Master's thesis in Biology, A2E - Faculty of Forest Sciences
Course description
An independent project is a project where you apply your advanced knowledge, skills and approach to a question within the field of study. The independent project is often at the end of your education where you plan, carry out and present an academic study. Your work is published publicly. See also https://student.slu.se/studier/examensarbeten/
As a student, you are responsible for identifying and choosing a suitable task for the independent project. In order to be accepted to the course, you must have made an agreement with the supervising department regarding the supervisor and topic of the project before the course starts. Therefore, contact the course leader or potential supervisor well in advance about the possibility of doing independent work at a department. The department can provide information about the registration code that applies and other practical information about the implementation, e.g. at which location the project can be carried out.
Entry Requirements
30 credits at second-cycle level in the main field of study.
A pass grade for the independent project at first-cycle level, or a Bachelor's degree.
At least one course relevant to the subject of the independent project must be completed before starting the project.
Knowledge of English equivalent to English 6.
Course facts
EX1042, Master's thesis in Biology, A2E - Faculty of Forest Sciences, 60.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2024-06-27
Valid from : Spring semester 2025 (2025-01-20)
Level
Second cycle (A2E)
Main field of study
Biology
Biology Area
Other biology courses
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
30 credits at second-cycle level in the main field of study.
A pass grade for the independent project at first-cycle level, or a Bachelor's degree.
At least one course relevant to the subject of the independent project must be completed before starting the project.
Knowledge of English equivalent to English 6.
Objectives
The aim of the course is for the student, based on previously acquired knowledge, to independently plan, carry out and present an academic study within a given time frame. Through the independent project, the student will develop their skills in the academic work process and deepen their subject knowledge considerably.
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- independently and creatively identify and formulate scientific questions
- independently search, compile, evaluate and critically interpret relevant information and literature
- independently plan and, using adequate methods, carry out a scientific study within given time frames
- analyse and evaluate data and/or findings on a scientific basis
- discuss contents and conclusions in a scientific work critically, and reflect on how the choice of question and method relates to the scientific and practical basis of the subject
- reflect on social and ethical aspects, sustainability aspects within the subject as well as ethical aspects of research and development
- present a scientific work in accordance with the prevailing practice of the discipline, adapted to the intended audience and according to the instructions given
- write a summary in English of a scientific report according to the instructions given
- write a popular science summary of a scientific work according to the instructions given
- present a scientific work orally and critically review and discuss, as well as give constructive criticism of, another student’s project, including method, conclusions and the context of the work in a wider perspective
- identify their own skill and knowledge development needs in the subject of the project.
Content
The course involves carrying out an independent, academic project (degree project) under supervision. The project is to be carried out independently, using data collected by the student themselves, or equivalent data. The project should preferably be carried out individually, but the course coordinator can admit exceptions under certain circumstances.
The set-up of the independent project should be documented in a work plan established in consultation with the supervisor before the project starts.
The project is to be presented orally and in writing, as seminars or an equivalent format, and according to the instructions given. The course also involves taking part in a public discussion of another student’s project in order to assess the ability to give constructive criticism.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
A Pass grade for the written report and the oral presentation, as well as a Pass grade for the critical review of another student’s project. If the work has been carried out in pairs, it must be made clear to the examiner what each individual has contributed; this applies to both the written report and the oral presentation. The work effort and the scope of the work should correspond to 60 credits for each student, and each student must fulfil all intended learning outcomes.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Environmental Studies
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Conservation and Management of Fish and Wildlife Populations - Master's Programme
- Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management - mastersprogramme
- Conservation and Management of Fish and Wildlife (MSc)
- Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management (MSc)
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre | 60.0 | 0001 |
| Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology | 60.0 | 0002 |
| Department of Ecology | 60.0 | 0003 |
| Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology | 60.0 | 0004 |
| Department of Forest ecology and Management | 60.0 | 0005 |
| Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Environmental Studies | 60.0 | 0007 |
Other Information
The approved written work will be checked for plagiarism and published within the framework of SLU's electronic publishing system.
To be accepted to the course, the student must have made an agreement with the supervising department regarding the supervisor and the topic of the work before the start of the course.
It is recommended that before carrying out independent work at the advanced level, the student has studied at least 5 credits of scientific methodology.