Course syllabus for Biomedical Research Literacy

Biomedicinsk forskningslitteracitet

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 to educate the student in different aspects of the scientific research process used within biomedicine.

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

Regarding knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate an understanding of scientific method and design used within biomedicine,
• Explain and discuss the role of peer review in the scientific publication process,

Regarding competence and skills

• Formulate a research plan including experimental procedures appropriate to test a stated hypothesis,
• Critically evaluate manuscripts in the field of biomedicine according to standard praxis for peer review,

Regarding judgement and approach

• Reflect on research design used in biomedicine as well as the benefits and limitations of the publication process,
• Reflect on the design of biomedical research from a global health perspective.

Content

The course covers the scientific research process used within biomedicine. It includes study design according to scientific method, from the formulation of a hypothesis to the selection of methods and the experimental design required to address the hypothesis, including core concepts such as controls and replication. The course also covers the peer review process used in scientific publishing.

The course is divided into two parts.

Scientific method and design, 4,0 Credits
Concepts of scientific method and their implications for scientific practice within biomedicine. Different stages of scientific design including framing a knowledge gap in a broader scientific setting, developing a hypothesis, formulating an experimental plan, documentation and handling of results, and drawing conclusions.

Peer review in the publication process, 2,0 Credits
The practice of peer review of biomedical manuscripts submitted to scientific journals, as a first step in the publication process.

Teaching methods

Learning activities include lectures, web-based learning, group discussions, written exercises, oral presentations and peer review.

Examination

Scientific method and design (4 credits). The examination consists of completion of a web-based learning module, a written research plan, oral presentation of the research plan and peer-to-peer oral opposition. Graded Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction.

Peer review in the publication process (2 credits). The examination consists of a written review of a scientific manuscript (consisting of both individual and group components), and discussion of the written review with peers. Graded Fail/Pass.

To pass the whole course (grade of "Pass" or above), a grade of at least "Pass" must have been obtained for both parts of the course. To obtain a final grade of "Pass with distinction", a grade of "Pass with distinction" must be obtained for "Scientific method and design" and a grade of "Pass" for "Peer review in the publication process".

Compulsory participation
Group discussions, oral presentations, and peer review oppositions are compulsory.

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 an examination at their first attempt is entitled to participate in five additional examination sessions. If the student does not pass after four examinations, he/she is recommended to retake the course at the next regular course occasion, and may, after that, participate in two more 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. Handing in a blank exam is considered taking part in an examination session. An examination, for which the student registered but did not participate, is not counted as an examination session.

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.

Oral evaluation in the form of course council meetings will be carried out during the course.

This course replaces the course Biomedical Research Literacy, 6 credits (4BI117) and cannot be included in a degree together with the latter course.

Literature and other teaching aids

Specific study material and reference articles will be provided during the course.