Ph.D. (Oral Health Science) International Course New Curriculum 2002

Transcription

1 Ph.D. (Oral Health Science) International Course New Curriculum Name of the Course Doctor of Philosophy Program in Oral Health Science 2 Name of the Degree 2.1 Full Name Doctor of Philosophy (Oral Health Science) 2.2 Abbreviated Name Ph.D. (Oral Health Science) 3 Responsible Faculties 3.1 Main responsible faculties Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University Graduate School, Thammasat University 3.2 Collaborated faculties Thailand Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University Faculty of Dentistry, Srinakarinwirot University Japan School of Dentistry, Tsurumi University, Yokohama School of Dentistry, Niigata, University, Niigata School of Dentistry, Nihon University at Matsudo Sweden Institute of Oral Health Sciences, University of Malmö Switzerland School of Dentistry, University of Bern The United States of America School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts School of Dentistry, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana School of Dentistry, University of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia China School of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong Institute of Stomatology, Wuhan University 4 Philosophy and Course Objectives Nowadays, the insight of oral health sciences is strongly related to other disciplines especially medicine and basic sciences. By this means, besides being specialised in clinical knowledge and skill, dentists should also have strong background in advanced oral health sciences. The integration of clinical dentistry and advanced basic sciences, dentists would be more potential to treatment, diagnosis and prevention of oral diseases. They can generate new ideas and develop advanced technology related to dentistry. It is obvious that a comprehensive educational program on both basic sciences and clinical skill is required. Nevertheless, there is no post-graduate curriculum in Thailand, which integrates the clinical and epidemiological knowledge with oral science and provides the valuable outcome for the dental practice such as oral health promotion at individual and community levels. Thammasat University has strong commitment to develop the educational system and research in the field of technological science and health sciences. In pursuance of this mandate, several relevant faculties were established at Rangsit campus since At present, Rangsit campus includes Faculty of Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Sirinthorn International Institute of Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, and Faculty of Nursing. By fully support from the university and adequately equipped with materials and human power, these faculties are well prepared on the extending Post-graduate education in various fields especially in the Health Science.

2 As a part of the health sciences center, the Faculty of Dentistry has primary task on developing the bachelor degree program, producing dentists. Also, we need to initiate and academic curriculum for the graduated dentist in the specialized fields and the Ph.D. program. Faculty of Dentistry establishes this program combining clinical specialty with basic sciences in order to encounter the increasing complicated oral diseases and provide the quality assurance in oral health promotion, prevention and treatment of oral diseases. The Faculty of Dentistry has collaborated with of Faculty of Allied health Sciences in producing the pundit of Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Science since However, the purpose of this program aim to advanced biomedical science but not including oral science and specialized clinical training. For these reasons, it is necessary for the Faculty of Dentistry to have a Doctor program to alleviate the shortage of manpower in these fields for Thailand. The oral health sciences program has the collaboration with the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Faculty of Medicine. With the philosophy of intending to let the students have the strong background in oral health sciences, advanced subjects related to clinical epidemiology, research methodology, oral biology, molecular pathology and material science are included in this program. Students graduate with this program, will gain advanced knowledge in oral science and have potential in designing, collecting and analyzing data in clinical oral research. This program, the students will attend the core subjects, elective subjects, conducting thesis and publishing the research paper in the international journal which has impact factor higher than Project Basis This project is based on the co-operation among various faculties in Thammasat university involving Dentistry, Medicine, Allied Health Sciences, and other universities i.e. Khon Kaen University, Srinakarinwirot University and universities in other countries. 4.2 Objectives To develop human resources specialized in oral health science meeting high standards and reflecting the current status of science and technology progress and also in harmonious with the specialized dental educational development which would lead to self-developmental potential. 5 Course Schedule Beginning at the second semester of Admission Requirement 6.1 Qualifications for each educational plan Educational Plan 1.1: Focusing on research and generating a dissertation to provide new knowledge under the supervisors. The applicants have to: Graduate bachelor degree of Dentistry and Master of Science or equivalent degree in a related field, from a university or recognized institution; or Graduate bachelor degree of Dentistry or equivalent degree, from a university or recognized institution, with a minimum aggregated grade of 3.0; or Graduate bachelor degree of Dentistry or equivalent degree, from a university or recognized institution with research experience in a related field and at least 1 publication in a recognized academic journal Educational Plan 1.2: Emphasizing on self-learning and creating knowledge by generating a thesis and publications in high standard international journals. The applicants have to: Graduate a bachelor degree of Dentistry and Master of Science or equivalent in the degree related fields, from a university or recognized institution; or Graduate a bachelor degree of Dentistry or equivalent degree, from a university or recognized institution; and Provide a research experience in the related field with at least 1 publication in a recognized international journal, having impact factor at least 0.5. The applicant has to present the evidence that the publication is the output from most of his or her work Educational Plan 2.1: Studying academic coursework and generating a dissertation. Applicants have to:

