Literature Review Biophysics and Biophotonics

6 EC

Semester 1 & 2, period 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

5354LRBP6Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator B.I. Avci
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track Biophysics and Biophotonics, Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy,

Course manual 2024/2025

Course content

The aim of a literature thesis is to learn to write short descriptions of scientific articles in the student’s own words, and to give ones commentary. The student should write a paper under the auspices of one of the department’s research groups (the thesis supervisor). The thesis may be written either on a subject provided by the research group, or one the student has come up with and which has been approved by the supervisor. The thesis comprises:

  • a summary of the literature on the subject including the most recent publications the student’s name (approximately 20-40 pages, with 30-50 references)
  • a critical opinion of the literature.
  • the student’s perceptions and views on the subject based on the literature that is read and suggestions for further research

 In general, a literature study and colloquium (30 min) will be executed at the end of the first year of the master program.

Study materials

Other

  • Publications.

Objectives

  • Outline and identify the scientific problem;
  • Review and rewrite the literature;
  • Analyze the possible solutions and identify their pros and cons;
  • Interpret and summarize these findings;
  • Advice for further research;
  • Clearly present the results.

Teaching methods

  • Self-study

The structure of the literature thesis (‘scriptie’) is like that of a scientific review article. Based on the initial literature study, the student will make the outline of the literature thesis. This outline, defining the subject of the thesis, will be discussed with the literature thesis supervisor. At least once in two weeks, further discussion will be needed with the thesis supervisor about the structure and contents of the thesis and, later on, the colloquium.

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Zelfstudie

168

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

  • In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article A-1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    Final grade

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
    1
    2
    3
    4

    Additional information

    The literature review can be started throughout the year, but in general is best to be scheduled before the major research project. The master coordinator or supervisor, or thesis supervisor will have some suggestions for a subject.

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • B.I. Avci