529212 Advanced Training in a Research Group (I and II), max 10 ECTS credits/course (1 ECTS credit of ICT skills studies integrated) Time: Recommended to be completed during the first or second year, but before the Master’s thesis. Completion according to an advance agreement with the responsible professor Preceding studies: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biotechnology or in a related field Objective: To engage students in scientific thinking through small-scale projects and to develop their ability for independent work and the reporting of results. This course can be completed in two separate sections and preferably in two different research groups.
Contents: Laboratory training in a research group or equivalent group operating in a company or research institute. The training is to be agreed upon in advance with the responsible professor
Study material and literature: Scientific literature related to the training
Completion: The responsible professor and the director of the relevant research group
will approve in advance the student’s research proposal (1-2 pages), which must indicate the scientific problems, methodology to be applied and include supervision arrangements related to the training. An approved laboratory note book and a written report in article form (see the instructions below) are also required, as is successful completion of an oral or written examination.
Evaluation: The evaluation will be agreed upon with the responsible before the beginning of the placement period. The evaluation includes A) the research proposal, the laboratory work in practice, the laboratory note book, B) a written report, and C) a written or oral exam. The more detailed instructions for evaluation and the evaluation form (filled by the supervisor) can be found in this link:
http://www.helsinki.fi/biotech/news/
instructionsforms.html Grading scale: 0-5, (A+B+C) / 3
529350 Biochemistry and Biotechnology Research Project Seminar (2 cr).
Target group: Master´s level students of biochemistry and biotechnology, who are par-ticipating in laboratory projects in research groups (51031 Biokemian tutkimusprojektit/
Biochemistry research projects OR 529212 Sy-ventävä laboratorio-harjoittelu tutkimusryh-mässä/Advanced Laboratory Training in a Re-search Group). The course also provides a forum for the compulsory seminar presentation of the student´s owen M.Sc. (pro gradu) project.
Timing: The course is intended to had at the same time as the laboratory project(s).
Preceding studies: Compulsory B.Sc. level la-boratory courses in Molecular Biosciences (or corresponding studies).
Goal and content: The course seeks to deve-lop the student´s skills for critical analysis of research results and scientific literature, to pro-vide guidance in scientific writing and presenta-tion techniques, and to engage the students in
scientific discussion. Each student will give two presentations, one based on his/her own project (incl. one-page written summary), and the other on a recent scientific research article.
529208 Bioethics and Legislation, 3 ECTS credits
Target group: MBIOT, MScPPS, MScFood, MENVI and master’s level students of Molecular Biosciences degree program
Timing: Spring term, period IV
Preceding studies: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in life sciences
Objective: The aim is to familiarise students with ELSA (Ethical, Legal and Social Aspects) in biological sciences.
Contents: The course is composed of lectures, documentary film sessions, a panel discussion and students’ presentations and divided by a two weeks’ period when students prepare case study presentations on ELSA of chosen topics in small groups. The course will provide following themes: Introduction to ethical principles in science and the role of science in society (and society in science); Good scientific practices, misconduct of research and plagiarism; Science information services, public perception; ELSA in bioresearch and applications; ELSA in biomedicine, in food production and food security, in agricultural practices, in environmental matters and in current issues in developing countries (climate change, biodiversity, bio-energy and patenting issues)
Study material and literature: Relevant literature will be indicated during the course Completion: Lectures, films and a panel discussion; Group work (preparation and presentation of the case studies); Independent study (report)
Evaluation: Attendance at lectures; Active contribution to the panel discussion; Active contribution to the preparation and presentation of the case study; Report. Scale: Pass/fail
Other information: The number of students is limited to 80. Priority is given to MBIOT, MScPPS, MScFood and MENVI Master’s Degree Programmes’ students and the students of the Molecular Biosciences degree program.
529230 Final Examination for the Master’s Degree, 8-10 ECTS credits
Target group: MBIOT students
Timing: Recommended to be completed during the second year of the Master’s degree studies.
Completion according to an agreement with the responsible professor on a general examination day for Biotechnology
Preceding studies: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biotechnology or in a related field and completion of most of the Master’s degree studies
Objectives: To deepen the student’s knowledge of molecular biology and biotechnology Contents: Independent study, examination Study material and literature: Scientific literature
Completion: Literature examination Evaluation: Literature examination. Grading scale: 0-5
Other information: Some of the relevant literature for the final examination is listed on the MBIOT home pages
529250 Master’s Thesis in Biotechnology, 40 ECTS credits
Target group: MBIOT students
Timing: Recommended to be completed during the second year of the Master’s degree studies after advanced laboratory training and laboratory courses
Preceding studies: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biotechnology or in a related field and completion of most of the Master’s degree studies
Objectives: The Master’s thesis must demonstrate the student’s ability to think
scientifically, mastery of the necessary research methods, familiarity with the research topic and competence required for scientific communication in the field. The thesis work can be completed independently or, alternatively, by participating in group work or in a wider research project, provided that the student’s independent input can be verified and assessed. Each student must write the thesis independently.
Contents: See the instructions of your faculty or major subject
Study material and literature: Scientific literature according to the chosen research topic Completion: See the instructions of your faculty
Evaluation: Verbal assessment on the Latin scale laudatur – approbatur (improbatur) Other information: More information on the MBIOT home pages
51004 Master´s Thesis Writing Seminar, 1 cr Target group: Master´s level students of biochemistry and biotechnology who are plan-ning or are starting the Master´s Thesis work (pro gradu).
Timing: The course starts at the beginning of each term. Classes will be held while the student´s are writing their Theses.
Preceding studies: Relevant B.Sc. degree Goal To inform, instruct and support the stu-dents in writing the M.Sc. thesis.
Description: Seminar classes, independent work, presentation of one´s own Thesis pro-ject and evaluation of the presentations by ot-her students.
Teaching materials and literature: Course page in Moodle
Completion: Regular participation in seminars Assessment: Passed/failed
529318 Personal Study Plan for the Master’s Degree, 1 ECTS credit
Target group: MBIOT students
Timing: Autumn term, period I + updating of the study plan as necessary
Preceding studies: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biotechnology or in a related field Objectives: To devise an individual plan for the Master’s degree studies to be completed and a timetable for their completion
Contents: Discussions and group work organised and supervised by the coordinator and the teachers, after which students will independently write their plans and return them to the coordinator
Study material and literature: MBIOT degree requirements, course descriptions, curriculum, other instructions
Completion: Participation in the study plan meetings, discussions with the coordinator and teachers, independent writing
Evaluation: A signed, written plan for the completion of studies. Grading scale: pass/fail Other information: More information on the MBIOT home pages
529260 Practical Training (for the Master’s Degree), max 10 ECTS credits
Target group: MBIOT students
Timing: Recommended to be completed during the first or second year, but before the Master’s thesis. Completion according to an advance agreement with the responsible professor Preceding studies: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biotechnology or in a related field Objectives: To acquire practical experience in a company, research institute or government agency operating in the field of biotechnology Contents: As agreed
Study material and literature: Material related to the training
Completion: Placement in biotechnological research or applications in a company or research institute. The practical training is to be agreed upon in advance with the responsible professor.
Evaluation: Practical training report and a letter of reference. Grading scale: Pass/fail Elective study units:
See the list of recommended elective courses here: http://www.helsinki.fi/biotech/news/
courses.html