Biological Innovation, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After completing the course, the student should 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 should be able to after completing the course

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

Evaluation ability and approach
The student should be able to after completing the course

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

Content

The course focuses on biological discoveries and how these have been applied and led to progress linked to 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.

Examinations and grades

Theory, 4 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Project, 3.5 credits (Code: A002)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

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 determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

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

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.

Modes of assessment

• Theory (code A001): Written exam
• Project (code A002): Oral examination and written assignment

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.

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

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

22.5 credits biology.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

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

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.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Jelinek, Raz (Latest edition)
Biomimetics: A Molecular Perspective
De Gruyter

Hoffman, William & Furcht, Leo (Latest edition)
The Biologist’s Imagination; Innovation in the biosciences
Oxford University Press

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Book titles are available online at the library.
Overview articles linked to the lectures and compendiums will be added.