3 Graduate a bachelor degree of Dentistry and Master of Science or equivalent degree in the related field, from a university or recognized institution; or Graduate a bachelor degree of Dentistry or equivalent degree, from a university or recognized institution with a minimum aggregated grade of Educational Plan2.2: Studying academic course work, generating a dissertation and training on clinical specialty. The applicants have to: Graduate bachelor degree of Dentistry and Master of Science or equivalent in the related fields, from a university or recognized institution; or Graduate with a bachelor degree of Dentistry or equivalent degree, from a university or recognized institution; and Receive a first grade practice license for Dentist approved by National Council or Thai Dental Council 6.2 Satisfying English Proficiency At least 173 on Computer-Based TOEFL score, level 6 on IELTS or 550 on the TU-GET, in the last 2 years until the application date. 6.2 Other qualifications Other qualifications are required according to the regulations for the Doctor Degree Education of Thammasat University of (No. 8) 7 Selection of Applicants 7.1 Selection of applicants will be written examination and interview organized by the Admission Committee. For international students, written examination and interview are not required but the applicants must meet the specific criteria and conform to the requirements specified by the study fund sponsors. 7.2 Unqualified applicants may be admitted to the program for a probationary period of up to 1 year. After having successfully passed an assessment by the Course Committee, they will be considered as normal student status. 8 Study System 8.1 The study program is sectioned in two semesters and will be taught in English. 8.2 The curriculum follows either of 4 types of educational plan Educational Plan Educational Plan 1.1 This program is focused on research, preparation of a dissertation generating new knowledge. At least 1 dissertation-related article published in the international journal, which has impact factor higher than 0.5 is required. In addition, the Advisory Committee may assign additional subjects or require the students to participate in extra curricular activities not credited for the grade. These complementary tasks must meet the requirements specified by the Course Committee Educational Plan 1.2 This program is focused on research and publication in recognized international journals. The student is able to conduct a dissertation at his/her institute. At least 2 dissertation-related publications in the international journal with impact factor at least 0.5 are required Educational plan Educational Plan 2.1 This program requires the attendance of a formal lectures and course program in the classroom and presenting a dissertation. At least 1 dissertation-related publication in the international journal with impact factor at least 0.5 is required Educational Plan 2.2 This program includes the attending of subject courses, generating a dissertation and special training as follows: Oral and Maxillofacial surgery Periodontology Pedodontology Orthodontics

4 Prosthetic Dentistry Dental public Health Endodontics Operative dentistry General Dentistry Oral Diagnostic Science At least 1 dissertation-related publication in the international journal with impact factor at least 0.5 is required. 8.3 English test Students must pass the English test according to the regulations for Doctoral Degree Education of Thammasat University (1998 N ) before thesis defense. Students could apply for the English examination since the first semester of enrollment. 8.4 Qualification test (written and oral examinations) Educational Plan 1: Students are able to test since the first semester of year entry Educational Plan 2: Master degree students should pass at least 12 academic credits. Bachelor degree students should pass at least 24 academic credits. The students must have minimum G.P.A. at 3.25 before the test Students must have obtained P level (Pass) of a qualification test within 3 attempts; otherwise he/she will be disqualified from studentship. 8.5 Dissertation proposal examination Students in Educational Plan 1 must pass examination for dissertation proposal within 2 semesters after enrollment Students in Educational Plan 2 must pass examination for dissertation proposal within 4 semesters after enrollment. 8.6 Dissertation generation Dissertation registration Students in Educational Plan 1 are able to register a dissertation during the first studying semester Students in Educational Plan 2 must pass at least 24 academic credits and got the minimum G.P.A. at least Dissertation defending The date, time and place for dissertation defending must be announced in advance and opened for other people Students must pass the English test Students must pass the Qualification test Dissertation must be published or accepted to publish in international journal with impact factor at least 0.5 (at least one paper for Educational Plan 1.1, 2.1 and 2.2; and at least two papers for Educational Plan 1.2). 8.7 Extra curricular activity Students must join and have experience in teaching subjects related to their expertise. 9 Study Time 9.1 Master degree students or equivalent must spend no more than 10 semesters since the registration date. 9.2 Bachelor degree students or equivalent must spend no more than 16 semesters since the registration date. 10 Registration Student are able to register with a range of 6-12 credits in each semester. 11 Assessment and graduation 11.1 Study assessment The study assessment is divided into 9 levels as below: Level A A- B+ B B- C+ C D F Value Credits will be counted only for subject credits at S level or not lower than B English proficiency test is divided into 2 levels: P (Pass) and N (Not Pass) without counting for the grade.

