Course syllabus

Biological Innovation, 7.5 credits

Course code: BI305G Credits: 7.5
Main field of study: Biology Progression: GXX
    Last revised: 14/09/2021
Education cycle: First cycle Approved by: Head of school
Established: 02/12/2019 Reading list approved: 14/09/2021
Valid from: Spring semester 2022 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 understanding
After completing the course, the student must be able to

  • describe the innovation process,
  • give examples of biological applications areas, and
  • explain the importance of biology for applications related to the environment and health.

Skills and Abilities
The student must be able to after completing the course

  • discuss the innovation process,
  • present a biological innovation idea,
  • independently find and compile scientific information, and
  • analyze basic conditions for the development of a business platform.

evaluation ability and approach
The student must be able to after completing the course

  • evaluate and critique theoretical interpretations, and
  • search for and evaluate relevant scientific information in the field.

Main content of the course

The course focuses on biological discoveries and how these have been applied and led to progress linked to the environment and health. Biological discoveries that have led to advances in basic research will also be addressed. The concept of innovation and its connection to biological discoveries will be reviewed.

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of lectures, seminars and theoretical deepening works.

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

Theory, 4 credits (Code: A001)
Written examination.

Project, 3.5 credits (Code: A002)
Participation in group discussions and seminars. Individual written reports including seminar with oral presentation of innovation idea.


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

If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after 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).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. 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 grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Theory
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Project
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

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

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E is required for all theoretical modules on the course as well as Pass (G) on the practical module including project work, attendance of all obligatory seminars. The final course grade is based on the result of the theoretical part.

Specific entry requirements

Introduction to Biology and Professional Development, 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 languages of instruction: Swedish and English. The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Rehn, Alf (Latest edition)
BeGreppbart - Innovation
Liber

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Overview articles linked to the lectures and compendiums will be added.