General provisions

The course is given as a part of Master's Programme in Molecular Medicine at the Medical Faculty.

Entry requirements

Minimum 60 credits of courses within the Master's programme in Molecular Medicine, including courses Medical Genetics and Cancer; Molecular Mechanisms and Advanced Techniques in Molecular Medicine.

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 molecular medicine,
• understand and describe in detail the current theories, methods, and techniques within the chosen research area, including their execution and practical applications,
• show deep insight into current research and development work in the chosen subject within the research field,
• 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, and
• 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,
• critically, autonomously and creatively identify and formulate own research questions in the chosen project,
• plan and carry out tasks using for project appropriate methods and within predetermined time frames,
• evaluate the performed project and how it can contribute to the knowledge development,
• in speech and writing clearly report and discuss their conclusions from project and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based, in an international context and for the audience adapted way,
• participate in and contribute to research and development work in the area of the project as well as medical sciences in a broader perspective,
• present, discuss and constructively criticize, in writing and orally, own as well as peer student's projects, and
• 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 chosen subject within the research field as well as medical sciences in a broader perspective,
• insights into the scientific possibilities and limitations in the area of the project, its impact and risks for the society and the individual,
• the ability to identify need for, as well as an approach how to gain, further knowledge in the chosen subject within the research field, and
• an ethical and empathetic attitude towards animals used for scientific purposes.

Content

An independent research project in molecular medicine is carried out individually under the supervision of an advisor at a research institution, authority, or company. A written project description, including a timeline, as well as both oral and written presentations of the project, are part of the work. The course aims to provide a broad scientifically anchored theoretical and practical knowledge in the scientific area of molecular medicine 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 over needs of further knowledge.

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

Teaching is mainly assigned to a research group where the student's project is carried out under individual 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. The student is also expected to participate in relevant seminars and other regular activities within the research group.

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.

Assessment

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

• a written project description, including a timeline,
• oral and written presentations according to specific instructions,
• peer response to fellow students' presentations,
• project assessed according to given criteria and learning outcomes,
• approved result on all web-based tests in laboratory animal science,
• approved written exam in the theoretical part in laboratory animal science, and
• approved practical exam in the practical part laboratory animal science.

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.

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.