Orthopaedic Science

Useful Links Other Orthopaedic PG coursesOrthopaedic & Trauma Surgery
Staff Profiles Prof Rami Abboud
Dr Tim Drew

Orthopaedic Science

Snapshot

Degrees available Length of study Fees
Home/EU/Overseas
2012-13 Home/EU/Overseas
2013-14 Full-time
Part-time
MSc (distance learning) up to 60 months £6,580 £8,650 PGDip (distance learning) normally up to 36 months £4,080 £5,650 PGCert (distance learning) normally up to 18 months £2,040 £2,825 MSc (in house) 12 months £12,000 £12,000 If taken in-house, the start date for this course is August. The distance learning start date can be at any point in the year. Academic School: College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing How to apply: For the full time course, apply online via UKPASSFor the part time course, please contact the department

Overview

The MSc in Orthopaedic Science programme will provide a robust and wide-reaching education in the fundamental physical sciences relating to orthopaedic surgery. It is the only programme amongst the few comparable MSc programmes in the UK with a specific focus on the theoretical and practical application of technology within orthopaedics. Additionally, it equips trainees with the knowledge of fundamental science required for the FRCS exit exam.

Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

This programme is delivered by the Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, one of the principal training institutions in orthopaedics, biomechanics, gait and motion analysis and rehabilitation technology in the United Kingdom. The department is closely linked to the Dundee Universities Teaching Hospitals, which provide clinical services to the City of Dundee and surrounding areas and across the UK.

It is also closely associated with the Tayside Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Technology Centre (TORT), which provides a range of clinical services including orthotics, prosthetics, specialist wheelchairs and seating, and electronic assistive technologies. The department expanded rapidly in the 1990s and now boasts a number of specialist sub-units.

Aims of the Programme

The aim of this programme is to provide students with a Masters level postgraduate education in the knowledge and understanding of the fundamental physical sciences relating to orthopaedic surgery. It also aims to provide experience in the design and execution of a substantive research project in the field of orthopaedic, biomechanics and rehabilitation technology and its underlying science.

By the end of the programme, students should have a systematic understanding and knowledge of the physical sciences and technology relevant to orthopaedics, a critical awareness of current research questions in the field and the appropriate practical and analytical skills in order to be able to:

• Understand and interpret complex scientific concepts.
• Critically evaluate current research.
• Understand and utilise relevant technology, and have the ability to evaluate and critique methodologies.
• Develop and test scientific hypotheses, including the design of laboratory research projects aimed at addressing specific hypothesis-driven questions.
• Undertake the practical and technical aspects of a laboratory-based project.
• Communicate complex scientific concepts to specialist and non-specialist audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate an understanding of whether specific research outcomes make a significant, novel contribution to the field.

Programme Content

The programme will be taught part-time by distance learning over a period of normally 3 to 5 years, or one year full time in house. It is comprised of five compulsory 30-credit taught modules and one 60 credit research project module.

• Module 1 - Mechanics
• Module 2 - Biomechanics
• Module 3 - Rehabilitation Technology
• Module 4 - Orthopaedic Technology
• Module 5 - Statistics
• Module 6 - Research Project

There will be the opportunity to exit with a PG Certificate after the first two modules. Following the successful completion of taught modules 1-5 students may exit with a PG Diploma. MSc students will be guided to focus on a specific research project, which, after completion of a relevant literature review, will be carried out during the remainder of the programme.

Career Prospects

The programme will prepare graduates for a research-focused clinical career in the NHS or academia, and is particularly well positioned to prepare graduates for entry into a clinical academic career path.

Methods of Teaching and Assessment

Modules 1-5

Teaching in modules 1-5 will be delivered through distance learning module components, each comprised of a module component guide and several component units. Tutor support will be available via email, web conferencing, written correspondence and telephone.

Assignments and coursework will foster the development of an enquiry-led, self-directed student approach to learning.

Assessment of modules 1-5 will be by examination with the option of sitting exams upon completion of each individual module or upon completion of all five modules. Assessment is weighted (80%) by exam and (20%) by coursework.

Successful completion of the PGDip modules 1-5 is required to progress to the research project component. Successful completion of course work will normally be required prior to sitting the examination papers. Each of the two components of assessment for the PGCert and PGDip (course work and examination) must have a minimum grade of D3 to pass and progress to the full MSc programme. Reassessment of failed modules will be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Module 6 - Research Project

During the research project, learning will be partly experiential, partly directed and partly self-directed. The research project will be assessed through the presentation of a thesis, and the final mark will be moderated through an oral exam (60 credits). Distinctions and merits will be awarded based on University guidelines for taught postgraduate programmes.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should be Specialist Registrars or equivalent in orthopaedic surgery qualified to MB ChB or equivalent plus MRCS or equivalent.

English Language Requirement: IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component less than 6.0 (or equivalent), if your first language is not English. Please check our Language Requirements page for details of equivalent grades from other test providers, and information about the University of Dundee English Language courses.

Sources of Funding

The School of Medicine is not currently offering any school scholarships.

Other sources of funding for postgraduate students can be found on our Scholarships webpage.

Contact

Programme Director

Programme Director

Dr Tim DrewDepartment of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
College of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing
TORT Centre
Ninewells Hospital and Medical School
Dundee
DD1 9SY
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 496278 (from the UK)Telephone: +44 1382 496278 (from outside the UK)
Fax: 01382 496200 (from the UK)Fax: +44 1382 496200 (from outside the UK)
Email: t.drew@dundee.ac.uk Prof. Rami Abboud Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
College of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing
TORT Centre
Ninewells Hospital and Medical School
Dundee
DD1 9SY
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 496278 (from the UK)Telephone: +44 1382 496278 (from outside the UK)
Fax: 01382 496200 (from the UK)Fax: +44 1382 496200 (from outside the UK)
Email: r.j.abboud@dundee.ac.uk