5 Qualification test is divided into 2 levels: P (Pass) and N (Not Pass) without counting for the grade Assessment of the dissertation is divided into 2 levels: S (Satisfied) and U (Unsatisfied) 11.2 Graduation Students will be graduated when they have Attended all subjects according to course programs (In case of Educational Plan 2) Achieved the grade point average (G.P.A.) not less than 3.25 (In case of Educational Plan 2) Practiced in special clinical training (In case of Educational Plan 2.2) Passed English Proficiency Test with P level Passed Qualification test with P level Passed dissertation defending with S level Published dissertation-related articles in the international journal (as indicated in each Educational Plan) Passed other requirements of the PhD program 12 Teaching staff Teaching staffs include course professors, associate professors from the faculty of Dentistry and collaborated faculties, special lecturers from other national faculties, universities or research institutions, and visiting professors from abroad. 13 Projected Number of Students Students/Year New Existing Cumulative Graduated Location and Academic facilities The course will use locations and academic facilities of Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and other collaborated institutes. 15 Information technology and Library The student will be able to search for any information via Internet or through the perusal of documents, books, databases, journals and audio instructed media from the library of the Health Science Center, Rangsit campus of Thammasat University. This library contains a wide range of specialized literature, audio-visual educational media and online journal base e.g Books Thai books 7,018 titles English books 19,096 titles 15.2 Journals Thai journals 150 titles English journals 196 titles Databases Science Direct journal base ESCO journal base 15.3 Other medias Videotapes 290 titles CD-ROM 30 titles Slide series 33 titles Audio tapes 50 titles

6 16 Expense The tuition fee will be approximately 150,000 baht/person/year 17 Course Description 17.1 Total credits to be obtained throughout the course: Educational Plan 1 and Graduates with a bachelor degree: a minimum of 72 credits Graduates with a master degree: a minimum of 48 credits Educational Plan Graduated with a bachelor degree or master degree: a minimum of 78 credits Structure of the Course Educational Plan 1.1 This program is focused mainly on a dissertation generating new knowledge. There is no course work. Students may also require additional course subjects or participation in activities that are not graded. These complementary tasks must meet the requirements specified by the Course Committee. At least 1 publication in the international journal with impact factor at least 0.5 is required. Graduates with a bachelor degree: Dissertation with a minimum of 72 credits Graduates with a master degree: Dissertation with a minimum of 48 credits Educational Plan 1.2 This program is focuses on a dissertation generating body of knowledge. There is no course work. Students must have some research experience before enrollment into the program. The dissertation may be conducted in their own institutes. At least 2 publications in the international journal with impact factor at least 0.5 is required. Graduates with a bachelor degree: Dissertation with a minimum of 72 credits Graduates with a master degree: Dissertation with a minimum of 48 credits Educational Plan 2.1 This program includes the attending of subject courses and generating a dissertation. At least 1 publication in the international journal with impact factor at least 0.5 is required Graduates with a bachelor degree A minimum 24 credits is required: Core subjects 14 credits Required elective subjects* 8 credits Elective subjects 2 credits Dissertation: a minimum of 48 credits (*The require subjects are endorsed by the advisor.) Graduated with master degree A minimum 12 credits is required Core subjects 8 credits Required elective subjects* 2 credits Elective subjects 2 credits Dissertation: a minimum of 36 credits (*The require subjects are endorsed by the advisor.) Educational Plan 2.2 This program includes the attending of subject courses and generating a dissertation. Specialized training programs according to the requirements of the Thai Dental Council are also included. The dissertation should generate new idea which relating to the selected field of his/her specialized training. Students should have at least 1 publication in the international journal with impact factor at least 0.5. A minimum of 30 credits is required:

