Experimental Design, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and comprehension
After having completed the course the student should develop
• an understanding of scientific hypothesis formation,
• an understanding of experimental design, and
• the ability to connect experimental design and data analysis to the hypothesis.

Proficiency and ability
After having completed the course the student shall be able to
• show increased ability to critically review and evaluate scientific information,
• design simple biological experiments based on a scientific question,
• statistically analyze biological data, and
• present results and discuss it both in writing and orally.

Judgement and approach
After having completed the course the student shall be able to
• critically review and evaluate experimental design, and
• evaluate and justify choice of statistical analytical methods for different types of biological data.

Content

The course covers hypothesis formation, experimental design, and scientific methodology, which together form the basis for experimental studies in biology. Students will be given tools to develop theoretical knowledge needed to be able to critically evaluate and present experimental results. The course will also train students in skills needed to analyze, evaluate, interpret, present, and discuss results from laboratory experiments and provide a scientific perspective.

Examinations and grades

Theory, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Seminars, Group Projects and Presentations, 2.5 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 pass 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 project work and all obligatory seminars. The final course grade is based on the result of the theoretical part.

Modes of assessment

• Theory (code A001): Written examination
• Seminars, group projects and presentations (code A002): Oral examination

In case of absence from compulsory training, the examiner decides if the part can be taken again at another scheduled teaching session of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next 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

Cell Biology 15 Credits, Physiology, 7.5 Credits and Molecular Biology and Genetics 7.5 Credits.

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

Other provisions

Language 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

Ruxton, GD & Colegrave, N. (2016)
Experimental Design for the Life Sciences, Fourth Edition
Oxford University Press

Quinn, G, & Keough, M. (2002)
Experimental Design and Data Analysis for Biologists
Cambridge University Press

Chalmers, Alan F. (1999, 3rd ed.)
What is this thing called Science?
Berkshire: Open University Press.