Research Training Period 1
Research Training Period 1
The first Research Training Period (RTP) covers 24 weeks, including 2 weeks of elective courses, 1 week Scientific Skills and the writing of a report (~2 weeks). Research Training Period 1 can take place in the RIMLS, molecular-oriented research groups of Radboudumc or the Institute for research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Barcelona. To spread the workload and benefits, supervisors may supervise one MMD student at the time. There are no limitations to the number of students in a department, as long as they are supervised by different supervisors. The internship is performed from half January to July..
Research Training Period 1 is assessed based on scientific skills, oral presentation and a written report. Guidelines for the report are found below and on Brightspace.
Objectives Research Training Period 1
Learning objectives are the central issue of an internship plan. Prior to the start of an internship, both student and supervisor should have a clear idea about the learning objectives and skills to be mastered by the student by the end of the internship. The final report must show that the student has attained these learning objectives. Attainment is assessed by the research training period supervisor.
By the end of the research training period you are able to:
- describe the motif for the study, its relevance and its scientific medical context
- search, critically appraise and systematically review relevant literature
- specify a research question or hypothesis which relates to findings discussed in relevant scientific literature
- describe a study design which addresses the research question
- step by step plan, organise and carry out an empirical study
- systematically analyse data
- clearly describe the results and summarise these in tables and figures
- address measurement errors and other limitations of collected data
- critically reflect upon results, design and interpretation
- write a research report (in English) which complies with the academic standards:
- contents: coherent, all inclusive and balanced
- presentation: style, appearance, lay out, spelling and word choice, references
- give a concise oral presentation (in English) about the study for colleagues and discuss this afterwards.
How do I find a placement for a research training period?
The first RTP is performed at the RIMLS, Radboudumc or IRB in the group of one of the Principal Investigators (PI; scientist appointed by Radboudumc or RU – and affiliated with RIMLS – as assistant professor, associate professor or professor). In principle, only one MMD student per PI is allowed. The possibilities for internships within the RIMLS/Radboudumc are described on Brightspace (MMD Student Community > Internship projects). During the introduction course, research theme presentations and the lab orientation days, the students get a better impression of the research possibilities and the lab of PI's of their choice. The preferences for visits during the lab orientation days need to be known to the programme coordinator in time.
Administration of Research Training Period 1
When an internship subject and supervisor (PI) are chosen, the student writes the workplan and completes the form "workplan internship" (available from Brightspace), in consultation with the putative supervisor. Approval for internships needs to be handled via Osiris Case, students are requested to open the Case and upload the internship Work plan (specifying research question and plan of investigation) at least 3 weeks before the Board of Examiner's meeting in which students want the Board to discuss and decide on their applications. Additionally, the internship Work plan needs to be submitted to the Board of Examiners via TOPdesk at least two weeks before the Board of Examiner's meeting. If the Board of Examiners does not agree with the workplan, this will be communicated soon after the meeting and the student needs to resubmit the workplan.
Should major changes apply to the internship research question, a motivated request with an adapted workplan should be submitted to the Board of Examiners for approval within four weeks after you and your supervisor decided that adjustment was necessary. The Board of Examiners cannot approve of any changes after an internship has been completed.
The title that is approved by the Board of Examiners will be noted on the Master’s certificate. During uploading of your final report via Osiris Case you can adapt your title. Please note that this title should still reflect the approved internship research question.
After completion, each training period is evaluated in an online evaluation.