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Master's Thesis Science (B-KUL-I0D55A)

30 ECTSEnglishBoth termsCannot be taken as part of an examination contractCannot be taken as part of a credit contract
Jelier Rob (coordinator) |  N.
POC Bioinformatics

Aims

For the master's thesis, students apply methodologies and theoretical knowledge they gained in their studies on a practical bioinformatics problem and make an active contribution to bioinformatics research of international standard level.

At the end of the master's thesis, the student
1. Can analyse the posed problem;
2. Is able to identify the best solution;
3. Is able to practically implement the solution;
4. Is able to critically analyse the results and synthesise them in a concise way
5. Can summarise the approach and original results in a final thesis manuscript and place these in the right perspective of the remaining open questions;
6. Can correctly reference scientific literature and show correct scientific behaviour and a positive attitude towards reflection, alertness and awareness of responsible conduct.
7. Has acquired attitudes to work in a scientific research team.

Previous knowledge

Students are aware of both the biological and methodological aspects underlying bioinformatics research.
 
Prerequisites:
- Teamwork “crossroad exploration for bioinformatics”
- Bayesian modelling for biological data analysis
- Bioinformatics: high-throughput analysis
- Bioinformatics: structural and comparative genomics
- Bioinformatics: evolutionary and quantitative genetics
- Biological databases
 

Order of Enrolment

You can only take this course if you have to acquire no more than 72 credits to obtain your degree.

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

30 ects. Master's Thesis Science (B-KUL-I0D55a)

30 ECTSEnglishFormat: Master's thesisBoth terms
N.
POC Bioinformatics

Content

The main focus of the master's thesis is on (adaptation and) application bioinformatics methods to solve a biological or biomedical research question. The work can include development a bioinformatics methodology or development of a bioinformatics software/tool/database/environment that servers bioinformatics purposes.

Each thesis requires a concise redaction of the thesis and a public defence.

Students write a research plan in the starting phase of the thesis. This research plan is written in consultation with the promotor/daily supervisor and includes i) the research goal, ii) the research plan; which literature will be reviewed, the data that is available and/or will be collected, the methodology and the data processing, what training will be necessary and how guidance is organised iii) the schedule; brief overview of deadlines and timelines.

Students attend lectures on scientific integrity.

Students give a mid-term presentation.

The thesis describes current hypotheses in the research field. One of the promoters is a faculty member (ZAP) of the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Medicine.

Evaluation

Evaluation: Master's Thesis Science (B-KUL-I2D55a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period

Explanation


A jury evaluates if the aims have been accomplished. The jury consists of one or two promotor(s), one or two daily supervisor(s) and a minimum of two assessors of which at least one does not belong to the same research unit as the promotor.

Evaluation is based on three aspects:
1) The daily efforts of the students during the thesis work, appreciation for enthusiasm, involvement in the thesis project, intellectual independence, research qualities, the students' ability to make a valuable contribution to scientific research.
2) the written thesis report.
3) the public defence of the project.

Attendance of lectures on scientific integrity is mandatory.

The research plan and mid-term presentation have to be uploaded through Toledo as part of the ePortfolio.