Admission requirements
Specifically for the BOO: Before the start of the bachelor's research assignment, the MSc student has actively been working for at least 2-3 months as an MSc student within the research division / centre with an internal supervisor (often a PhD student) and has a good theoretical background in the research field in which he/she will supervise the BSc student(s).
For other practical courses: To be able to supervise BSc students during the practical course, the MSc student must have completed the course themselves, and must have sufficient practical and theoretical background in the research field in which the MSc student will supervise the BSc student(s).
Prior to the start of the course the MSc student prepares for the supervision;
Didactic skills course
Prior to the start of the course the MSc student will follow the educational course 'Didactic skills' provided by LLInC (if not yet obtained earlier). The certificate that is provided after this course is a proof of participation, a copy of which must be submitted to the final report. This course will be offered by LLInC at fixed moments (+/-5 hours). MSc students that are listed for the elective course, will obtain an invite via the education office.
Determining a personal teaching strategy
In addition to the didactic skills course, the MSc student will reflect on the didactic skills course and view the information below (as inspiration) to determine (+/- 3 hours):
1. How will you supervision your BSc student(s)?
https://teachingsupport.universiteitleiden.nl/getting-started/student-supervision
2. How will you keeping track of students’ progress and provide them feedback?
https://teachingsupport.universiteitleiden.nl/didactics-formats/assessment
3. How will you communicate with the students (use Microsoft Teams or other programs if preferred)?
https://teachingsupport.universiteitleiden.nl/tools
Science Skills Platform
The bachelor students will be advised to use the Science Skills Platform. Links to a selection of skill modules is provided in their course schedule. The MSc student will study this selection prior to the start of the course (+/- 2 hours) to be able to actively refer the BSc students to the skill module(s) that are relevant for the BSc student(s) and/or refer to one or more skill modules in the feedback that is provided to the BSc student.
Grading advise, rubrics and feedback
The MSc student reads the rubrics corresponding to the assessment of the BSc student(s) (+/- 1 hour). The examiner of the MSc student offers up to 3 (anonymous) written reports of previous years to read and practice providing feedback (+/- 6 hours). Afterwards, an intervision meeting is held (by the examiner) to discuss the quality of the feedback that the MSc student(s) provided. This will help the MSc student(s) to provide better guidance and feedback to the BSc student(s) (+/- 1 hours).
Description
A student may be awarded credits for acting as an assistant in courses of the Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences bachelor programme, in proportion to the course load and pending permission from the Board of Examiners, obtaining an LLInC certificate for a didactic skills training, and the completion of a report with a reflection on the provide education. A maximum of 5 EC of the elective space may be used as an elective course aimed at supervising students of the bachelor Bio-Pharmaceutical Science bachelor programme. Costs for following elective courses or traineeships are borne fully by the student.
MSc students who supervise BSc students during their own MSc RP1/RP2 may extend their RP1/RP2 by a maximum of 3.5 weeks.
Specifically for the BOO: During the BOO the MSc student is responsible for the daily supervision of a maximum of 2-3 BSc BOO students, including advising the examiner on feedback and grading of the BOO student(s). It’s important to notice that the examiner (an LACDR staff member) of the BOO student(s) is responsible for monitoring the quality and progress of the research (assignments) of the BOO student(s) as well as the final grading (practical skills, presentation and written report). The MSc student is the advisor and may help provide feedback. The examiner is also responsible for the supervision of the MSc student that supervises the BOO students (at least through a weekly meeting).
For other practical courses: During the course the MSc student is responsible for the daily supervision of the BSc students, and if applicable also including advising the examiner (course coordinator) on feedback and grading of the student(s). It’s important to notice that the course coordinator is responsible for monitoring the overall safety as well as the final grading (practical skills, presentation and written report). The MSc student is the advisor and may help provide feedback. The examiner is also responsible for the supervision of the MSc student that supervises the students.
The MSc student is responsible for division-specific activities related to:
Moderating (online) meetings with the BSc students and providing feedback based on the active participation and/or progress of the BSc student.
Teaching (laboratory) techniques necessary for the research (proposal).
Guidance in critically evaluating and interpreting obtained/proposed data/results.
Teaching image analysis and data analysis using department-specific software and scripts.