7 Core subjects* 14 credits Required elective subjects** 14 credits Elective subjects** 2 credits Dissertation: a minimum of 48 credits : a minimum of 3000 hours (*The Advisory Committee determines the required subjects. ** The required subjects are endorsed by the advisor.) 17.3 Subjects Subject Codes The subject code is composed of 2 alphabets and 3 numbers with the meaning as below: The first 2 alphabets represent the field and the available faculty. BM: Subjects in PhD program (Biomedical Science), faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University DS: Subjects in faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University The first number represents the year of course or the level of difficulty of the subject as below: 6: Basic subjects 7: Applied subjects 8: Advanced subjects 9: Dissertation The second number represents the type of the subject as below: 0-2: Basic science 3-4: Oral health science 5-6: Laboratory 7-8: Research, Epidemiology, Statistics and Computer science 9: Seminar and Self- study The third number represents the core subject or the required elective subject or the elective subject as below: 0-2: Core subjects 3-5: Required elective subjects 6-9: Elective subjects Core Subjects Subject Code Subject Name Number of Credits (Lecture/Practice/ Self-study) BM 600 Cell and Molecular Biology 3 (3-0-6) BM 680 Biostatistics 2 (2-0-4) BM 681 Research Methodology 2 (2-0-4) BM 682 Ethics in Biomedical Research 1 (1-0-2) DS 600 Scientific Communication and 2 (1-2-3) Dissertation Writing DS 691 Seminar in Oral Health Science 1(1-0-2) DS 830 Advanced Oral Science 3(3-0-6) Required Elective Subjects Subject Code Subject Name Number of Credits (Lecture/Practice/ Self-study) 2 (2-0-4) BM 614 Principles of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism DS 633 Hard Tissue Biology 2 (2-0-4) DS 673 Social-ecological and Behavioral 3 (3-0-6) Science Foundations in Oral Health Promotion DS 773 Data Management for Oral 2 (1-2-3)

8 Health Science DS 774 Clinical Trial in Dentistry 2 (2-0-4) DS 775 Applied Qualitative Research for 3 (3-0-6) Oral Health Promotion DS 833 Advanced Dental Material 2(2-0-4) Science DS 834 Advanced Oral Microbiology and 2 (2-0-4) Immunology DS 835 Pathophysiology of Oral 2 (2-0-4) Diseases DS 873 Advanced Oral Epidemiology 2 (2-0-4) Elective Subjects Subject Code BM 656 BM 659 BM 666 BM 667 BM 786 BM 787 DS Dissertation Subject Code Subject Name Research Techniques in Molecular Biology Research Techniques in Molecular Immunology Research Techniques in Pharmacology and Toxicology Techniques in Cell and Tissue Culture Computer Application in Molecular Biology Computer Application in Pharmacokinetic Data Analysis Theory and Research for Health Communication Subject Name Number of Credits (Lecture/Practice/ Self-study) 2 (2-0-4) 2 (1-2-3) 2 (1-2-3) 2 (1-2-3) 2 (1-2-3) 2 (1-2-3) 3 (3-0-6) Number of Credits DS 900 Dissertation 36/48/ Study Plan Students should plan the study program with their advisor Educational Plan 1 Graduates with bachelor degree Graduates with master degree Year-1 Qualification test Qualification test Subjects (code) Number of credits Number of credit Dissertation (DS900) 9 8 Dissertation (DS900) 9 8 Year-2 Dissertation (DS900) 9 8 Dissertation (DS900 ) 9 8 Year-3 Dissertation (DS900) 9 8

9 Dissertation (DS900) 9 8 Year-4 Dissertation (DS900) 9 Dissertation(DS900) Educational Plan Educational Plan 2.1 Graduates with bachelor degree Graduates with master degree Year-1 Subjects Number of credits Number of credit Core subjects 8 8 Required elective subjects 4 2 Elective subjects - 2 Qualification test Core subjects 6 - Required elective subjects 4 - Elective subjects 2 - DS900 (Dissertation) - 8 Year-2 Qualification test Dissertation (DS900) 10 8 Dissertation (DS900) 10 8 Year-3 Dissertation (DS900) 8 6 Dissertation (DS900) 8 6 Year Educational Plan 2.2 Year-1 Subjects (code) Number of credits Core subjects 8 Required elective subjects 4 Elective subjects - Core subjects 6 Required elective subjects 4 Elective subjects 2 Year-2 Qualification test Core subjects -

