Introduction to the topic:
Patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) often complain of a worsening of their central vision. However, objective measures of visual function may not always correspond with a patient’s self-perceived visual abilities. VFQ-39 is a validated means of assessing subjective visual function and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) is a relatively recent, clinic-based investigation used in assessing central retinal function.
By using these two techniques, it may be possible to correlate subjective with objective measures of visual function. Patients are recruited from eye outpatients, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde and the visual function questionnaire, VFQ-39 (English language version), multifocal ERG (mfERG) will be used as methods.
Prerequisites
One year each of biology and chemistry at university level.
Faculty
Torben Lykke Sørensen
Faculty
M.D. (University of Copenhagen, 1999). DM.Sci. (University of Copenhagen, 2004). Associate professor at University of Copenhagen. Chief Physician in Ophthalmology, Roskilde Hospital (Copenhagen University Hospital). Former research fellow at Cleveland Clinic Foundation. With DIS since 2005.
Research Assistantship FAQ
Learn more about research at DIS.
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Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.
Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.
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Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.
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On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.
Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.
There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.
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Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.
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Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.
The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.
