Training component - PhD

The training component must be complete and approved before an application to submit the thesis can be made. It is recommended that the training component is completed at least six months before the planned submission. Applications for approval of the training component cannot be processed if the PhD period is not valid.

• Ethics and health research: MEDMET901 7 credits ECTS. This course includes topics in the philosophy of science, research ethics and scientific methods. Equivalent courses from other institutions may be approved on application. (MEDMET900 (6 credits) was taught for the last time in Autumn 2023. MEDMET1 (8 credits) was taught for the last time in Spring 2021)
• Dissemination activities equivalent to 6 credits (see below). Approved jointly under the course code FORMIDL901. All dissemination activities must be documented at the same time. Dissemination work exceeding 6 credits cannot be included in the training component.
• Midway evaluation is compulsory and should be arranged around halfway through the PhD period. This may not be included under dissemination activities. Completed midway evaluation is rewarded 1 credit in the training component.
• For candidates whose research project includes the use of laboratory animals, training in the use of laboratory animals in medical research is mandatory, if they do not already have this certification. Equivalent courses from other institutions may be approved on application.

Documentation requirements for dissemination activities

A number of activities and courses can be approved in the elective part of the training component.

Research courses
Research courses can be organised by universities or university colleges in Norway or abroad. Please note that courses under 1 ECTS credits will not be approved.

On application, research courses given by institutions not using ECTS standards, may be approved. Approval requires that course documentation be submitted (schedule, course description and syllabus/reading list), in addition to documentation that the candidate has successfully completed the course. These courses must be at master or PhD level and the candidate should always discuss with the supervisor to decide if the course is at an adequate level.

Course credits are calculated in accordance with ECTS standardisation (1 credit per 25-30 hours' work incl. self-study and the examination). Please note that short courses (<25 hours) will not be approved and that several smaller courses cannot be combined. Half credits will not be awarded.

Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to approve these types of courses in advance.

Individual syllabus
Where no courses or other opportunities for training within the candidate's field of research are available, an individual syllabus (special syllabus) can be approved following submission of an advance application to the Programme Board for research training. A description of the special syllabus making it possible to assess the content, level and scope must be included in the application. The examination is conducted by the supervisor with an examiner appointed by the department.

Research stay at other institutions
If the candidate travels to another research institution to learn techniques, conduct experiments or engage in other academic activities, the stay may be approved as part of the training component's elective part. After returning, a report about the stay must be submitted (signed by the candidate and supervisor) in addition to a confirmation from the host institution regarding the duration of the stay and its content. The stay must have a minimum of two weeks duration.

Clinical specialty approved in Norway
Up to one specialty in medicine or dentistry approved in Norway may be approved. Other specialties may also be considered if a master’s degree is required for admission to the specialisation. Awarded credits can be adjusted depending on the specialty’s workload.

Documentation requirements for elective part

Examinations or other activities which took place more than 5 years before admission to the PhD programme cannot be included in the training component. Approval of specialist education, the laboratory animal science course for researchers, and training components completed as part of the completed medical student research training programme, are exempt from the 5-year rule (provided the PhD project is a direct continuation of the student project).

Elective courses at master level (UiB 300 level or equivalent at other institutions) can be included (max. 10 credits ECTS). Courses at a lower level can only be included under exceptional circumstances, and only if approved by the Programme Board. UiB-courses at 200 level is included in courses that must be applied to the Programme Board to include in the training component.