Master's degree project in Molecular Biology

This is a 60 hec degree project in Molecular Biology at advanced level. The course can be included in a Master's degree in Molecular Biology.

This course is only eligible for programme students. Approved basic courses in biology comprising 60 credits in the subject areas of cell biology, molecular genetics, evolution, botanical and zoological physiology, ecology and biodiversity and systematics, or equivalent.English proficiency is required to the level of English 6/English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School, or be certified by an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS. In addition, a completed depth course of 15 credits in a relevant area and a successfully completed degree project in Molecular Biology/Biology at ground level or advanced level of at least 15 hec is also required.

The thesis aims to give the student contact with research in one of the fields of molecular biology. You should under supervision, perform an independent thesis work comprosing 60 credits. The work can either be experimental or take the form of a critical literature review based on original works. The work should then be presented both orally and written. Within the course, students will apply their knowledge and skills in molecular biological problems. The student is also expected to participate in seminars and group meetings.

It is the student’s responsibility to search for a project at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, at another department that conducts research in the subject area or externally at a company or authority. In order to be registered on the course it is required that the project is approved by the the instructor for the course.

The student will, with supervisor's help perform a project and at the same time, train the ability to apply the knowledge he/she gained during the studies.

After completing the course the students will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding

• have in-depth knowledge of experimental planning.
• have in-depth knowledge in the molecular biology field.
• have in-depth knowledge of relevant theoretical and/or experimental methodology.

Competence and skills

• be able to independently plan and carry out experiments.
• be able to analyze, evaluate and critically discuss achieved results.
• report and account for the obtained results both in writing and orally
• have skills in experimental methodology used in the molecular biology area.
• show ability to complete the task within given time frames.

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate the ability to search, evaluate and critically interpret relevant information for the work.
• be prepared for further postgraduate studies in the subject area.
• demonstrate ability to reflect on ethical and social aspects of molecular biology.

The course consists of independent experimental and/or theoretical work. The work should be published as a scientific essay/report in Swedish or English. The work should also be presented orally in a seminar at the end of the course.
Language of instruction: swedish and english

The course is completed when the student has written a report and given an oral presentation of his/her research work, and demonstrated the knowledge and skills to an extent that an examiner assesses as approved after consulation with the supervisor. Both practical skills, the written report and the oral presentation will be evaluated. Detailed criteria for the evaluation will be made available for the student during the course.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

To be accepted on the course, the student must have found a supervisor and a project that can be approved by the instructor for the course.