Course syllabus for Frontiers in Biomedicine: Research project 2

Avancerad biomedicin: forskningsprojekt 2

Specific entry requirements

At least the grade G (Pass) for the courses Frontiers in Biomedicine, Applied Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, semester 1 elective course, Bioethics and Laboratory Animal Science, Applied Biomedical Communication and Professional Development, and registration for the course Frontiers in Biomedicine: Research Project 1, within the Master's Programme in Biomedicine.

Outcomes

The aim of the course is for the student to perform a research project under supervision according to an individual study plan, and to broaden and deepen the student's theoretical and methodological knowledge within the chosen field of biomedicine. The student will also summarise the results of the project in a short research report, present them in written and oral formats during a poster-session, and discuss with peers and teachers.

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

Regarding knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate knowledge of a specific research topic through selection, analysis and discussion of literature relevant for the research area, and through considering the perspective of translational research;
• discuss and compare methodologies relevant for the research project.

Regarding competence and skills

• find and summarise relevant literature;
• conduct a research project, and document, discuss and visualise the results using a coherent scientific approach;
• show independent, critical and creative thinking when investigating a biomedical research question;
• critically and objectively assess others' scientific work and give relevant feedback;
• formulate new scientific questions that arise during a research project.

Regarding judgement and approach

• handle scientific material and data in a safe, responsible and ethically correct way, according to Karolinska Institutet's guidelines;
• show a professional approach regarding time planning and collegial cooperation
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used;
• demonstrate awareness of ethical-, gender- and sustainablility-related issues regarding the research topic.

Content

The course is based on individual research work including literature studies according to a specified individual study plan (ISP). The ISP will be written by both the supervisor and the student, and serves as a project description. At the end of the practical work, the student will write a research report and a conference abstract. A poster containing the research results will be designed, presented and discussed.
Data collection may be performed at universities or governmental authorities other than Karolinska Institutet, or within industry.

Teaching methods

The work will be done under supervision and the student is expected to attend lab meetings, project meetings, journal clubs and other activities as deemed relevant by the supervisor. The student will also be required to read appropriate scientific literature, relevant to the project and/or recommended by the supervisor.

Examination

The examination consists of a written abstract, a written research report and preparing a poster and presenting it orally. The examiner sets the grade (Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction) after consultation with the supervisor and the evaluating teacher based on the work performance, the abstract, the report and the presentation.

Compulsory participation
The student's presence in the host laboratory or workplace during the duration of the course is compulsory, unless otherwise advised by the supervisor.

The examiner assesses if and, in that case, how absence from compulsory components can be compensated. The student must participate in all compulsory parts or compensate for absence in accordance with the examiner's instructions, in order to pass the course. Absence from a compulsory activity may result in the student not being able to compensate the absence until the next time the course is given.

Limitations of the number of examinations or practical training sessions
A student who does not pass the written report or oral / poster presentation at their first attempt is entitled to participate in five additional examination sessions. If the student has failed six examinations, no additional examination sessions are provided.

Physically attending or otherwise commencing an examination is regarded as an examination session. An examination, for which the student registered but did not participate, is not counted as an examination session.

The examiner may terminate a student's practical training or equivalent at a placement with immediate effect if the student shows such serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills or approach that the safety of the student and/or other personnel, equipment or valuable reagents/material at the placement are at risk. If a placement requires termination in this way, the student fails the practical work. In such cases, an individual action plan must be drawn up, stating the actions that are required before the student is permitted to perform a new practical placement.

A student who does not pass the practical work (as specified in the assessment criteria) at their placement at their first attempt should perform practical work at a new placement. If the student fails the practical work twice, no additional examination sessions are provided, and the student may not register for future course occasions.

Adaption of examination
If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

Other directives

The course language is English and examination is performed in English.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Higher Education.

Literature and other teaching aids

Individual reading list as stated in the ISP, and other teaching aids as determined by the project supervisor.