Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1436 Practical research training, 15.0 Credits

Forskningspraktik

Subjects

Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

The equivalent of 30 credits at advanced level in biology

Objectives

The student will gain insight into research by working with a project in close association with a research group. The student will be able to train, in practice, how to apply the methods used by the research group in order to solve a specific problem. The student will also study the theory behind the methods in order to understand the limitations and possibilities of them.

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

• Apply one or several methods used in biological research
• Describe the theoretical background of the methods used
• Identify a research question, collect or alternatively use already existing data, and analyze and discuss data and methods from a scientific point of view.
• 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

*Subject-related content: *

The course is carried out as an individual project. The student identifies which subject area and methodology he or she is interested in and contacts the course leader and a researcher who can supervise. At the beginning of the course, the student and supervisor should identify an individual project and write a work plan. The student will be introduced to relevant safety procedures. After a period of guidance on the current methods, the student works more independently on his/her project. Literature studies related to the project and the methods used are carried out. The project ends with a short written report in English and an oral presentation for the research group. The report must contain introduction, material and method, results and a discussion in relation to the results and the possibilities and limitations of the methods used. A popular science summary of the research project is made where the research is, if possible, related to the UN's sustainability goals in order to put the research in a larger perspective, as well as to train one's ability to communicate research to the public.

Implementation:

The course uses different forms of teaching to promote student learning and discussions through:

Projectwork, training of different skills, oral and written reports, litteraturestudies

The course focuses on the following general competencies:

Information literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, scientific methods, oral communication, written communication, independence, time planning/managing time frames, laboratory and/or field work

The following elements are compulsory:

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

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

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 assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

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

The course will only be given if supervision capacity is available.

Responsible department

Department of Plant Protection Biology

Cooperating departments: