General provisions

Biomedicine: constitutes degree project for MA/MSc (120 credits)

Entry requirements

A minimum of 60 credits from courses within the Master's programme in Biomedicine including the courses Homeostasis and Endocrine Disorders with a focus on Major Diseases and Advanced Neurobiology.

An approved project plan.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

On completing the course, the student shall:

• demonstrate broad knowledge in biomedical sciences and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge and understanding in the area of the degree project,
• demonstrate in-depth insight into current research and development work in the area of the degree project, and
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the area of the degree project
• be able to identify and describe laws, regulations, and authorities, as well as the principles of the 3Rs and ethical reasoning in the context of animal use for scientific purposes
• be able to explain the fundamental principles of behaviour, care, biology, and welfare of the animal species relevant to the project.
• be able to theoretically describe minimally invasive procedures and methods for humane euthanasia of the animal species relevant to the 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 project,
• critically, autonomously and creatively identify and formulate own research questions in the area of the degree project,
• plan and carry out tasks using methods appropriate for the degree project and within predetermined time frames,
• evaluate the performed degree project and how it can contribute to the development of knowledge,
• orally and in writing clearly report and discuss their conclusions from the degree 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 project as well as biomedical sciences in a broader perspective
• demonstrate handling, restraining, and related procedures, as well as be able to perform euthanasia and dissection for the animal species relevant to the project

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 project as well as biomedical sciences in a broader perspective,
• insights into the scientific possibilities and limitations in the area of the degree project, its impact and risks for the society and the individual, and
• the ability to identify the need for, as well as an approach how to gain, further knowledge in the area of the degree project
• An ethical and empathetic attitude towards animals used for scientific purposes

Content

The project consists of an individual assignment carried out under supervision. Theoretical and methodological knowledge from completed courses of the Master's programme in Biomedicine are applied, broadened and deepened.

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

• project planning,
• obtaining and understanding of knowledge,
• application and implementation of relevant methods,
• practical work equivalent to the scope of the course.
• 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 of the need for further knowledge

Students performing projects at academic departments or the equivalent are expected to participate in the regular seminar activities of the research group.

The Laboratory Animal Science section aims to provide fundamental theoretical knowledge and an introduction to practical work in the field of laboratory animal science. The training admits eligibility to carry out scientific procedures under supervision ("carrying out procedures" according to SJVFS 2019:9, L150, and Function A, C, D according to Directive 2010/63/EU).

This section includes legislation, regulations, and authorities relevant to the use of animals in research; the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), applications for ethical approval of animal experiments; housing; enrichment; animal welfare and diseases; species-specific biology and physiology; ethology; personal safety when working with animals used for scientific purposes; species-specific practical handling; performing minimally invasive procedures; euthanasia; dissection; record-keeping; and creating ethograms.

Instruction

The teaching is mainly assigned to a research group where the individual degree project is carried out under supervision and with participation in the research group's activities.

The education in laboratory animal science consists of two parts; a web-based theoretical course and a practical course specific to the animal species relevant to the project.

Other compulsory course elements are, among others, presentation and evaluation of their own and peer students' project work.

Assessment

For pass grade the student has to:

• write an approved half time report
• write an approved report structured as a scientific paper
• write an approved summary of the degree project in popular form
•  perform an approved oral presentation including discussion and defence
• critically review another student's report and presentation
• approved result on all web-based tests in laboratory animal science
• approved written exam in the theoretical part in laboratory animal science
• approved practical exam in the practical part laboratory animal science

Assessment of the included elements is made by the supervisor, subject expert(s) and examiner. The final course grade is based on the examiner's weighted evaluation of the course elements.

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.