Practical research training

Additional course evaluations for BI1347

BI1347 Practical research training, 15.0 Credits

Practical research training

Syllabus approved

2018-11-21

Subjects

Biology Horticultural science

Education cycle

Second cycle

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, only first-cycle courses as entry requirements(A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

The equivalent of 120 credits including 45 credits in Biology or 45 credits in Horticultural Science or 45 credits in Agricultural Science or 45 credits in Environmental Science, and English 6.

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.

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 the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.
• If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.
• If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but 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 more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Other information

• The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Additional information

The course will broaden the student’s knowledge on research work and connected methods and/or may serve as a pre-study of the master thesis project. The course is normally performed at SLU Alnarp, but other places, even abroad, are possible. The project must have connection to research and education at SLU, Alnarp.

Responsible department

Department of Plant Protection Biology

Further information

There are no Grading criteria posted for this course