Course syllabus for

Research Project, 16 credits

Forskningsprojekt, 16 hp
This course syllabus is valid from autumn 2014.
Please note that the course syllabus is available in the following versions:
Autumn2013 , Autumn2014 , Autumn2019
Course code
4BI097
Course name
Research Project
Credits
16 credits
Form of Education
Higher Education, study regulation 2007
Main field of study 
Biomedicine 
Level 
AV - Second cycle 
Grading scale
Fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG)
Department
Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology
Decided by
Programnämnd 7
Decision date
2013-03-21
Revised by
Programme Committee 7
Last revision
2014-03-28
Course syllabus valid from
Autumn 2014

Specific entry requirements

At least the grade G (pass) on the courses Applied communication in biomedicine 1 including philosophy of science and bioethics, Applied communication in biomedicine 2, Frontiers in translational medicine, Laboratory animal science in theory and practice, and Biostatistics, within the Master's programme in Biomedicine.

Objectives

The aim of the course is to give the students an opportunity to perform a research project within the field of biomedicine under supervision according to an individual study plan, to summarize the results in a research report and present the results of the project.

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

Regarding knowledge and understanding

  • apply experimental methods to solve a given scientific task,
  • collect data for evaluation and for statistical treatment, if relevant,
  • apply relevant scientific literature in his/her own research project.

Regarding skills and ability

  • perform a research project according to an individual study plan,
  • demonstrate independent analytical and creative thinking,
  • document results by writing a research report,
  • present and discuss research results with colleagues and senior researchers,
  • formulate new scientific questions that arise during the performance of a research project.

Regarding judgements and attitudes

  • show a professional attitude regarding time planning, and collaboration,
  • make connections between theoretical and practical knowledge,
  • in a safe manner and in good order handle scientific material,
  • perform the project work in an ethically correct manner,
  • reflect upon and discuss the relevance of the work in written and oral form.

Content

The course is based on individual research work including literature studies according to the study plan. An individual study plan will be written by the supervisor and the student togehter, which serves as a project description. At the end of the practical work,  the students will write a research report and a conference abstract. A poster based on the research results will be designed, presented and discussed. Data collection can be performed at other universities or authorities than Karolinska Institutet, or in industry.

Teaching methods

Individual work under supervision. Participation in seminars, journal clubs or similar activities in the respective scientific environment. Reading of scientific literature as recommended by the supervisor and the student´s own judgment.

Examination

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

Limited number of examinations or practical training sessions
Students who have not passed the regular examination are entitled to participate in five more examinations. If the student is not approved after four examinations, he/she is recommended to retake the course at the next regular course date, and may, after that, participate in two more examinations. If the student has failed six examinations/tests, no additional examination or new admission is provided.

The number of times that the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session. Submission of a blank examination is regarded as an examination. An examination for which the student registered but not participated in, will not be counted as an examination.

Transitional provisions

After each course occasion there will be at least six occasions for the examination within a two-year period from the end of the course.

Other directives

The course language is 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.

Literature and other teaching aids

Individual reading list will be established in the study plan.