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

At least 75 credits completed courses within the Erasmus Mundus Master's Programme in Innovative Medicine.

Learning outcomes

The prime objective of the course is to give the students a deeper knowledge about research and development, and thereby increasing the possibilities to make active choices among the multitude of biomedical research fields.

During the course the student is expected to acquire:

broad knowledge about current topics in bioscientific research.

advanced theoretical knowledge from selected research areas.

practical experience from one research environment and one of its projects.

advanced theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding in scientific creativity, problem solving and critical evaluations.

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

ability to present, discuss and constructively criticize scientific data in correct English, both in writing and orally. communicate scientific data orally and in writing.•ability to participate in and contribute to scientific discussions.

developed skills to provide, respond to and take into account constructive criticism, and to evaluate own and others' work.

awareness of the conditions for graduate studies.

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

Content

Laboratory work, as an individual project for approximately 19 weeks performed at a research group at Uppsala University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, an official institute or at a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company. Participation in the activities of the research group such as journal clubs, research presentations and group meetings.

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 blocks in life sciences, run in parallel with the practical work, corresponding to approximately 15 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 a Master's thesis and by oral presentation at a mini symposium. Constructive criticism is given in conjunction to the presentations by 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 scientific articles. 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.