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International Course for Oral Life Science Education Project Report on Academic Guidance Meeting and Field Reviews Undertaken December 2006

Period of Visit：

Thursday, December 7-Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Site：

The University of Peradeniya Faculty of Dental Sciences (Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka)

Members of Visiting Delegation：

(Academic Staff) Prof. Takeyasu Maeda, Prof. Hideo Miyazaki,Prof. Isao Saito

(Administrative Staff) Tetsuo Masuko(Educational Affairs Division Head),Osamu Ishida(Senior Staff- General Affairs, Ed. Affairs Div.)

Core University Representatives：

Prof. H. Abeygunawardena(Vice Chancellor)
Prof. R. L. Wijeyeweera(Dean of the Faculty of Dental Sciences)
Prof. Mrs. C. D. Nanayakkara(Head, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Dental Sciences)
Dr. K. S. N. Ariyasinghe(Instructor, Former International Student)
Dr. H.D. N. Amarasena(Instructor, Former International Student)
Dr. Mrs. J. K. C. Amarasena(Instructor, Former International Student)
Et al.

Due to mostly economic factors, dental education in Asia is lagging behind international standards. The disparity in research environments is great; many international students who have studied Niigata University have returned to Sri Lanka only to find that they were unable to fully utilize their education. In response Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences Department of Oral Life Science established the “International Course for Oral Life Science” in the hopes of positively contributing to the Asian community by giving past graduates the opportunity to showcase their research skills while helping cultivate new graduates able to properly care for the many types of dental maladies native to region.

This program has already been successful in establishing base-school relations with the University of Peradeniya in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. As of April 2006, it has accepted one applicant from the University of Peradeniya, who already undergoing the program at the Division of Oral Anatomy at Niigata University.

In addition, this program was selected for funding under the “International Contribution through Effective Post-Graduate Education for International Students” category of the Initiatives for Attractive Education in Graduate Schools program.

The following section details the results of the field review and meetings on academic guidance that took place both this year and last.

1.Report on Research Guidance at Niigata University

A report was given on the of the progress of the first student on the International Course for Oral Life Science whose program at the Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences Department of Oral Life Science started April 2006.

(Courses Studied during the First Year)

Designated Subjects

Introduction to Oral Life Science Research(Required Subject)
Seminar on Electrical Physiology(Elective Subject)
Practice of Morphological Analysis(Elective Subject)

Elective Subjects in a Related Discipline

Studies in Histochemistry and Cytochemistry(Coursework)
Neuroscience Studies(Coursework)
Stomatognathic Structural Studies(Coursework)
Practical Histology on Oral and Maxillofacial Organs(Elective Subject)

Research Commentary Course: Oral and Maxillofacial Kinesiology

A report was given that the academic program of the first student is progressing without issue. The new system of coursework that was instituted this year is expected to continue its effectiveness in future study as well.

2.Meeting on the Post-Second Year Academic Program

A discussion took place regarding the academic program at the University of Peradeniya after the first year of the course. Topics discussed included utilization of e-Learning to complete the Elective Subjects in a Related Discipline coursework, the type of academic guidance to be offered at the Core University, post-return research topics, as well as confirmation of the roles of main and assistant advising faculty.

3.Learning Resources and Organizational Infrastructure at the Core University

The review team was given an explanation regarding the financial situation of the University of Peradeniya, education system of the graduate school as well as educational systems in place to foster future researchers.

4.Meeting on Future Student Recruitment

After explaining the situation at Niigata University, discussion was had on how future student recruiting would be handled. There were no applicants for the academic term starting in April 2007, however since there was one for the term starting October, a discussion was had on the schedule for that student. In addition, there was much interest shown by those in areas related to clinical studies; especially in relation to research activities. It was decided that future recruitment will take place targeting those in various academic areas in the University of Peradeniya.

5.Learning Resources and Physical Infrastructure at the Core University

Areview was undertaken regarding the student research environment. Microscopes and other optical equipment were found to be in inadequate supply causing many students to share one device.

As for Visual Aids, presently OHPs are still being used for the majority of lectures. Despite the desire by many instructors to utilize LCD projectors to show higher quality PowerPoint presentations, the limited domestic supply of such devices makes procurement and maintenance difficult.

6.Meeting on Environmental Improvement of the Core University

Upon reviewing the current conditions at the Core University, a meeting was had to discuss the learning environment and educational materials available for students enrolled in the International Course for Oral Heath Science past their 2nd year.

Various issues were discussed including the difficulties related to the shipping of necessary equipment from Niigata University, as well as problems with procuring necessary equipment within Sri Lanka. Issues regarding equipment maintenance were also discussed.

7.Confirmation of e-Learning Viability

The review team was able to connect to the Niigata University Faculty of Dentistry's e-Learning server using a computer in the computer lab. After logging in, tests of the various tools available on the e-Learning system were done. While the network was slower than the ideal, current plans call for an upgrade in the near future. It is hoped that after this upgrade the network speed will be improved to be within ideal specifications.

8.Conclusions

A review was done on the clinical facilities. While they were not up to optimal standards, the fact that the University of Peradeniya is the only dental faculty in all of Sri Lanka and the fact that it is equipped with its own Medical Dental Hospital ensures its ability to gather large amounts of clinical data.

The visit schedule had to be adjusted because of considerations relating to the possible deterioration of public safety in Sri Lanka. However University of Peradeniya has remained highly cooperative towards the International Course of Oral Life Science. We would like to continue the program onwards, eventually expanding adding new Core Universitys in neighboring countries.