Research traineeship in nutrition science I, 15 credits

At least grade pass for the courses "Diet and health - scientific evidence, recommendations and sustainability" (4NT000, 4NT021), "Molecular and genetic mechanisms in nutrition science" (4NT001, 4NT022), "Diet, physical activity and fitness - assessment and evaluation" (4NT002, 4NT023) and "Diet, physical activity and disease prevention - interventions, mHealth and eHealth" (4NT003, 4NT024) within the Master's Programme in Nutrition Science.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• carry out the qualified work tasks related to the field of nutrition science research stated in the individual plan for the traineeship.
• identify and describe the knowledge, abilities and skills that are needed in the chosen traineeship, general and in relation to the field of nutrition science research.
• identify and reflect on their own strengths and areas that need to be further developed in relation to the knowledge, skills and competences that are needed in the chosen traineeship.
• describe and discuss the type of research that is conducted within the group and which skills that are involved.
• briefly describe and discuss the department's organization.
• show awareness of ethical aspects of the research area as well as the promotion of a healthy working environment and sustainable development at the workplace.
• reflect on what basis the traineeship provides for students' choice of future career paths or continued studies.

The purpose of the courses is to give the student the opportunity to gain experience of research work in nutrition-related areas within academia and thereby strengthen the student's competence and employability in research-related activities. The student is encouraged to find a place and supervisor for the research practice in the field of nutrition science. A plan for the traineeship is made by the student together with the supervisor, which must be approved by the examiner before the traineeship begins.

During the traineeship, the student work as an employee in the daily research activities and at the same working hours as other employees at the workplace and take part in all activities involved in this work. The student's work tasks must be stated in the individual work plan. If there are deviations from the work plan, the examiner must be informed and must approve these. A mid-time follow-up is also included in the course.

The examination of the course consists of a written report (graded Pass/Fail) and oral presentation (graded Pass/Fail). To pass the course, the written report and oral presentation must fulfil the criteria for Pass. The grading criteria are provided in Canvas.

In the case a student fails the written report, it can be complemented to get a Pass. The assignment can be resubmitted a maximum of five more times. After six failed assignments, no further examination opportunities will be given for that assignment. If the student has not submitted complementation at given deadline, grade Fail is given. A student who has failed two examinations for a course or part of a course, is entitled to have another examiner appointed unless special reasons speak against it.

Compulsory participation:
In order to begin the work, the student, in collaboration with the supervisor, must write and submit a plan for the proposed traineeship that must be approved by the examiner before the traineeship can be started.

If, at or after the half-time follow-up, it becomes evident that the student has deviated significantly from his/her work commitments in agreement with the supervisor, which seriously complicates the traineeship and the supervision, the examiner can in advance decide to give a grade of fail for the student.

If there are special reasons, or need for adaptions for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to depart from the syllabus's regulations on examination form, number of examination opportunities, possibility of complementation of or exemption from compulsory activities, etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities must not be altered, removed or lowered.

​The course language is English.

This course replaces the course Research traineeship in nutrition science I, 15 credits (4NT012) and cannot be included in a degree together with the latter course.