Marketing and Sales in Life Sciences, 6 credits

At least the grade Pass on the courses in Theory in bioentrepreneurship, Industrial Management, Communication in bioentrepreneurship 1, Market analysis, Communication in bioentrepreneurship 2 and Practical Placement 1 within the Master's programme in bioentrepreneurship.

The course aims to give an understanding of the basics in marketing and sales in the life science industry, that is pharmaceuticals, medical technology and biotechnology. 

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

Regarding knowledge and understanding

• explain basic concepts, theories, methods and models in marketing and sales as well as understand and discuss when they are relevant to apply in the life science industry context.

Regarding skills and abilities

• practically apply theories and models in marketing and sales to analyze problems that companies and organizations encounter, and to identify and argue for problem solutions from a marketing perspective.

Regarding judgement and approach

• critically assess and evaluate the ethical dimensions in marketing and sales.

The course covers the following themes:

• Psychology of buying and buying behaviour 
• Marketing Technology
• Market Communication
• Brand management
• Personal selling
• Sales psychology
• Marketing and sales automation
• Sales methodology and sales processes
• Key account management
• Sales organization and sales management
   

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars case studies and assignments on group as well as individual levels. The course is given at the master's level, where the students are assumed to be familiar with the most common study methods in higher education. The fundamental pedagogical view is based on entrepreneurial learning and requires active student participation. 

Compulsory participation
The examiner assesses if and how absence from compulsory parts can be compensated. Before the student has participated in compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the examiner's instructions the student's course results will not be reported. Absence from a compulsory part may result in the student having to wait to compensate until the next time the course is given.

The examination consists of:

• A team assignment (Fail/Pass) 
• An individual written assignment (Fail/Pass) 
• An individual verbal assignment (Fail/Pass) 
• A written exam (Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction) 

In order to get the grade "pass" on the whole course, the student must get the grade "Pass" on all examinations. To get the grade "Pass with distinction" on the whole course, the student must get the grade "Pass" on the written exam. 

A limited number of examinations
Students who have not passed the regular examination are entitled to participate in five 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 exam is regarded as an examination session. An examination for which the student registered but not participated in, will not be counted as an 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.

Examination will be provided during a time of two years after a possible cancellation of the course. The examination can take place according to an earlier literature list during a time of one year after the date when a major renewal of the literature list has been made.

The course language is English.

Course evaluation will be conducted according to guidelines decided by The Committee for Higher Education.