Teaching starts Spring, Autumn

Language of instruction Norwegian.

Prerequisites and co-requisites BIO109 or BIO101, BIO102 and BIO103, BIO104, BIO105, and minimum 20 credits in Biology at level 200.

Learning outcomes On completion of the course the students shall be able to account for the steps involved in planning and carrying out of a scientific study be familiar with relevant work methods for carrying out a project of their own choice be able to present results from a project of their own choice and discuss the project orally and in a written scientific report

Course contents The students are given an introduction to scientific methods, work methods and writing techniques so that they can produce professional reports independently. The students will be trained in technical skills through practical tasks related to the collection and investigation of research data to be presented in a written paper. Practice in the scientific methods relevant for each paper will be emphasized, as will the students´ familiarisation with ways of presenting a written scientific report.

Teaching methods Introductory lectures will focus on the shaping of approaches to problems and choice of relevant experimental design. The structure and form of a research paper will be discussed, together with analysis and presentation of data, the use of references, and the making of a reference list. Upon request, the lectures will be given in English. For the practical part of the project, a personal supervisor will be assigned for each student. To ensure the accomplishment of the project, several 'gates' must be passed during its time lapse. These will be deadlines for data collection, data treatment, and delivery of the thesis chapters. There will also be a deadline for submission of the final thesis. This final deadline will be given at the start of the semester. The thesis language may be English.

Assessment methods and criteria A four-hour written examination. Differentiated grades.

Type of course Theoretical and practical.

Level of course Bachelor.

Year of study See course structure diagram.

Name of lecturer/contact person Associate professor Yngvar A. Olsen.

Recommended or required reading Avalible on request.

Mode of delivery Face-to-face