Professional Development and Communication in Bioscience, 7.5 credits

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 understanding
After completing the course, the student should be able to show knowledge of

• written presentation techniques,
• differences between different forms of written presentation methods, and
• illustration methods used in presentation technology.

Skills and Abilities
After completing the course, the student should be able to demonstrate the ability to

• independently find and compile scientific information, and
• be able to communicate results, compilations and interpretations in the form of written presentation.

evaluation ability and approach
After completing the course, the student has the ability to

• evaluate and criticize theoretical interpretations, and
• seek and evaluate relevant scientific information in the field.

Main content of the course

The course provides an insight into scientific communication with a focus on scientific writing, interviewing techniques and decision making. The students work with written communication including report writing, documentation, critical review and popular science communication. The students also receive additional instructions for web development and scientific publishing. The students work on their portfolio with a focus on developing a strong CV that draws attention to their individual strengths in biology and entrepreneurship.

Teaching methods

Teaching takes place through lectures, seminars, laboratory work and theoretical in-depth work.

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

Theoretical Part, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Written examination

Projects and Labs, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Group written assignments, oral presentations and lab reports. Participation in seminars, laboratory work and theoretical in-depth 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

In the absence of compulsory education, the examiner determines whether the course can be taken again at another scheduled teaching event of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next course opportunity. In exceptional cases, the examiner may decide on remuneration tasks. In this case, these must be completed before or in close connection with the end of the course.

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).

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

Projects and Labs
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

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 30 Credits comprising Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Biology, 7.5 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 language of instruction is Swedish and English. The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Day, Robert A. & Gastel, Barbara (Latest Edition)
How to write and publish a scientific paper
Cambridge University Press