General provisions

Biomedicine: constitutes degree project for MA/MSc (120 credits)

Medical Science: constitutes degree project for MA/MSc (120 credits)

Entry requirements

A minimum of 60 credits from courses within the Master programme in biomedicine including the courses Homeostasis and Endocrine Disorders with a focus on Major Diseases and Advanced Neurobiology.

Learning outcomes

The purpose of the project is to expand the student's previously acquired skills to search for scientific facts and to plan,

execute and present scientific work. The student will also gain basic theoretical knowledge of, and practical skills in, the subject area of laboratory animal science.

On completion of the course the student will be able to:

• independently seek, critically evaluate and compile relevant scientific literature for a defined project
• plan a scientific study including delimiting a scientific problem, selecting appropriate methods and writing a project plan
• practically carry out a scientific study and evaluate, interpret and document the results
• individually and correctly present the study in writing and orally and discuss the results in English
• demonstrate an ability to reflect on the ethical aspects of his/her work and show an awareness of the ethical aspects of research
• write a popular scientific summary
• discuss societal aspects of scientific studies
• critically evaluate another student's scientific study
• convey knowledge of laws, regulations and public authorities of significance for laboratory animal experimentation and prepare an ethical application for animal testing
• identify and analyse ethical problems in laboratory animal experimentation
• master the theory and practice of experimental methods relevant to the relevant project and be able to motivate the choice of method
• display proficiency in handling of rats and mice, simple invasive technologies for administration of substances and sampling, and assessment of risk in connection with work with laboratory animals
• describe welfare, diseases and health factors of laboratory animals
• describe the use of laboratory animals within the field of drug development

Content

The project consists of an individual assignment carried out under supervision. Theoretical and methodological knowledge from completed courses of the Master programme in Biomedicine are applied, broadened and deepened. The project comprises literature searches, project planning, implementation including practical skills within the specific subject, critical analyses of own results and other scientific literature as well as an oral and a written presentation and a popular science summary. The written report should contain both scientific, ethical and societal reflections. A critical analysis of another student's report and presentation is also included in the course. Students performing projects at academic departments or the equivalent are expected to participate in the regular seminar activities of the research group. The student will also participate in Internet based teaching (virtual learning), laboratory sessions, problem-oriented group assignments and seminars in laboratory animal science.

Instruction

Teaching is given through individual supervision at the workplace and through Internet based teaching (virtual learning), laboratory sessions, problem-oriented group assignments and seminars.

Assessment

For pass grade the student has to

• participate actively in laboratory practicals and seminars
• write an approved examination in laboratory animal science
• write an approved project plan
• write an approved report structured as a scientific paper
• write an approved short summary of the degree project in popular form
• present an approved oral presentation including discussion and defence
• critically analyse another student's report and presentation (opposition).