closing Date for applications
There is no formal closing date for applications, however the process of offering places commences in January (with the course commencing at the end of September)
Course Contact:
Dr Lynne Bingle
School of Clinical Dentistry
Claremont Crescent
Sheffield
S10 2TA
Tel: +44 114 272 7953