Course syllabus

Independent Project for the Degree of Bachelor in Biology, 15 credits

Course code: BI015G Credits: 15
Main field of study: Biology Progression: G2E
    Last revised: 14/03/2019
Education cycle: First cycle Approved by: Head of school
Established: 29/11/2017 Reading list approved: 14/03/2019
Valid from: Autumn semester 2019 Revision: 1

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

  • the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
  • the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
  • the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

  • gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
  • stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
  • communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and comprehension
After having completed the course the student shall

  • have increased knowledge of the subject, and
  • demonstrate knowledge of for the thesis relevant technologies.

Proficiency and ability
After having completed the course the student shall

  • be able to draft and define scientific problems, and search and critical science information,
  • be able to plan a science study, and accomplish the plan,
  • be able to process and analyze scientific results, and
  • have the ability to present the project and its findings orally and in writing in a way that follows the instruction, is linguistically correct, well structured, comprehensible, and with a content that is relevant to the project, logical and scientifically sound and well founded.

Values and attitude
After having completed the course the student shall

  • have the ability to orientate about current knowledge/research development and working methods used in the field,
  • have a professional approach in their relationships with clients, employees and other groups, and
  • have a professional approach to the final product of the project, with particular emphasis on reliability, usability and documentation.

Main content of the course

The student performs individual practical experimental or theoretic science project. Including presentation of a problem, searching of relevant literature, planning, designing and performance of a science project. Then the student performs processing, critical analysis and finally presents a written and oral presentation of the work. Topic is chosen together with the supervisor.

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of supervision and individual studies.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Examination, 15 credits (Code: A001)
Written and oral reporting of experimental or theoretical work.


For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

New Examination Opportunities
If the student has not received a passing grade on his/her independent project at the end of the course there will be a first opportunity for a new examination within two to five weeks. After that there will be an examination opportunity at the end of each semester. If the errors or deficiencies are considered to be minor, the examiner may, after consultation with the supervisor, decide on supplementary assignments as well as the time frames for these.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2019-01-15, ORU 2019/00107), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Examination
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

ECTS Grading

The course grading is translated to the ECTS grading scale.

Specific entry requirements

University studies in Biology equivalent to 75 Credits.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The languages of instruction are Swedish and English. The course is given in English if there are exchange students registrated.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Literature will be chosen in consultation with the supervisor.