General provisions

The course is offered as a part of the Master's Programme in Medical Research.

Entry requirements

Undergraduate education of 180 credits within life sciences (e.g. biomedicine, biotechnology, medicine, veterinary medicine) including at least 10 credits each of cell biology, biochemistry and genetics. Prerequisites in the form of completed 60 credits from the courses included in the first year studies of the Master's Programme in Medical Research or equivalent. This includes in-depth knowledge on advanced level in genetics/genomics, mechanisms that regulate biological processes from gene to disease development and methods used to study them, as well as basic principles for research work and scientific communication.

Proficiency in English equivalent to the general entry requirements for first-cycle (Bachelor's level) studies.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate:

• broad knowledge in medical sciences and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge and understanding in the area of the degree work/project,
• deep insight into current research and development work in the area of the degree work/project, and
• specialised methodological knowledge in the area of the degree work/project.

Competence and Skills

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

• critically and systematically summarise, analyse and assess knowledge, phenomena and questions at issue in the area of the degree work/project,
• critically, autonomously and creatively identify and formulate own research questions in the area of the degree work/project,
• plan and carry out tasks using for the degree work/project appropriate methods and within predetermined time frames,
• evaluate the performed degree work/project and how it can contribute to the knowledge development,
• in speech and writing clearly report and discuss their conclusions from the degree work/project and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based, in an international context and for the audience adapted way, and
• participate in and contribute to research and development work in the area of the degree work/project as well as medical sciences in a broader perspective.

Judgement and Approach

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate:

• the ability to critically evaluate relevant scientific, societal and ethical aspects of research and development work in the area of the degree work/project as well as medical sciences in a broader perspective,
• insights into the scientific possibilities and limitations in the area of the degree work/project, its impact and risks for the society and the individual, and
• the ability to identify need for, as well as an approach how to gain, further knowledge in the area of the degree work/project.

Content

The course aims to provide a broad scientifically anchored theoretical and practical knowledge in the area of the degree work/project through:

• project planning,
• obtaining and understanding of knowledge,
• application and implementation of relevant methods,
• analysis and critical assessment of results,
• evaluation of results and their significance
• reflection over societal and ethical aspects
• scientific and popular scientific presentations, and
• discussions over needs of further knowledge.

Instruction

Teaching is mainly assigned to a research group where the individual degree work/project is carried out under supervision and with participation in the research group's activities. Other compulsory course elements are, among others, presentation and evaluation of one's own and other students' project work.

Assessment

To pass the course, it is necessary to pass all compulsory elements, such as:

• oral and written presentations according to specific instructions,
• peer response to fellow students' presentations, and
• degree work/project assessed according to given criteria and learning outcomes.

Assessment of the included elements is made by the supervisor, subject reviewer(s) and teachers. The final course grade is based on the examiner's weighted evaluation of the course elements. Students who fail at individual parts of the course may complete these at the next course occasion.

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.