MBARN5900 Master's Thesis Course description

Under supervision, the students will write an independent scholarly work in the form of a master's thesis. The work must be based on the functions and areas of responsibility of the paediatric nurse. In the work on their master's theses, students are to apply the knowledge acquired through the rest of the programme. The master’s thesis must demonstrate understanding, maturity and reflection. An approved and up-to-date project description is required before students can start writing a master’s thesis.

The thesis can be written individually or in groups of up to three students. Groups of students who write together submit one joint thesis. The purpose of group work is to develop cooperation skills as described under the competence section in the learning outcomes defined for the programme as a whole. Paediatric nursing requires a high degree of cooperation skills in the treatment team, and this makes cooperation skills an important part of a paediatric nurse's action competence.

The master’s thesis can be an independent research work or be included as a delimited part of an ongoing research project at the university or a cooperating institution. The thesis can also be a quality-related project in the form of professional development, quality assurance or quality control work.

The master’s thesis is submitted in the form of a monograph, an article manuscript, a set of guidelines, a standard for a procedure, an information brochure or an information video. A master’s thesis in article form must be written in accordance with the guidelines for a selected scientific journal relevant to the discipline (peer review). The student must be the first or second author. A master’s thesis submitted in a format other than a monograph must be accompanied by a supplementary memo/introduction (‘kappe’). In this supplementary memo/introduction, the student(s) shall discuss and elaborate on a delimited methodological and/or substantial topic.

The master's thesis must have a systematic scholarly structure and be based on topical and relevant scientific literature that provides an answer to the research question formulated by the student(s).

The master’s thesis must be written in accordance with the master's handbook for the 2021;year group.

Admission to the programme. All other courses in the programme, theoretical as well as practical ones, must be passed before the student can submit their master's thesis for assessment.

Language of instruction: Norwegian 

The course expands on basic dental technology solutions and production techniques that are suitable for recreating the individual patient’s dental physiology and occlusion. The focus is on the connection between clinical aspects and correct design in relation to oral anatomy in accordance with professional assessment criteria and aesthetic opportunities and limitations. The course also includes alternative production technologies, satisfactory choice and use of dental materials, and considerations for patient satisfaction.

The course forms the basis for the students’ choice of specialisation in the production principles of either fixed prosthetics (specialisation A) or removable prosthetics (specialisation B). Breakdown of credits: Theory 8 and skills training 12.

Passed first year of the programme or equivalent.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence: 

Knowledge 

The student 

• can explain the use of separate inner posts and the importance of preparation for the choice of solution design and production technique in relation to crown and bridge prosthetics
• can explain technical laboratory work processes, choice of material and structural principles related to basic crown and bridge prosthetics
• can describe dental physiology and occlusion and static, dynamic and articulatory rules for arranging complete dentures with normal occlusion
• can explain the connection between the colour, design and function of tooth replacements and the patient’s acceptance of the product
• can explain what characterises scientific dental technology knowledge
• is familiar with fundamental research ethics principles and need for reliability related to scientific use of methods
• can explain the possibilities and limitations of CAD/CAM in relation to the choice of materials and production methods for digital production of complete crowns
• can explain clinical indications, contraindications and the ordinary work process for producing single implant structures

Skills 

The student can

• independently make satisfactory plaster work models and antagonist models, and place them with correct articulation
• make complete crowns and small bridges with the help of conventional and/or digital production techniques with the correct morphology, fit, material dimensions and occlusion
• paint and colour in pre-sintered materials to recreate the desired tooth colour
• glaze single whole crowns and small bridges with the right surface structure and effects in relation to the remaining dentition/order form
• arrange a complete denture with normal occlusion with balanced articulation in accordance with Gysi’s basic principles
• design the base of the prosthesis using correct anatomical extension and fit and with natural design of buccal support surfaces
• master the correct use of materials, machines and production equipment in an HSE perspective
• plan the design and work process for a single implant structure under supervision
• plan and carry out a project based on a research question and using scientific methods pursuant to the applicable rules for written assignments

General competence

The student can

• present and reflect on the quality of own work both orally and in writing
• perform systematic searches for sources and correctly reference sources and research in theoretical assignments

The work and teaching methods include lectures, demonstration lectures, self-study, seminars, project work in groups and skills training under supervision in the university laboratories. During the skills training, the students will practise becoming independent in the completion of the relevant work processes. The course is completed by time-limited practical assignments. The students are given individual supervision in the course in relation to practical study progress and group supervision related to the exam project.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam: 

• a minimum attendance 90 % at demonstration lectures in the laboratory
• a minimum attendance of 80 % in skills training, seminars and compulsory supervision
• individually prepared preparatory work for the practical part of the exam (bite plates with occlusal rim for complete dentures and CAD of complete crown) must be submitted within a set deadline.

Combined assessment:

Part 1) Written project assignment in groups of 2-3 students, 6,000 words (+/- 10 per cent)

Part 2) Two individual practical assignments in accordance with set criteria (corresponding to six laboratory days)

Part 3) Individual oral exam, up to 20 minutes.

A pass grade (A-E) must have been awarded for part one and two before the student can take the oral exam. Individual grades are set after the oral exam. 

Weighting: An overall grade is given based on the following weighting: Part 1, part 2 and part 3 are weighted equally. All three parts must be passed in order to pass the course. 

Students can appeal the grade awarded for the written and practical part of the exam.

Resits/rescheduled exam: If a fail grade (F) is awarded for the project assignment (part 1) and/or the practical work (part 2) the student(s) has the right to submit a reworked version once.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F