Encouraging students to participate actively during the course by asking questions and encouraging discussion about the results achieved.
If applicable: Advising the final examiner on the written report(s) and presentation(s) of the BSc student(s).
Specific for BOO: Guidance of students with regard to literature searches, drawing up a research proposal, scientific writing, figure representation and presentation. Therefore, actively referring to skill modules of the Science Skills Platform that are relevant for the BSc student (may differ per student).
Completion:
The MSc student completes the elective course with a final reflection report (+/- 8 uur). In this report the MSc student clearly describes how the student supervised the BSc student(s) and supported the academic development of these student(s). The report covers the responsibilities, as described above. In your reflection report, incorporate the points you have formulated at the start of the course under ‘Determining a personal teaching strategy’. At least two examples should be included that describe situations in which a BSc student has been encouraged by the MSc student to actively participate/develop. The report clearly reflects on the supervision of the BSc student(s), taking the feedback from the examiner and BSc student into account as well (so don’t forget to ask for feedback!!).
The written report should be subdivided into:
1. Specifically for the BOO: General scientific introduction on the topic of the BSc BOO student(s), incl references – this provides insight into the research field in which you supervised the BSc student(s). Max 1A4.
Other courses: short introduction of the course (topic, learning goals for bachelor students).
2. Theoretical guidance – this provides insight into how you communicated with the BSc student(s) about the research field and stimulated them to discuss this field. Reflect on the points you mentioned under ‘Determining a personal teaching strategy’, and include examples.
3. Practical guidance – this provides insight into how you guided the student(s) in their daily work within your division and stimulated them in their development on experimental design, planning and data interpretation. Reflect on the points you mentioned under ‘Determining a personal teaching strategy’, and include examples.
4. If applicable: Feedback on a.o. research, presentations, written report(s) – this provides insight into how you coached your students and provided oral and written feedback to stimulate the student(s) in their development.
Course objectives
After this MSc elective course the MSc student:
is able to activate BSc students during their learning process.
is able to provide feedback on the scientific writing (if applicable) and communication of the BSc student.
has gained insight on his of her guidance skills of BSc students and can reflect on that
specifically for BOO: has adequate knowledge of the research field, and can apply this knowledge in his or her own MSc research project.
Timetable
Specifically for the BOO: The bachelor research assignments start in April and last ten-twelve weeks. The MSc student writes a theoretical summary of the scientific framework within which the research assignment will take place before the start of the Bachelor's research assignment.
For other practical courses: Depending on the schedule of the specific bachelor course.
Mode of instruction
After completing the LLInC course, students are additionally trained for the didactical aspects of this course. Training on the content and techniques of the BOO projects will be provided by the division/centre. Students will read tutorials, online information and tutor BSc students and write a final reflection report.
Assessment method
The MSc student will be assessed by the examiner with a grade between 1 and 10, using the rubrics below. For the course, a maximum of 5 ECTS will be given (Level 500). This equals a maximum of 140 hours of study load (5x28 hours). If less hours can/will be used, < 5 ECTS can be given by the examiner.
The assessment is based on:
Certificate for the LLInC course on didactic skills.
Commitment and level of independence – overall contribution during the course.
Specific for BOO: General scientific introduction in the written report.
Theoretical and Practical guidance of bachelor students.
Feedback quality and advisory role.
Quality of the final reflection report and level of reflection.
For the assessment, the rubric belonging to the MSc elective course student assistantship bachelor practical course will be used.
Reading list
Will be announced once applied.
Registration
Students will be approached by the division/centre coordinators for this course. However, if you are interested, you can also approach this coordinator or Diana Klomp, a.e.m.klomp@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl.
If students have gotten permission to do this course, the course coordinator will (if necessary) enroll them in the LLInC-course. Students can thereafter register in uSis.
Application via uSis for both the course and exam is mandatory. Registration for the course closes 14 days before the start of the course or earlier when the maximum number of students is reached. Registration for the exam closes 7 days before the exam date or earlier when the maximum number of students is reached.
Contact
Contact your division/center coordinator or Diana Klomp, a.e.m.klomp@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl.
Remarks
This information is without prejudice. Alterations can be made for next year.
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.