Final Year Project Neurosciences

Course Objective

The aim of a Master's Neurosciences final year project is to learn how
to independently conduct neuroscientific research in a 6-month
internship. Upon successful completion of the final year project, you
will be able to:
• find scientific information independently and know how to analyse,
summarize and critically evaluate this for the benefit of your own
research question(s).
• use the principles from different disciplines in the design of
research plans, the execution of research, and analysis of the results.
• command relevant research techniques and laboratory procedures,
including safety procedures and the ability to solve emerging problems.
• use computer software or analysis tools relevant for the field.
• communicate experimental results in a scientific manuscript format in
English, and by means of an oral presentation.
• analyse and evaluate planning, execution and the results of your
research independently and critically.
• contribute to scientific discussions about plans, results and the
consequences of research.
• reflect on the ethical aspects of your research and applications of
your research.
• evaluate your own functioning in the internship, both through
reflection and in discussions with others.
• obtain a good impression of a potential future career.
• describe and critically discuss the context and impact of your
research project(s) to both researchers in the field, and broader
society.

Course Content

Write a research proposal, conduct experiments and analyses, present and
discussing data in oral presentations, write a scientific report
(manuscript format in English), write a scientific impact statement and
a summary for the general public.

Additional Information Teaching Methods

The daily supervisor teaches the student the necessary neuroscientific
research techniques/tools and analysis tools and regularly provides
feedback on the performance of the student. The VU supervisor or on-site
supervisor also aids in the student's development of the following
skills, by means of formative assessment:
- academic skills (incl. insight and creative thinking)
- scientific writing skills
- presenting skills
- attitude

Method of Assessment

Formative assessment - Written research proposal and oral presentation
thereof (Go/No-Go decision after 8 weeks, decision on whether the
project and the student both have enough potential to continue).
Summative assessment - Final grade: attitude & execution (25%), oral
presentation (25%), written report (assessor 1: 25%; assessor 2: 25%).

Entry Requirements

You need to have successfully completed Internship Neurosciences I,
before this Final Year Project can commence.

Literature

Starting literature is provided by the supervisor.

Additional Information Target Audience

Year 2 Master Neurosciences students

Custom Course Registration

Course enrolment via VU-net.
NB: the project needs prior approval of the program coordinator. The
student uploads the Research proposal form onto Canvas, at least four
weeks prior to the planned start date of the internship. The internship
can commence as soon as the internship coordinator has approved the
project.