General provisions

The course is offered as part of the Master's programs in the Faculty of Medicine.

Entry requirements

Basic university education of at least 240 credits including 30 credits at advanced level in (bio) medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, biology, biochemistry or biotechnology. Proof of skills in English at a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school.

This is normally attested by means of an international recognised test with the following minimum scores:

- IELTS: An overall mark of 6.5 and no section below 5.5

- TOEFL: Paper-based: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test and a total score of 575. Internet-based: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test and a total score of 90.

- Cambridge: CAE, CPE

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide a sound theoretical basis for research education, to provide practical experience in various research projects and a broad insight into different biomedical research areas. The purpose is to provide a basis for the election of research area for the continued research education.

Following the course in Advanced research training 30 credits students are expected to:

• have theoretical and practical experience in bio-scientific research projects.

• be able to define and analyse scientific questions, critically evaluate obtained data and to identify and solve methodological problems in a scientific manner.

• have theoretical and practical knowledge about communication techniques for oral as well as written presentation of scientific data.

• be aware of issues on scientific fraud and be able to evaluate research ethical questions.

• have theoretical and practical experience in usage of bioinformatics tools.

• have increased insight into current statistical analysis methods.

• have the ability to participate in scientific discussions.

Content

Practical individual research project training during approximately 15 weeks at an academic department at Uppsala University, the Swedish Agricultural University, an official institute or at a biotechnology/drug company. Participation in the activities of the research group such as journal clubs, research presentations and group meetings.

Own presentations of the chosen research area and project with use of different presentation techniques.

Theoretical education in statistics, research ethics and presentation techniques with practical exercises.

Instruction

The education during the research project is given as hands on guidance by the appointed supervisor of the research project. The performed project is presented as an abstract and as a poster at an official poster exhibition as well as an oral presentation at a mini symposium. The research area of the individual project is also summarised in a referee-evaluated mini-review. Constructive criticism is given in conjunction to the presentations by independent researchers and teachers, and through group discussions. Students will also practice how to formulate questions to fellow students' presentations. The theoretical parts consist of lectures and exercises designed based on current research. Lectures, seminars and practical exercises are mandatory elements.

The theoretical instruction includes:

- Lectures describing current research at Uppsla university and novel techniques are given concentrated during an introductory week and also spread out later during the semester.

- Statistical methods for biomedicine, oral and written presentation techniques, and ethics for biomedical research are taught in the form of seminars and practical exercises during 5 weeks of fulltime studies. These topics are obligatory courses for PhD students at the medical and pharmaceutical faculties of Uppsala University.

All instructions are given in English.

Assessment

The student's performance during the project work is evaluated according to set criteria by the practical supervisor who will be involved in all aspects concerning the design and presentation of the research project. Performance at the exercises during the theoretical training is assessed by the teacher. Both the practical and the theoretical work is evaluated and considered by the examiner when the course's final grade is given. To pass the course it is necessary to complete all compulsory elements. Students who fail at individual parts of the course may complete these during the annual block or otherwise at the coming course.