Course Syllabus
Science Research Practicum |
 |
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2018 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 6 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Pre-Medicine / Health Science, Neuroscience, Public Health |
| Course Coordinator: |
Stephanie Clemente - scl@dis.dk |
| Program Director: |
Lisbeth Borbye |
Prerequisites
Dependent on Research Opportunity, List on DIS’ Course Website
What is the Science Research Practicum?
The Science Research Practicum is an experiential learning opportunity that allows students to gain experiences in their area of study within the natural and health sciences. The duration of this practicum is 1 academic semester (4 months) and involves various types of research opportunities (i.e. laboratory based, clinical, fieldwork, data mining, etc.)
The student will be matched with a supervisor who will offer academic and professional advice in order to fulfill one of the main goals of this experience: to develop a student/supervisor relationship that benefits both the DIS student and the Copenhagen-based research institution.
Student Profile
This practicum is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong interest in developing their research skills. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in the universities and institutes in the Copenhagen region.
Learning Objectives
Through this practicum DIS students will learn techniques and skills in their field of interest. Students will be part of an active research team and experience the dynamics of a European research institution. Throughout the semester students will be expected to keep a research journal recording their daily involvement in the research project. At the end of the semester all students involved in this practicum will participate in a Research Symposium allowing them to present their work to their peers and professionals.
Structure of Practicum
The student’s research project should be a part of a larger ongoing research project at the research institution. The student must be able to enhance the research being performed and investigate phenomena of interest to them and their supervisor, and the greater research team. The project should be self-directed and self-motivated under the supervisor’s guidance and supervision. A gradual transition toward independence is encouraged as a student gains confidence and is able to self-direct his or her work.
It is not expected that the student be able to take on a project where s/he is able to obtain definitive publishing results. The project chosen and agreed upon between the student and supervisor should be focused, and designed to produce results within the DIS semester calendar. While it is not necessary for the results to be significant in that the results find a solution to the problem or hypothesis proposed, it can be argued that any results to a proposed question are significant to the next phase of a research project.
The research project should be designed and implemented with the knowledge that the student will have to write a research paper based on his or her work which will include the following:
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Background
- Method(s)
- Results
- Discussion
- Conclusions
In the paper, a clear and logical thought process to the reasoning behind the student’s research, based on background and learned knowledge, should be made evident.
This DIS course will primarily located at an external institution. Students will need to arrange a schedule with their supervisor which will allow them to complete an average of 20 hours per week (total hours may vary according to research opportunity and expectation of supervisor.)
Throughout the semester students will be expected to complete various assignments to verify their involvement and learning; these will be of benefit to both the student and supervisor. The students will be expected to compose the following:
A literature summary review that will give the student the opportunity to seek out existing peer-reviewed articles, and therefore enhance their scientific knowledge regarding their specific research field. In addition, it is essential that the student has knowledge of previously produced research by the research institution with which they are working with.
An outline of the research project that will provide the student with a foundational structure to help guide the project’s completion. By creating an outline, the student will be able to better comprehend the objective of his/her efforts. The supervisor will also be able to use the outline to assess areas where the student’s current knowledge and understanding is lacking.
A research abstract that will explain the importance and overall objective of the research the student has done. The abstract provides the student an outlet to think about their research concisely, therefore gleaning the most essential points from the project completion.
In conjunction with the submission of the research abstract there will be a poster session where students will present the research they have carried out throughout the semester. Students will create a poster that supports their abstract and outlines the main aspects of their work; this poster will be created with the guidance of approval by the research supervisor. The poster session will be part of a research symposium organized by DIS.
The research paper that is the final product of the research practicum. The paper will explain the student’s work throughout the semester; this will be expected to include the overall process, the project’s significance, and the overall contribution to the field of research in which they were engaged. Please note this research paper is not produced with the intent of publishing.
