Professional Development and Communication in Bioscience, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and comprehension
After completing the course, the student must be able to demonstrate knowledge of

• written presentation techniques,
• differences between different forms of written presentation methods
• illustration methods used in presentations, and
• basic strategies for professional development.

Proficiency and ability
After completing the course, the student must be able to demonstrate the ability to

• independently find and compile scientific information,
• be able to communicate results, summaries and interpretations in the form of a written presentation, and
• formulatie a professional development plan.

Values and attitude
After completing the course, the student must be able to demonstrate the ability to

• critically evaluate written text and theoretical interpretations,
• search and evaluate relevant scientific information in the field, and
• assess own professional development.

Content

The course provides insight into scientific communication with a focus on scientific writing and data presentation methods. The students will work with written communication including report writing, general documentation, critical review and popular science writing. Students will also receive additional instructions for web development and scientific publishing. Furthermore, students will be introduced to strategies for their own professional development.

Examinations and grades

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

Practical Part, 1 credits (Code: A004)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Projekt, 1.5 credits (Code: A005)
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).

Modes of assessment

• Theoretical Part (code A001): Written exam
• Practical Part (code A004): Participation in seminars, theoretical in-depth work and written assignment
• Project (Code A003): Written assignment and oral examination

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.

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

University studies in Biology equivalent to 30 Credits.

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

Other provisions

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

All assignments will be submitted in English.

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.

Transitional provisions

Students who have commenced but not completed the course as prescribed in the version of the syllabus in force in the autumn semester 2023, are entitled to take the examination Project, 2,5 credits (examination code A003) within a period of 12 to 18 months from 2024-09-02.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Blackwell, John & Martin, Jan (2011)
A Scientific Approach to Scientific Writing
Springer New York (Ebook ÖU)

Lindsay , David (2011)
Scientific Writing = Thinking in Words
Collingwood, Vic. : CSIRO Pub (Ebook ÖU)

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Additional required literature is provided.

Additional Reading

Day, Robert A. & Gastel, Barbara (2011)
How to write and publish a scientific paper. Seventh edition.
Greenwood publisher. ISBN, 978-0-313-39197-2

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Literature and other copied material will be provided.