Master Degree Thesis in Molecular Biology, 15 credits

Contents

The course is carried out as an independent research project or investigation within an academic or industrial environment. The student is given the opportunity to both deepen and broaden their knowledge in molecular biology and to apply the knowledge acquired during their studies. The student is also given the opportunity to develop their ability to independently conduct and report an extensive project. The work must be carried out using scientific methods and include research components. The student will actively participate in project planning, carry out the work independently, and document and report their results both in writing and orally.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the students should be able to, with regard to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
• demonstrate substantial deepening and broadening of their knowledge within the field of molecular biology.

Competence and Skills:
• demonstrate the ability to obtain information from both review articles and primary research articles.
• exhibit skills in experimental design and choice of methods that reflect the availability of resources and the limited time frame of the course.
• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills to independently solve scientific problems.
• demonstrate the ability to critically analyse and systematically evaluate their own generated experimental results and compare them with results from other research.
• demonstrate the ability, when comparing their own experimental results with those from other research, to reflect on similarities and differences and formulate possible follow up experiments to fill identified knowledge gaps.
• demonstrate the ability to analyse and discuss both ethical and societal aspects relevant to the scientific problem.
• demonstrate the ability to present the work in a written scientific report in English.
• demonstrate the ability to independently present the project results orally in English to different audiences.

Judgement and Approach:
• demonstrate insight into the requirements necessary to solve scientific problems.

Required Knowledge

To be admitted to the course, at least 180 ECTS credits are required, including: 60 ECTS in biosciences (including genetics, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, animal physiology, and plant biology), of which at least 7.5 ECTS in genetics and 7.5 ECTS in microbiology; 30 ECTS in chemistry, of which at least 7.5 ECTS in biochemistry; documented proficiency in experimental work corresponding to at least 30 ECTS; 60 ECTS at advanced level, including at least 30 ECTS core courses included in the Master’s Programme in Molecular Biology and Magister Degree Thesis in Molecular Biology, 15 ECTS advanced level; English 6; or equivalent knowledge.

Form of instruction

The course begins with a general introduction to the project structure and examination, focusing on expected learning outcomes and scientific reporting. The thesis project is conducted under supervision and must include an in-depth task connected to activities at a research institution, a public authority, or a company. Projects conducted within the university are supervised by a teacher at the relevant research department. For students carrying out their project outside the university, one supervisor must be appointed at the university and one at the external workplace. These students must also have the opportunity to take part in the daily work at the workplace. The thesis is presented in a written report and at a public poster presentation or in the form of a seminar.

Examination modes

To pass the course, the following components must be approved:
• Practical and theoretical activities are examined continuously through discussions with the supervisor. These discussions evaluate key project milestones and determine the project's continued direction.
• Individual oral presentation in English, in the form of a scientific poster or research seminar.
• Individual written report in English, in the form of a scientific research article.

The grades awarded for the course are Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U).
To receive a grade of G, the student must receive G on all examination components. To receive VG, the student must additionally receive VG on the written examination and VG on either the oral presentation or the experimental component. The final course grade is assigned when all mandatory components have been assessed. A student who has passed an examination may not retake it for a higher grade.

For students who have not been approved at the regular exam, a new exam will be arranged in accordance with Umeå University's Rules for grades and examinations at undergraduate and advanced level (FS 1.1-574-22). The first re-exam is offered no later than two months after the regular exam. In the cases where the regular exam takes place in May or June, a first re-examination is offered instead within three months of the regular exam. In addition, at least one further re-examination is offered within one year from the regular exam date. If the result is Fail, the student is then referred to the exam the next time the course/module is given. In cases where an exam cannot be repeated in accordance with the applicable rules for re-examination, it shall instead be replaced with an alternative assignment. The scope and content of such an assignment must be reasonably proportionate to the missed exam.

A student who has failed two examinations for a course or part of a course without a passing result, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons against it (HF ch. 6 § 22). The request for a new examiner is made to the Deputy Head of the Department of Molecular Biology.

The responsible examiner has the right, in consultation with the supervisor, to fail a student during the course if the student demonstrates deficiencies in knowledge, skills, or professional conduct that pose a clear risk of causing physical or psychological harm to another person during the course. The student must then interrupt the course and receives a failing grade.

In connection with such a decision, an individual development plan must be drawn up by the examiner in consultation with the student. The plan shall specify the knowledge, skills, and conduct the student must acquire to resume the course, as well as a date for assessment. The student has the right to two such assessment opportunities per year, up to a maximum of four unless exceptional circumstances apply. If the student demonstrates the required competencies at an assessment, they are entitled to participate in a new course period. Students are allowed three attempts to complete the course.

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Other regulations

Crediting
Students have the right to request assessment of whether previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired through professional experience can be credited toward corresponding education at Umeå University. Applications are submitted to the Student Centre. Further information is available on the university’s student website and in the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6).

Transitional provisions

If a course syllabus is discontinued or undergoes major revisions, students are guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including the original one) under the regulations of the syllabus in effect at the time of their original registration, for a maximum of two years after the previous syllabus ceases to apply or the course is no longer offered.