Evaluation
| Literature Summary Review | (5%) |
| Outline of Research Project | (5%) |
| Abstract | (5%) |
| Research Paper (10-15 pages) | (60%) |
| Poster Presentation at Research Symposium | (20%) |
| Participation | (5%) |
Throughout the semester there will be 2-3 workshops you will be expected to partake in as an SRP student. These workshops will include a general overview/introduction of basic scientific skills your supervisor will expect you to have a general understanding how to execute and practice. Some examples include but are not limited to:
- Scientific Literature Search Skills
- Basic Statistics
- Interpreting and Analyzing Data and the Significance of Results
- Creation of Posters (Choosing the information to put on and leave out when displaying Research)
- Structure of Abstracts and Research Paper
Science Research Practicum Coordinator
|
Stephanie Clemente, Project Manager, Science & Health Programs B.A. (Chemistry, Wesleyan University, 2011). Biomedicine and Biotechnology Program, DIS Fall 2009. With DIS since 2011. |
Science Research Practicum Workshop Lecturers
| Ph.D. (Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2017), MSc. (Neurobiology, University of Copenhagen, 2006), BA (Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2004). Founder of CogniCation; cognitive communication. Has been conducting neuroscience research for approx. 10 years, investigating emotion processing in the brain using imaging. With DIS since 2012. | |
|
My von Euler-Chelpin, PhD |
Practicum Schedule
In addition to these dates, weekly meetings with your supervisor will be expected. It is up to you and your supervisor to find a time to check in with each other. If you need more meetings it is your responsibility as the student to request such from your supervisor.
Before Arrival to Copenhagen
Dec 15 – Friday January 12
Once accepted you will be connected to your supervisor(s) via email. You will then be expected to further contact your supervisor(s) and briefly introduce yourself further. Please note some supervisors may give you 10 – 15 hours of research literature to be read before your semester start.*
After Arrival to Copenhagen
Monday, January 15
Science Research Practicum Orientation
Location: DIS, Vestergade 10 – D11 (V10-D11)
Time: 16.30- 17.30
Introduction to Science Research Practicum
Thursday, January 18– Tuesday, January 23
Meet and Greet with your Supervisor
(NOTE: Your meeting times with your supervisor will be provided to you during your SRP Orientation)
Thursday February 1
(Workshop you are expected to attend is based on your schedule and assigned groups)
Workshop 1:
- Scientific Writing Skills (References and more)
Readings for Workshop: Check Canvas
Check in Meeting 1
Location: DIS, N7-C25
Time: 8.30-9.50 (GROUP A) OR 16.00-17.30 (GROUP B)
Friday, February 2
Literature Summary Review Due by 16.00
Email to supervisor and scl@dis.dk
MONDAY FEBRUARY 19
(Workshop you are expected to attend is based on your schedule and assigned groups)
Workshop 2:
- “Is this result true? The analysis of data.”
We look at the concepts of bias, chance and confounding. How can they affect whether a result can be considered as true or not, and what can we do about it.
Readings for Workshop: Check Canvas
Check in Meeting 2
Location: DIS; N7-C25
Time: 8.30-9.50 (GROUP A) OR 16.00-17.30 (GROUP B)
Friday, February 23
Outline of Research Project Due by 16.00
Email to supervisor and scl@dis.dk
Thursday April 5
(Workshop you are expected to attend is based on your schedule and assigned groups)
Workshop 3:
- Posters, Abstracts and Research Paper
Readings for Workshop: Check Canvas
Check In Meeting 3
Location: DIS, N7-C25
Time: 8.30-9.50 (GROUP A) OR 16.00-17.30 (GROUP B)
Thursday May 3
Abstract Due by 12.00
Email to supervisor and scl@dis.dk
Thursday May 3
Submission of Poster by 12.00
More detailed information on how to submit poster and in what format will be given a month in advance.
Monday May 7
Science Research Practicum Poster Symposium (Part of the DIS: End of Semester Showcase)
Present your research through a Poster Session
Location: DIS, TBA
Time: 16.00 – 18.00
More detailed information provided at a later date.
Thursday May 10
Research Paper Due by 16.00
Email to supervisor and scl@dis.dk
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|