In January this year, the programme as offered for the second time. UiO:Life Science played a key role in establishing the certificate and has supported the project's development. Twenty-two students were admitted following the application deadline on 15 October last year, and the same number attended the first lecture. The master supplement is taken in parallel with the students' study programmes, demanding a high level of work capacity. Lectures are scheduled in the evening, after regular classes.
The Honours Certificate comprises 20 credits over the course of one year and is divided into the following four courses: Introduction to Life Science Innovation, Business Tools, Introduction to start-up world, and a project module. Through the certificate programme, students learn to identify and develop ideas from life science research into new products and services for society. Graduates of the programme receive documentation affirming important interdisciplinary innovation skills, that are not part of any study programme at UiO.
Collaboration across UiO
The certificate is a collaboration between the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Oslo, but students from all faculties can apply. An important learning outcome of this certificate is the ability to work constructively in small groups with individuals from diverse academic backgrounds.
Other honours certificates at UiO
The University of Oslo now offers four interdisciplinary honours certificates for postgraduate students. Concepts that Matter – Debating Democracy started up last autumn. Education for Sustainable Health started at the same time as the Honours Certificate in Life Science Innovation, while Environmental Humanities and Sciences was launched in 2020.