10 Required elective subjects 6 Elective subjects - Year-3 Year-4 Year-5 Core Subjects Course Description BM 600 Cell and Molecular Biology 3 Credits This course introduces the fundamentals of cell and molecular biology (organellar structure and function, cell communication, cytoskeloton, cell cycle), emphasising the experimental bases for current concepts and principles. Students will acquire the insight of the cellular and molecular mechanisms in the function of living organisms. BM 680 Biostatistics 2 Credits This course covers the concepts and the application of biostatistics, with practical examples from biomedical research. Topics include: the principles of statistics in designing and analysing data, probability distribution, estimation, hypothesis testing using parametric and nonparametric statistics, correlation, and linear regression analysis. BM 681 Research Methodology 2 Credits This course provides the basic knowledge on research design procedures, including methodological approaches in various aspects of biomedical sciences. The contents cover the steps of planning and conducting a research project, i.e. searching the biomedical literature, developing research hypotheses, designing the study, writing the research proposal, collecting data as well as analysing and interpreting the results. BM 682 Ethics in Biomedical Research 1 Credits The course provides an overview of research ethics, focusing on the ethics in clinical research. Topics include: principles of ethics, informed consent, evaluation of risks and benefits, inducements, and special issues on research in developing countries. The course will also cover

11 behavioral and epidemiological research, as well as issues of research integrity. After a short series of introductory lectures, this course will be organized along the lines of interactive learning addressing a number of problem cases illustrating the points made in the main lectures. DS 600 Scientific Communication and Dissertation Writing 2 Credits This course covers basis and practice in research presentation. Various techniques including the oral presentation, poster presentation, original article and dissertation writing will be illustrated in this subject. DS633 Hard Tissue Biology 2 cradits The course covers the development, structure, chemical components and physiology of hard tissue including tooth and bone. The course emphasizes cellular and molecular understanding of the hard tissue biology. DS 830 Advanced Oral Science 2 Credits The course covers the study of oral biological science, which includes cell and molecular biology. This course provides advanced knowledge and technology involving in oral science i.e. molecular biology of craniofacial development, molecular mechanisms of oral diseases and scientific basis for the effective prevention and treatment of the oral disease. The discussed topics focus on oral cancer, AIDs, dental caries and periodontal diseases. DS 691 Seminar in Oral Health Science 1 Credit The students gather and present the original article in dentistry for the group along with the discussion and suggestion by the supervisors. Critical reading will be practiced in this course. Required Elective Subjects DS 833 Advanced Dental Material Science 2 Credits This course introduces the fundamentals of material science related to the dentistry. The course includes the gathering of the knowledge and the new findings in both basic science and clinical application along with the group discussion in evidence-based dentistry. DS 834 Advanced Oral Microbiology and Immunology 2 Credits This course provides deep insight of the molecular microbiology and immunology related to the pathogenesis of the oral diseases i.e. dental caries, periodontitis, and other oral infection. This course also emphasizes on the diagnosis of bacterial and viral diseases based on the techniques of molecular biology. DS 835 Pathophysiology of Oral Diseases 2 Credits This course emphasizes on molecular mechanisms of disorders and diseases in craniofacial structures, which include oral cancer, odontogenic tumors, AIDs, temporomandibular disorders, and abnormal development. DS873 Advanced Oral Epidemiology 2 Credits This course covers the application of the epidemiology in dentistry, emphasizing on the theory and application. Knowledge based on international and national experiences will be included in the course. DS 843 Hard Tissue Biology 2 Credits This course covers cell and molecular biology related to development, structure, chemical component and physiology of hard tissue i.e. tooth and bone. Molecular mechanisms of bone remodeling are included in this course. BM 614 Principle of Pharmacokinetic and Drug Metabolism 2 Credits This course is an introduction to principles of pharmacokinetics, with special focus on each pharmacokinetics process, i.e. absorption, distribution, biotransformation and excretion. The subject also provides the insight and correct interpretation of pharmacokinetic parameters and their significance to clinical application. Other major topics involve variability in drug response among individuals with special focus on pharmacokinetic factors. These factors include physical factors of patients (e.g. age, weight), pharmacokinetic drug interaction, diseases and nutritional status.

