Practical skills for biology research-I, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course provides introductory training in scientific conduct and molecular laboratory skills including data sampling, entry, and structuring. The course is specifically designed to develop and refine individual skills while encouraging peer-based learning. The course relies extensively on practical hands-on laboratory training and individual developing skills to assess integrity in the process of data collection. The course introduces concepts of experimental design, hypothesis generation, testing and reproducibility at different scales.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, students

1. Will have a nuanced opinion about science, scientific presentation and conduct and can suggest and argue for scientific output styles for varied purposes. 
2. Will master laboratory skills for professional plant molecular work.
3. Will master self-assessment in scientific work including proficiency in hands-on biological and molecular techniques in the laboratory and documentation of the same including professional data entering and storage.
4. Can with proficiency write a scientific method section, write a scientific result section, and write a project plan which could be a master's project plan.

Required Knowledge

90 ECTS credits, of which at least 15 ECTS credits are in the main area of chemistry and 60 ECTS credits in the main area of biology where at least 30 ECTS credits should be in plant biology and cell- and molecular biology. Swedish for basic eligibility for higher education programmes and English B/6. Requirements for Swedish only apply if the course is held in Swedish.

Form of instruction

The course comprises lectures, tailored introduction to scientific platforms and instruments, guided laboratory practical work and student led, independent learning. An important component of the course is student interaction to discuss problems and share solutions.

Examination modes

ELO1 will be assessed in groups through student led discussion, and oral presentations, and individually in written assignments.
ELO2 and 3 will be assessed through practical work in the laboratory and individual professional documentation in laboratory reports. Attendance is required to certify that the students master safety regulations before admission to laboratory work. Theoretical laboratory knowledge is examined as part of the home examination.
ELO 3 and 4 will be accessed interactively as discussions and feed-back on instructions during course time. These events can be led by students, instructors, and/or teachers.
All ELOs (1-4) will be assessed through a written home exam at the end of the course as a project description, that must include relevant instrument and safety information.
 
For engineering students, possible course grades are: 5 Pass with distinction, 4 Pass with merit, 3 Pass, U Fail.
 
For other students, possible course grades are:  VG (Pass with distinction), G (Pass) and U (Fail).
 
To achieve the grade: Pass (3 or G) a Pass grade (3/G) should be achieved for every ELO 1 to 4. 
To achieve the grade: Pass with merit (4), a Pass grade should be achieved for every assessment (3 or G) and in addition a Pass with distinction (5/VG) for ELO2 and ELO3. 
To achieve the grade: Pass with distinction (VG or 5), a Pass with distinction (5/VG) should be achieved for at least ELOs 1 and 4.
 
Students who have passed an assessed component may not retake that component to obtain a higher grade. Students who do not pass the regular examination arranged can take a re-examination in accordance with the Umeå University Regulations for tests and examinations at the undergraduate and graduate level (FS 1.1.2-553-14). The first re-examination will be offered no later than two months after the first examination, except where an ordinary examination takes place in May or June, in which case a first re-examination will be offered within three months after the first examination. In addition, at least one additional re-examination will be offered within one year of regular examination.
 
The course plan and examination may be modified for students that require pedagogic support due to disabilities. Changes will confine to expected learning outcome and after the students request, appropriate changes should be concluded between course responsible and teacher whereafter the student should be informed.
 
A student who has taken two examinations in a course, or part of a course, has the right to have another examiner appointed unless there are specific reasons against it (6 ch. 22, § HF). Requests for new-examiners should be addressed to the head of the Department of Plant Physiology.

Other regulations

Relevant literature is provided during the course.
 
 
In the event that the curriculum expires or major changes are made, a student is assured at least three examination opportunities (including the regular examination) based on the syllabus at taken by the student over a period of a maximum of two years from the date of the syllabus change.