The course provides students with training in scientific theory and methodology, as well as principles for equitable and sustainable development, with applications in industrial and environmental biotechnology, molecular biotechnology and bioinformatics, and medical biotechnology. Students develop skills in basic concepts, theories, and problem areas in the philosophy of science, while reflecting on ethics, gender equality, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. The course thus prepares students to apply biotechnology in a responsible and innovative way to meet societal and environmental challenges.
The course covers:
- scientific knowledge, definitions and hypothesis testing
- observations and measurements, experiments and models
- statistical reasoning, causes and explanations
- research ethics
- sustainable development, gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
After completing the course, the student should, with regard to scientific theory and methodology, be able to:
- identify definitions and descriptions of concepts, theories and problem areas and identify correct application of these concepts and theories
- account for concepts, theories and general problem areas and apply concepts and theories to specific cases
- critically discuss definitions and applications of concepts and theories in relation to specific research cases.
After completing the course, the student should also be able to:
- describe and discuss the relevance of sustainable development for biotechnology in academia and industry from social, economic and ethical perspectives, including gender equality, diversity and inclusion
- apply concepts and theories to examples from the biotechnology field and conduct a critical discussion of the methodology in biotechnology research.
