Degree Project in Molecular Life Science, Second Cycle, 30 credits

60 credit points from Master's programme in molecular techniques in life sciences.

On completion of the course, the student should:

Regarding knowledge and understanding

• Show knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the chosen subject area and proven experience, an advanced understanding of current research and development activities as well as advanced method knowledge.

Regarding skills and abilities

• Demonstrate the ability to with overall view, critical and systematic, search, collect and integrate knowledge as well as identify his/her need of additional knowledge
• Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, assess and handle complex phenomena, issues and situations also with limited information
• Demonstrate the ability to plan and with adequate methods carry out qualified assignments within given time frames as well as to evaluate this work
• Show such skills that is required to participate in research and development or to independently work in other qualified activities
• Demonstrate the ability to account orally and in writing in dialogue with different groups clearly too and discuss his/her conclusions and the knowledge and the arguments that underlie these

With respect to judgement and approach

• Demonstrate the ability to make assessments considering relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects

The course starts with that a project plan is prepared by the student together with the supervisor. An individual project work is carried out based on what has been agreed in the project plan. The work is presented in a written report as well as orally at a seminar. Also included is to write a press release and to publicly discuss and oppose another degree project at the seminar.

The teaching consists of supervision and seminars. Each student has during the course right to 20 hours of supervision sessions of which at least 7 hours individually. At special circumstances, the student has the right to change supervisor. Request for this should be set to programme co-ordinator.

Examination takes place through written and oral presentation as well as critical review of fellow student's written report. A project plan, a scientific report as well as a press release are included in the written presentation.

Participation in seminars is compulsory. Examiner assesses about and if so how absence can be compensated.

The grading criteria of the course are distributed at the beginning of the course. Bases of assessment:

• Understanding of the prescribed assignment
• Implementation of the assignment
• Knowledge of the background
• Interpretation and analysis of results
• Independence
• Ability to hold the established time plan for the work
• Oral presentation
• Written presentation

Examiner puts grade after having consulted supervisor and examining teachers, based on the implementation and final presentation of the work.

Late submission of the independent project will influence the right to supervision and effect the final grade according to the grading criteria of the course.

Students who have passed examination may not go through new examination for higher grades.

The course director assesses if, and in that case how, absence can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the course director's instructions, the student's results for respective part will not be registered.

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.

Students who have failed in regular examination have a right to go through additional examination, as long as the course is given. After each course date, it will be offered at least three occasions for examination in a two-year period after the end of the course.

The course is given in English.

The course is carried out in collaboration with Stockholm University and KTH within the scope of the joint Master's (120 credits) programme in molecular technologies in the life sciences. Equivalent course syllabi for degree project are established on the other higher education institutions.