General provisions

The course is offered as part of the Master's programs in the Faculty of Medicine to students admitted to the Erasmus Mundus Master's Programme in Innovative Medicine (IMIM).

Entry requirements

A minimum of 45 credits obtained within the Erasmus Mundus Master's Programme in Innovative Medicine.

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide practical experience of one research project and a broad insight into different biomedical research areas. The purpose is to provide a basis for the election of biomedical topics for the continued education in research/development.

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

have knowledge about current topics and methods in bioscientific research.• have theoretical and practical experience of one bioscientific research project and its research environment.

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

• be able to consider /assess the social, sustainability and ethical aspects of research and development projects as well as the possible impact and consequences obtained results might have. apply ethical considerations on research issues.

• in correct English be able to present, discuss and constructively criticize scientific data, both in writing and orally. have knowledge about communication techniques for oral as well as written presentation of scientific data.

• have the ability to participate in scientific discussions.

• have developed the ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international team with research within academic or private sector.

Content

An introductory week lectures / seminars covering current topics and methods in life science led by prominent researchers in the area, corresponding to approximately 30 class hours.

Practical individual research project training during approximately 19 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.

Oral and written presentations of the chosen research area and project.

A short module common to all IMIM students, Industrial Perspectives on Innovative Medicine (IPIM), which deals with entrepreneurship, intellectual property and research funding, where representatives from the private sector (Pharma/Drug Discovery, Biotech, Diagnostics, and Food & Nutrition) are involved. During the course, the students prepare and present their own research applications.

A theme week with in-depth studies of a life science topic where lectures / seminars led by prominent researchers in the area.

A theoretical course block in life sciences, run in parallel with the practical work, corresponding to approximately 15 instructor-led class hours.

The Bench to Bedside and Back (BBB) learning line curriculum of interdisciplinary project work carried out in groups of IMIM-students from all partner universities.

Instruction

During the laboratory project, research training is given by individual supervision, "hands-on" instructions, and departmental seminars, journal clubs etc. The performed project is presented as an abstract and an oral presentation at a mini symposium. The research area of the individual project is also summarized 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 additional theoretical parts are given as lectures and seminars with discussions around current research topics. Lectures, seminars and practical exercises are mandatory elements.

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. Grading system: Fail (U), pass (G), pass with distinction (VG).

For special reasons, the examiner may exempt from the indicated examination method and allow an alternative examination form. A special reason may for instance be a decision by the University's disability coordinator that special pedagogical support should be provided.