General provisions

The course is given as a part of the International Master's (120 credits) programme in Innovative Medicine (IMIM).

Entry requirements

Minimum 75 credits of completed courses from the Erasmus+ International Master's programme in Innovative Medicine.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student should be able to

• search, critically evaluate and compile scientific literature of relevance to the project
• participate in planning a scientific study, define and delimit a scientific problem and select appropriate methods, all within given time frames
• practically carry out a scientific study, and independently and critically evaluate, interpret and document the results
• show an in-depth knowledge of theory, methods and processes within the chosen field of study
• present and discuss a scientific study in proficient English, in writing and orally, to groups including non-specialists
• give and respond to constructive criticism and evaluate their own and others' research results
• consider the social and ethical aspects of projects and the results obtained, as well as the possible impact and consequences these might have
• demonstrate a well-developed ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international team in research or the private sector.

Content

The course consists of an independent advanced assignment and is carried out individually with the support of a supervisor. Theoretical and methodological knowledge from completed courses of the Master's programme in Innovative Medicine should be applied, broadened and deepened from a scientific perspective. The work includes literature searching, project planning and execution, critical analysis of own and others' results and relevant scientific literature, as well as oral and written presentation. Students undertaking projects at academic departments or equivalent are expected to participate in the regular seminar activities of the department and the research group. The course also contains a longitudinal interdisciplinary project, Bench to Bedside and Back (BBB), that is carried out in groups of IMIM students from all partner universities. During semester 4, the student develops a BBB product, which may be a research application or a 'start-up' company.

The following tasks are included in the project work

• a written project description including a time plan
• practical work in accordance with the project plan
• written thesis on obtained results
• oral presentations of the work, including defence and discussion
• critical analysis of other students' oral and written presentations of their degree projects
• a summary of project results, written in popular science style.

Assessment

The project work is presented both orally and in writing according to specific instructions. To pass the course requires the examiner's approval of: thesis and presentation, project plan, assessment of other students' work, attendance and active participation in the seminars of all course students. In addition, the supervisor must have assessed the work performed. Furthermore, an approved presentation of the BBB module is required.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.