General provisions

The course is electable within the master programmes for infection biology and medical research.

Through theoretical and practical training, during the individual research project, the student shall learn how to plan, carry out, evaluate and report the results of a scientific study in the biomedical area of the project in a scientifically correct manner.

Entry requirements

Undergraduate education of 180 credits within biosciences including courses of at least 30 credits in microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology/biochemistry or genetics. Additional 15 credits within biosciences at advanced level are required. Proficiency in English equivalent to the general entry requirements for first-cycle (Bachelor's level) studies.

Learning outcomes

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Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• demonstrate profound knowledge and comprehension related to the project area,
• demonstrate advanced knowledge on methodology related to the project area,
• demonstrate deepened insight into scientific research and developmental work related to the chosen scientific project,
• integrate and synthesize biological causality in relation to the project's questions.

Competence and skills

On completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• demonstrate independently the ability to identify and formulate questions as well as plan and with adequate methods perform a research project within a given time frame,
• search for, collect and critically assess scientific literature within a project area,
• perform, document, analyze, judge and optimize ongoing project,
• demonstrate  the ability to integrate knowledge and critically reflect on the meaning in relation to own scientific findings and to be able to independently handle complex phenomena and questions within  research area,
• give constructive feedback on experimental performance,
• demonstrate the capacity to orally and in writing explain and discuss drawn conclusions based on scientific knowledge and arguments. 

Judgement and approach 

On completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• argue for choice of methodology and research design based on the scientific context of the research area,
• critically assess the project's strengths and weaknesses and discuss its significance in a broader scientific context,
• analyze and evaluate reproducibility of performed experiments and demonstrate how to increase development of knowledge, 
• consider societal and ethical aspects of project as well as obtained results, and consider potential consequences those can lead to.

Content

The individual research project course  gives in-depth knowledge within the subject area of the chosen project through theoretical studies and practical execution of the project work

Instruction

The student participates during 20 weeks in a specified research project under guidance of a scientific supervisor. The student performs the project under guidance as well as performs own studies on the theoretical background of the project by reading literature. By participating in research seminars in connection to the project area the students develop their scientific approach. Education can be given in part or entirely in English.

Assessment

The project course is examined by following parts:

• written presentation of a project plan with time frame,
• practical performance of the elaborated and approved project plan,
• oral and written presentation and discussion of performed project,
• popular science summary of project,
• critical analysis of experimental performance of another project.

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. 

Other regulations

Note:

In case the student has taken corresponding project courses, an individual assessment of the project orientation and depth is made to ensure the student's progression in knowledge acquisition.