Course Objective

The aim is to obtain experience in scientific research including the
design and execution of experiments and to critically interpret and
reflect on the experimental results. The project will be conducted
within the field of bioanalytical chemistry in one of the following
settings:
- University or Academic hospital
- Research institute
- Company
The internship can be performed either within the Netherlands or abroad.

Course Content

A bioanalytical chemistry research project will deal with theoretical
and practical understanding of issues involved in the design, execution,
analysis and interpretation of complex bioanalytical studies.
The specific content of the project depends on the associated
supervisor(s), available projects on location and the timing of the
internship.

Attention will be paid to setting up new research/experiments, using
state-of-the-art experimental techniques, analyzing experimental results
and keeping adequate documentation. In all, the student will get exposed
to doing research as well as to contemporary bioanalytical techniques.

Teaching Methods

Literature review, formulating a research question, conducting
experiments, keeping adequate documentation (e.g. labjournal), analyzing
data, reporting on results in progress/group meetings, in a written
thesis and final presentation within the research group.

Method of Assessment

Academic attitude, execution, oral presentation, and written thesis

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements with respect to attained courses and number of
credits apply. See the Education and Examination regulations and the
internship manual Drug Discovery & Safety. For questions, consult the
internship coordinator well in advance (internships_sf.beta@vu.nl).

Literature

Starting literature will be provided by the supervisor. The first 1-2
weeks of the traineeship will be spent on literature reading and
preparation for the project.

Target Audience

Research variant of all tracks within the master DDS

Additional Information

The length of a minor internship ranges from 18 to 36 EC (3-6 months)
and can be (partly) incorporated within the optional part of the master
program, although for traineeships abroad and in companies a length of
at least 30 EC is recommended. Consult the master coordinator of your
track well in advance to discuss your personal education plan. See the
“Master Drug Discovery & Safety Internship manual” for more information
(rules, regulations, tips, etc.) on the internship process. This manual
can be found on the canvas community “Master Drug Discovery & Safety”.

Custom Course Registration

The number of internal (VU) internship positions is limited. Contact dr. Jeroen Kool (j.kool@vu.nl) for more information on internship opportunities. Be aware that a selection procedure applies for most external positions. Before the start of the project an internship agreement has to be signed by all involved parties and the project proposal has to be approved by the VU supervisor. See the “Master Drug Discovery & Safety Internship manual” for more information on the rules and regulation regarding internships. If after reading the manual you still have questions regarding the process related to internships, admission, approval, etc., please contact the internship coordinator via internships_sf.beta@vu.nl.