Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Observe and understand the workflow of active research projects in a laboratory setting.
• Describe the scientific context of contemporary research themes.
• Explain the principles and applications of experimental techniques encountered during rotations.
• Write a concise and structured scientific report.
• Present research work orally in a clear and accessible manner for both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
This course immerses students in a research environment. Working in pairs, each student observes two distinct research projects, participates in experiments where conditions allow, and develops skills in synthesizing and communicating scientific findings.
Students work in pairs and select 2 projects from the available proposals. Each pair devotes 5 half-days per project to accompanying a researcher in their work and, where possible, participating in experimental work. On the first day, each pair meets the academic supervisor(s) and the researcher associated with both chosen projects for a detailed project briefing.
Topics covered vary according to the projects offered each academic year. Students are expected to select one technique among those observed, understand its underlying principle, and analyse it in depth.
Laboratory rotations: 5 half-days per project × 2 projects = 10 half-days (1 week).
• Supervised laboratory immersion: active observation and participation in experiments under the guidance of a researcher.
• Collaborative work: sharing observations and building a joint reflection within the pair.
• Synthesis and communication: writing a scientific report and presenting findings orally.
Assessment consists of two components: a written report for each rotation and an oral presentation.
1. Written report (per pair)
A lab report is required for each of the two rotations. Each report must:
Contextualize the rotation with an introduction highlighting the supervising researcher’s biological question(s).
Demonstrate understanding of the experiments observed or performed, and of the results obtained relative to expected outcomes, with particular attention to the negative and positive controls used.
Focus on one particular technique: its principle, its objective, and what it allows to obtain.
Clearly indicate the individual contribution of each member of the pair.
References may be included where appropriate. The use of AI is prohibited (to keep confidentiality of the observed research work).
2. Oral presentation (per pair)
Each member of the pair may either present one of the two rotations, or present part of each rotation in relay with their partner. Regardless of the format chosen, each student must be able to answer questions on both rotations. The presentation lasts 20 minutes, may be given in French or English, and must be clear, structured, and understandable to those without specific expertise in the research topic. A 20-minute Q&A session follows to assess each student’s individual understanding of both rotations.
If a student fails the first session, only the report and presentation will be requested in the second session.
Scientific materials (articles, protocols, data) are provided directly by each project's supervising researcher. No general textbook is required. Students are encouraged to consult primary literature relevant to the research projects they observe.
| Training | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Biology | 3 | 5 | Yes |