Research Assessment Exercise 2007 University of Oulu

4b. Interaction between research and education

The methods to ascertain the interaction of basic education and research are:

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  All teachers are leaders or members of research groups of the department.
  
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  Most of the research active staff participate in undergraduate or graduate teaching. Researchers holding a position funded by the Research Council system use 5 % of their total work time for teaching. Visiting postdoctoral researchers participate in graduate training in the group they work in, but also by acting as commentators in graduate seminars.
  
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  Undergraduate students get much hands-on experience in research, in small groups, both in laboratory and field courses.
  
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  Except for the very basic laboratory exercises, laboratory courses are run in research laboratories, with actual research equipment and authentic material.
  
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  In addition to textbooks, lecture notes, etc., students use original published papers as study material very early in their studies.
  
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  Master’s theses (“pro gradu”) are typically produced in a research group in the Department or, alternatively, in another faculty or a research institute. Many doctoral students continue their doctoral studies on the subject they started with their master’s thesis.
  
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  Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in the scientific seminar series of the department.
  

In 2004-2006, the Department of Biology held the status of a national centre of excellence in education (1 out of 2 in the University of Oulu). The centres are nominated by the Ministry of Education. The strong connection between education and research was a key factor contributing to the success of our application.

5. Other academic activity and collaboration

5a. Academic visits 2001-2006

List of visits per year 2001-2006 with a minimum duration of three months.