General provisions

This course is given within the Master's programme in Precision Medicine (MPM2M).

Entry requirements

180 credits, from an internationally recognised university. The degree must be in biochemistry/chemistry, biology, biomedicine/medicine, biotechnology, bioinformatics, cell-/molecular biology, genetics, life science, medical sciences, pharmacy, or a similar field of study.

A minimum of 60 credits of courses within the Master's Programme in Precision Medicine, including equivalent knowledge as the courses:

- Molecular Techniques and Data Analysis in Precision Medicine I (3MG038, 7.5 credits)

- Introduction to Machine Learning and AI for Life Sciences (3FF041, 7.5 credits)

- Molecular Techniques and Data Analysis in Precision Medicine II (3MG047, 15 credits)

- Biostatistics (2ST134, 7.5 credits)

- Introduction to R (2ST133, 7.5 credits)

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• demonstrate advanced knowledge and a deep theoretical understanding of the chosen subject within the field of precision medicine
• understand and describe current theories, methods, and techniques in the research field, including their execution and practical applications.

Competence and skills

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• compile, critically analyze, and assess relevant scientific literature within the chosen research field
• plan, and independently execute, document, and present a research project within the timeframe of the current project
• compile results from self-generated data analyses into a written report that adheres to language and formatting guidelines
• formulate personal conclusions derived from the results of data analyses
• present and discuss the results of self-generated data analyses and conclusions orally and in a written report
• assess the progress of a project and, if necessary, adjust the project plan to ensure that the project is carried out within the given timeframes.

Judgement and approach

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• Independently assess, interpret, and critically analyze the results of self-generated data analyses in relation to the research field.
• Discuss current research in the field and how the new knowledge may be applied clinically in healthcare.
• Provide, respond to, and consider constructive criticism, as well as evaluate one's own and others' research results.
• Apply an ethical and scientific approach.

Content

An independent research project in precision medicine is carried out individually under the supervision of an advisor at a research institution, authority, or company. The project aims to deepen and broaden the student's theoretical and methodological knowledge, as well as knowledge of scientific research. The work includes literature searches, planning, and practical implementation of the project, critical analysis of relevant scientific literature, and presentation of one's own results. A written project description, including a timeline, as well as oral and written presentation of the project, are also part of the work. The student is also expected to participate in relevant seminars and other regular activities in the research group.

Instruction

The instruction is provided in English in the form of independent work with individual supervision.

Assessment

Modes of assessment

The project work is presented both orally and in writing according to specific instructions. To pass the course requires the examiner's approval of: the thesis and presentation, project plan, assessment of other students' work, presence and active participation in the seminars of all course students, as well as assessment of performed work from the supervisor.

Exceptions to modes of assessment

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Requirements for a passing grade.

To obtain a passing grade, a written and oral presentation of the project work must be approved by the supervisor and examiner.