Course syllabus for Practical applications and scientific communication

Praktiska tillämpningar och vetenskaplig kommunikation

Specific entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree or a professional degree worth at least 180 credits in biomedicine, biotechnology, cellular and molecular biology, pharmaceutics, health care, medicine, or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6/English B.

Outcomes

The course aims to provide students with practical skills and theoretical insights into laboratory methods within the fields of pharmacology, physiology, toxicology, and molecular biology. By combining experimental work with training in scientific communication, the course prepares students to plan, conduct, analyze, and present laboratory-based research. The course strengthens the ability to translate experimental results into clear written and oral scientific presentations, as well as to develop critical thinking and methodological awareness.

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

• Demonstrate relevant laboratory competence and apply sustainable laboratory practices such as efficient resource management, waste reduction, and minimizing environmental impact. 
• Conduct laboratory experiments using appropriate controls and statistical methods, and provide thorough documentation. 
• Evaluate and interpret experimental data while acknowledging strengths, limitations, and possible sources of error. 
• Communicate translational research concepts to diverse audiences.
• Critically reflect on the role of biomedical research in advancing global health, with particular emphasis on its alignment with the Global Sustainable Development Goals.

Content

The course includes practical laboratory components and theoretical elements in pharmacology, physiology, toxicology, and molecular biology. Activities may include:

• Design and execution of laboratory experiment relevant to drug development, cellular responses, and toxicological assessments.
• Hands-on training in techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cell-based assays.
• Statistical evaluation and interpretation of experimental outcomes.
• Critical evaluation of methodological approaches and their scientific and ethical implications.
• Development of skills in writing scientific reports, abstracts, or posters.
• Oral presentations and peer feedback to strengthen scientific communication skills.

Teaching methods

The course is based on a combination of laboratory exercises, seminars, and workshops. Students will work in small groups to design and conduct experiments, with continuous guidance from supervisors. Laboratory activities are complemented by lectures introducing theoretical foundations and methodological considerations. Communication skills are trained through structured assignments, including laboratory reports, oral presentations, and peer-review exercises. Active participation, group collaboration, and reflective discussions are emphasized to support both technical proficiency and professional communication skills.

Examination

Examinations
Individual practical laboratory assessment. Graded Fail/Pass
Group laboratory written report. Graded Fail/Pass
Group oral presentation. Graded Fail/Pass.
Individual examination during oral presentation. Graded Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction.

Mandatory attendance
Laboratory introduction
Laboratory activities
Seminars

Written assignments should be submitted before the end of the course according to the specification in the schedule. To pass the course (the grade Pass or higher), at least Pass on all components of the course is required. To pass the course with distinction, the grade Pass with distinction on the individual oral examination is also required.

Compulsory participation
The examiner assesses if, and how, absence from compulsory course elements can be made up for. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in compulsory course elements or compensated for any absence in accordance with instructions from the examiner. Absence from a compulsory course element could mean that the student cannot retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

**Limitation of number of tests **
The students that have not passed after regular examination session have the right to participate at further five examination sessions. If the student has carried out six failed examinations/tests, no additional examination or new course admission is approved.

Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination. Submission of a blank examination is regarded as an examination. In case a student is registered for an examination but does not attend, this is not regarded as an examination.

In the event of special circumstances, or if a student with a disability is in need of certain adjustments, the examiner may decide to depart from the syllabus' regulations on examination form, number of examination opportunities, possibility of completion or exemption from compulsory educational elements, etc. Content and intended learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities must not be altered, removed or lowered.

Other directives

A course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by Karolinska Institutet.

Literature and other teaching aids

Mandatory literature

Study material and reference articles will be provided during the course.