Syllabus

BI1347 Practical research training, 15.0 Credits

Subjects

Education cycle

Advanced study in the main field

Grading scale

Language

Prior knowledge

Objectives

The student will get an insight in biological research by working in close connection to a research group. The student will be able to train in practice how to apply some of the methods used by the research group in order to solve a specific problem. Student will also study the theory behind the methods in order to understand the limitations and possibilities of the methods.

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:

• apply some methods used in biological research

• describe the theoretical background of some of the methods used in biological research

• understand connection between an identified problem and the choice of methods used for solving it

• have insight in the research process and the work of a research group

• communicate the research project towards both academia and the society and relate the project to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Content

The frame of the course is as an individual project. The student is supposed to identify what type of research area and methods he/she is interested in learning more about. The student contacts the course leader and a representative of a research group. In the beginning of the course, an individual project must be identified by the student and a supervisor and a study plan is written. The student will be introduced to the laboratory and/or field routines including the safety aspects. After a supervised introduction to the methods, more responsibility will be given to the student. Literature studies in relation to the project and the chosen methods are included. The project is completed by writing a short report in English, containing introduction, material and methods, results and a discussion, with respect to the research outcome, and regarding limitations and possibilities of the used methods. To practice student’s capacity to communicate to society and put research in a wider perspective, a short popular scientific summary of the project should be written where the research, if possible, should relate to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The report will also be orally presented for the research group.

Introduction to laboratory and/or field safety routines, a risk analysis and individual supervision and research group meetings are obligatory.

Grading form

Formats and requirements for examination

To pass the course, active participation in the work of a research group, approved written report in English, and oral presentation of the report are required.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Transitional provisions

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information