Practise in Bioinformatics, 15 credits

Contents

This course offers a practical introduction to research activities and is conducted at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University. The student will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge in bioinformatics and develop the ability to practically apply this knowledge during the study period. The student will contribute to solving a task related to ongoing bioinformatics research at Umeå University and will document and report the obtained results, both orally and through version control.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following:

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate knowledge within the field of bioinformatics.

Competence and skills:

• Demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

• Demonstrate the ability to interpret the obtained results.

• Demonstrate the ability to independently present project results orally in English and through version control.

Judgement and approach:

• Understand and evaluate the requirements and conditions for bioinformatics research activities.

Required Knowledge

20 credits from completed courses, of which at least 5 credits in programming and 5 credits in mathematics and/or mathematical statistics.

Form of instruction

The practise is carried out individually under supervision according to a project plan established by the supervising teacher. The student also participates in group activities organized by the research group, such as seminars and journal clubs.

The language of instruction is English, but teaching may be conducted in Swedish if English is not required.

Examination modes

The course is assessed through the following components:

• Practical activities are assessed continuously through individual discussions with the supervisor.

• Individual documentation of code in English. The code must be managed using a version control system (e.g., Git), with versions added continuously according to established standards. Code should be implemented following current best practices in bioinformatics.

• A recorded oral presentation of the work and its development. Students may present individually or in groups.

Grades awarded for the course are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). To receive a Pass (G) for the entire course, the student must achieve a Pass (G) on all examinations. To receive Pass with Distinction (VG), the student must achieve VG on the documentation and implementation of the code and G on the remaining examinations. The final grade is determined once all components have been assessed.

Students who do not pass the regular examination session are entitled to re-examination. The first re-examination must be offered no later than two months after the regular examination, but no earlier than ten working days after the results of the regular examination have been announced. For examinations held in May and June, the first re-examination may be offered within three months of the regular examination. At least one additional re-examination (a so-called make-up examination) must be offered within one year of the regular examination. Students who have passed an examination may not retake it for a higher grade.

A student who has failed two examinations for a course or part of a course is entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless special reasons prevent this (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 22). Requests for a new examiner should be submitted to the Deputy Head of the Department of Molecular Biology.

The examiner may decide on deviations from the examination format stated in the syllabus. Individual adaptation of the examination format should be considered based on the student’s needs. Adaptations must remain within the framework of the expected learning outcomes of the course. Students requiring adapted examinations must request this from the department responsible no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation and informs the student.

Other regulations

Crediting

Students have the right to apply for recognition of previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired through professional experience for corresponding education at Umeå University. Applications for credit transfer should be submitted to the Student Services Office. More information on credit transfer is available on Umeå University’s student web and in the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6).

Transitional provisions

If the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including the regular examination) according to the regulations in the syllabus under which the student was originally registered, for a maximum of two years from the time the previous syllabus ceased to apply or the course was discontinued.