Mapping as a Tool for Biomaterials Study Content Harmonization With Significant Research Findings

Abstract

Riga Stradins University (RSU) has almost 70-year-experience in implementing health care and 20-year-experience social science studies. RSU has more than 9000 students, 26% of whom are international students. International recognition is enabled by direct correlation between quality of studies and competitiveness of graduates. Quality of studies is being systematically improved and mapping of the study results is a significant tool in implementation of the process. A mapping system created by RSU makes it possible to analyse study programmes, study course connections, succession, implementation, novelty and correspondence to the professional standard requirements, identifying level of alignment between graduate outcomes, study programme, study course results and study activities. Consequently, it is possible to trace synergy between a study programme and development tendencies of the discipline. With rapid developments in the medical industry, discussions about the use of biomaterials are being raised, which is an essential component in strategical specialisation fields in Medicine and Dentistry in RSU. Biomaterials are used in many of today’s medical devices, including artificial skin, blood vessels, hearts, pacemakers, dental fillings, wires, plates and pins for bone repair, total artificial joint replacements. The aim of the research is to study the conformity of biomaterials content acquisition in RSU Dentistry study programme to significant research findings. Qualitative methodology is used in the research: study course learning outcomes mapping, interviews with field experts, observation of the course, study programme and course leaders and student focus group. Upon evaluation of the obtained research results, the following conclusions are proposed: • The theme ‘biomaterials’ is very topical in Dentistry study programme and its significance is ascertained to have a tendency to increase. • Balanced distribution of biomaterials content in the study programme is needed to ensure more successive and systemic acquisition of study results. • To foster students’ readiness to work with biomaterials in a clinic, improvement in cooperation of the faculty is necessary which would facilitate the appropriateness of specific content to Dentistry sub-sectors. Summarising the research results, it can be concluded that study course learning outcomes mapping and interviews with education actors involved in the study programme, have helped to discover the essence and range of biomaterials content acquisition, succession, reciprocal links at study course level and appropriateness of content to significant research findings. The obtained results have been conceptualised, communicated to various target groups and update of Dentistry study programme is based on them.