BIO305 Introduction course for Master students at KBM

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Hilde Vinje

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk, norsk

Course frequency:Annually.

Nominal workload:

125 hours:

Two gatherings, altogether 12 hrs

Presentations: 3 hrs

Group work: 50 hrs

Preparations/self study: 60 hrs

Teaching and exam period:

Teaching in August block and autumn parallel.

Assessment in the autumn parallel.

About this course

BIO305 seeks to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that they require to successfully complete their master's thesis within KBM's disciplines. This includes an understanding of

  • thesis writing regulations.
  • research ethics guidelines.
  • plagiarism.
  • use of AI tools.
  • use of reference tools and literature search.
  • data visualization and handling.
  • career opportunities upon completion of the master's programme.

Activities relevant to students registered for the various study programs at KBM will also be organised.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

  • Good understanding of what is required to complete a master's degree, including the formalities of selecting and completing a master's thesis
  • Understands the importance of hypothesis development and testing in research
  • Familiar with models for research text structure, e.g. The IMRaD model for scientific writing and the T-U-R model for paragraph structure
  • Good overview of available literature databases
  • Knowledge of digital tools for handling references and bibliography
  • Regulations regarding plagiarism (including self-plagiarism) as well as current regulations for the use of AI-based tools such as Chat GTP in studies and thesis writing
  • Good overview of research ethics guidelines within the natural sciences, including the VANCOUVER convention for authorship, the researcher's responsibility for honesty, protection of animals in research, alerting authorities and ethical responsibility, as well as responsibility for research communication.
  • Rules for the use and handling of genetically modified organisms in research
  • Knowledge of the Norwegian Gene Technology Act and the UN's Sustainability goals
  • Basic principles of effective data visualization and visual communication
  • Knowledge of the importance of data handling and the FAIR data principle
  • Overview of career opportunities upon completion of the master's programme​

Skills

  • Utilize models describing text formats and writing techniques to organize and prepare a thesis or report.
  • Use literature databases such as e.g. Web of Science and PubMed to search for original research literature, and import these references into digital reference tools to create personal databases and reference lists in Word
  • Use AI tools to help in research and studies in an ethically sound manner
  • Critically assess the quality of research work (e.g. a master's theses) in terms of structure and content

General competence

  • Be well equipped to complete a master's degree and write a master's thesis
  • Learning activities
    Lectures, gatherings and group work.
  • Teaching support
    Canvas
  • Prerequisites
    Bachelor's degree or similar in a relevant subject area.
  • Assessment method

    Pass / fail.

    Students will be evaluated based on the reports handed in and presentations held. All mandatory deliverables and / or presentations must be approved to pass the course.



  • Examiner scheme
    External evaluator will assess course content and evaluation.
  • Mandatory activity

    Lectures, excursions, report writing and/or presentations.

    Participation in all activities is mandatory,

  • Notes
    The course is under development. Changes may occur.
  • Teaching hours
    • Two 6 hours' gatherings; one in August and one in November.
    • Work in groups of three students to evaluate formerly approved master's theses.
    • Presentation: 15 minutes' presentation with 10 questions from fellow students
  • Preferential right
    • 1st year students on M-MAT, M-BIOTEK, M-BIAS and M-BIOTEK
    • 4th year students on M-KB
  • Admission requirements
    Special requirements in Science