Bateman, H. L., Ellis, J. S. and Thomason, J. M. (2015), Virtual courses: enhancing a curriculum. European Journal of Dental Education. doi: 10.1111/eje.12170.

This article outlines one of the innovations the School of Dental Sciences have implemented to provide clear signposting for students and staff of key themes running throughout the undergraduate curriculum.

A virtual course incorporates elements from across the current programme which are related to a specific theme.  Examples of themes include ‘Working as a Dental Team’ and ‘Study Skills’.  Elements are incorporated from a range of academic and clinical courses and are repackaged to permit demonstration of where that specific theme is taught, experienced and assessed within the 5 year programme of study.

We believe use of these ‘virtual courses’ promote a range of benefits including enhancement of programme transparency, and in already comprehensive programmes, allows a response to new requirements and initiatives of external regulatory bodies without major curriculum restructuring.

Miss Heidi Bateman, School of Dental Sciences