12 DS 673 Social-ecological and Behavioral Science Foundations in Oral Health Promotion 3 Credits This course focuses on the application of theories and the principle of behavioral and social science on research, management and the evaluation of the oral health promotion. DS 773 Data Management for Oral Health Science 2 Credits This course covers the theoretical and practical knowledge on oral health data. Data management, statistical analyses and the interpretation of data are included in the course. Advanced statistical analyses including multivariate analysis, discriminant analysis and survival analysis are focused in this course. DS 774 Clinical Trial in Dentistry 2 Credits This course covers the principles of the clinical experiments, emphasizing on the research design and implementation. Randomized clinical trial is focused in the course. This course also includes common mistake and pitfalls in clinical dental research. DS 775 Applied Qualitative Research for Oral Health Promotion 3 Credits This course is focused on the application of various qualitative techniques in dental research, especially oral health promotion. Elective Subjects BM 656 Research Techniques in Molecular Biology 2 Credits This laboratory course trains students in basic molecular biology (recombinant DNA/RNA) techniques. These techniques include isolation of DNA and RNA from eukaryotic tissue, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme analysis of DNA, quantitation of nucleic acids, growth and purification of plasmid DNA in bacterial cells, ligation, cloning, transformation. Southern & Northern blotting, non-radioactive hybridization techniques, RNA in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are also included. BM 659 Research Techniques in Molecular Immunology 2 Credits This course consists of brief lectures and practical sessions on fundamental and sophisticated laboratory techniques used for research in molecular immunology. BM 666 Research Techniques in Pharmacology and Toxicology 2 Credits This course consists of brief lectures and practices on various techniques, which are imperative for research in pharmacology and toxicology. Examples include methods used in pharmacokinetic and drug metabolism studies, as well as quantitative and qualitative analysis of xenobiotics, e.g. high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), mass spectrometry, spectroscopy (spectrophoto-meter, spectofluorometer, atomic absorption, immunoassay (RIA, ELISA, EMIT). Students will be able to work on the laboratory by themselves and participate in the pharmacological and toxicological research. BM 667 Techniques in Cells and Tissue Culture 2 Credits This course is designed to train students in animal cell and tissue culture techniques. The content includes methods to select cells and tissues for culture, aseptic techniques and methods to prepare and develop culture media. BM786 Computer Application in Molecular Biology 2 Credits This course includes lectures and exercises (computer-based) on the usage of computers in molecular biology. The contents cover application of computer and Internet in life sciences, sequence editing, data submission, finding sequences in databases, sequence comparison, sequence function/feature analysis, searching for related data. BM787 Computer Application in Pharmacokinetic Data Analysis 2 Credits This course consists of lectures and practical session on pharmacokinetic analysis using computer software. DS 676 Theory and Research Health Communication 3 Credits This course is focused on the theories in health communication and the application of the theories in the health promotion.

13 Dissertation DS900 Dissertation Credits The students conduct research in oral science generating new knowledge in dentistry and prepare his/her dissertation under supervision of his/her advisor. Dissertation-related finding will be published in the international journal with impact factor at least Quality assurance 18.1 Course management The course works of this program are arranged in modules. One module may include 1-3 credits and will last 1-2 weeks/1 credit. This system, students will have enough time to study in the related topics continuously and will help in managing the schedule for the lecturers from both Thai and international institutes. The system is harmonious with the problem based learning system used by faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University Students The student must have competency in the use of computer The student may audit some courses or participate in laboratory techniques related to his/her dissertation under recommendations of the advisor The student choosing type 2 of the educational plan should submit concept proposal of his/her dissertation within the one semester after dissertation registration and must pass the examination within 4 semesters after enrollment The student choosing type 1 of the educational plan should submit concept proposal of his/her dissertation within the first semester and must pass the examination within 2 semesters after enrollment The student must follow other regulations, which indicate in this PhD program Lecturers Advisory committee Advisory committee composes of professors, associate professors or scholars who received Ph.D. in related fields Teaching staffs Teaching staffs include professors, associate professors and lecturers who receive Ph.D. in related areas of teaching Dissertation examiner Examiner committee composes of teaching staff and external examiners who qualify as the requirements of and Dissertation monitoring Advisory committee must provide at least 1 hr/week for dissertation monitoring The dissertation may be presented in national or international conferences and published in international journals having impact factor at least Program evaluation The Course Committee will annually audit the program. The output of this program will be evaluated every 3 years. Information and feedback obtained directly or indirectly from university, teaching staffs, students and customers will be considered in this process Curriculum development Curriculum will be updated every 2 years. Teaching staffs, administrators, students and graduates will be included in the process. In addition,international and national auditors will be invited to evaluate the program. 19 Other regulations Regulations which are not mentioned above should be followed the Rules of Doctoral Degree Education of 1998 and other related rules of Thammasat University.