Admission requirements
Description
BAST will focus on research in practice: what does working as a researcher really entail?
Themes of BAST in the second year
In the first year of the study a start was made with Biomedical Academic Scientific Training (BAST). In the second year, BAST will further build on the themes of the first year. The specific themes of the second year are:
Clinical practice;
Determination of reliability of (biomedical) measurements;
Application and interpretation of statistical analysis of data, including epidemiological data;
Formulation of research objectives and a study design relevant to generate new knowledge;
Ethical and legal aspects of biomedical research;
Description and assessment of biomedical research in a social context.
Description
During the second year, there will be a focus on the process of science in both laboratory and clinic. Emphasis will be put on biomedical sciences as a progressing science, by validating and invalidating hypotheses, and generating new ones, aiming at understanding and combating human diseases. Experiments, observations and proper data analyses serve as a basis for novel insights. During this year, learning this process in theory and in practice will take center stage in BAST. Important aspects include the formulation of research questions, the design of experimental studies and the statistical analysis of data. In the third semester there is an emphasis on the laboratory setting; in the fourth semester on the clinical setting.
Practicing the principles of critical reading is continued from the first year and students will be introduced to some of the legal and ethical issues involved in biomedical science. Where possible, teaching in the second year will be illustrated by using virtual examples of patients or sessions with actual patients.
Implementation
Education and training of this line is integrated in the thematic modules. The year assignment is scheduled next to the modules and must be carried out throughout the year.
This assignment involves an interview of a young investigator (PhD student or post-doc) and the supervisor. The interviews will focus on the daily aspects of doing research, the fun and the possible frustrations. Small teams of students will focus on different topics and in a final presentation each of these topics will be presented to the entire group. In addition, each group prepares a report that will be peer reviewed by students and evaluated by the BAST teachers.
Either in the second or third bachelor year, the students must attend the two-yearly scheduled LIMSC (Leiden International Medical Student Conference) and make a report.
Course Objectives
The student:
shows insight into the dynamics and organization of the daily work of a biomedical researcher and into the practice of publishing research results
shows insight into the many factors which influence the success of a research project, of a research program, and the progress of the career of a researcher
has knowledge of the factors and considerations which play a role in determining the research agenda and has insight into how science, technology and society are interwoven.
Timetable
All course and group schedules are published on MyTimeTable.
The exam dates have been determined by the Education Board and are published in MyTimeTable.
It will be announced in MyTimeTable and/or Brightspace when and how the post-exam feedback will be organized.
Mode of instruction
Assessment method
There are no specific course books other than specified in the various course modules. A Brightspace module for the second-year line education BAST is available.
A grade for the course is compiled from academic attitude, a report and a presentation.
Reading list
For the complete reading list for the bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, see the Study Materials List BW 2024-2025.
Registration
Registration must be done via MyStudyMap. Registration in MyStudyMap gives you automatic access to the course in Brightspace. For more information, please visit the Leiden University website for students.
Contact
Coördinator BAST:
Prof. Dr. Pieter Hiemstra
Afdeling Longziekten
Kamernummer: C-02-133
Telefoonnummers: 63848/62950
Email: p.s.hiemstra@lumc.nl
Coördinator BAST jaaropdracht (BAST BW2)
Dr. Margreet R. de Vries
Afdeling Heelkunde
Kamernummer D6-28
Telefoonnummer: 65147
Email: m.r.de_vries@lumc.nl
Remarks
Concerning the ECTS: Two credits are obtained for the year assignment in year 2. Apart from that, credits for BAST are an integral part of the modules and not separately specified.
Information for exchange students
This module is part of an English taught third semester of the bachelor’s programme in Biomedical Sciences at Leiden University Medical Center. Combining biomedical modules with modules from other programmes in Leiden is difficult or impossible due to different scheduling schemes. Exchange students with sufficient relevant background knowledge in biology/biomedicine are therefore encouraged and advised to choose the entire module package indicated (by an *) below.
Immunology (BW), 9 EC*
Infectious Agents And Immunity, 6 EC*
Introduction to the Neurosciences 6, EC*
Design and analysis of Biomedical Studies, 6 EC*
Line education
Communication in Science for Exchange students, 2 EC*
Additional options:
Biomedical Academic Scientific Training for Exchange Students, 2 EC
and/or
Applied Electrophysiology for Exchange students, 2 EC
A minimum number of applicants is required for continuation of the optional components.