Research Preparatory Course in Medical Genetics, 30 credits

180 credits, mainly in science/medicine. At least 90 credits in one of the following subjects: biomedicine, biochemistry, chemistry, medicine or molecular biology.

After the course, the student is expected to
- have general knowledge of what genetic research within medicine includes in terms of clinical materials and model systems
- have advanced theoretical knowledge of the specific research field of the project
- be familiar with the experimental methods used by the host laboratory and be able to independently apply a part of these
- have understood the foundations of a critical and scientific approach, and be able to take responsibility for his/her own learning

Furthermore, the student should
- have acquired good laboratory practice particularly concerning safety aspects and documentation of experiments and results
- have met ethical aspects of animal and human testing to the extent that it is included in the current project
- have had the opportunity to look into careers in research at KI

The research-preparatory course in medical genetics provide an opportunity to participate in practice in research projects in a research group studying genetic predisposition to disease or character. The study includes literature studies, laboratory experiments, collection of results and interpretation of data under supervision. The student is supervised by a member of the research team. Participation in seminars and journal clubs is included. In addition to the methods and questions provided by the specific project the student will also be offered a general orientation in a scientific approach, good laboratory practice and research-ethical issues. The course is directed towards students from medical, scientific or technical first-cycle (undergraduate) or second-cycle (Master's) programmes who e.g. consider an education in a third-cycle (doctoral) programme, and want to get closer acquainted with genetic research in medicine.

The course is divided in two parts:
Part 1
Research and research methodology in medical genetics, 1 higher education credits
Book/journal club, i.e. discussion of a book chapter or scientific article, 1 higher education credit.

Part 2
Research project in medical genetics, 29 higher education credits.

Experimental work and literature studies, discussions, seminars, lectures, and oral and written presentation at the end of the course.

Examination is made orally to the supervisor, the course coordinator and any others interested in the form of a overall and summarising presentation of the area and the specific project. An equivalent written report should be submitted to the supervisor.

For a Pass grade, at least 80% attendance at all parts is required Any absence is compensated by additional laboratory work and seminars as agreed with the supervisor. Review of the study completion is for the supervisor who, on completion of the course, reports attendance and assessment of the course participant's presentation to the course coordinator .

The course has been cancelled and was offered for the last time in the spring semester of 2011. Examination will be provided until the spring of 2018 for students who have not completed the course. 

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