Master's thesis in Forestry Science, A2E - Degree of Master of Science in Forestry
Course description
An independent project is a project where you will apply your in-depth knowledge, skills and approach to an issue in the field of the education. Often, the independent project is at the end of your education where you will plan, conduct and present an academic study. Your project will be published publicly. Also see https://student.slu.se/en/studies/degree-projects/
As a student, you are responsible for identifying and selecting a suitable essay subject for the independent project. In order to be admitted to the course it is required that you before the course starts have made an agreement with the supervising department regarding supervisor and essay subject. Contact the course leader or a possible supervisor ahead of time to discuss the possibilities for carrying out the independent project at that department. The department can provide you with information on what application code to use and other practicalities regarding the project, for example the location/campus where the project can be carried out.
Entry Requirements
90 credits Forestry Science of which 30 credits at second-cycle level
15 credits Biology
15 credits in Economic Sciences (Business Administration, Economics or relevant)
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
EX1033, Master's thesis in Forestry Science, A2E - Degree of Master of Science in Forestry, 30.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2024-06-27
Valid from : Spring semester 2026 (2026-01-19)
Level
Second cycle (A2E)
Main field of study
Forestry Science
Sub-area forestry science
Other within Forestry Science 30 credits.
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
90 credits Forestry Science of which 30 credits at second-cycle level
15 credits Biology
15 credits in Economic Sciences (Business Administration, Economics or relevant)
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 that relates the forest's and/or the forest sector's complex system of resources and value-creating processes
- 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
- discuss how the completed study relates to, or contributes to, the development and need for new knowledge about forests and the forest sector.
Content
The course involves carrying out an independent, academic project (degree project) under supervision which contributes to knowledge and development with relevance for sustainable forestry operations in a broad sense where the work's connection to ecological, economic and/or social values is highlighted. 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 30 credits for each student, and each student must fulfil all intended learning outcomes.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Forest ecology and Management
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Euroforester (MSc)
- Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management (MSc)
- Industrial Wood Supply Management (MSc)
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre | 30.0 | 0001 |
| Department of Ecology | 30.0 | 0003 |
| Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology | 30.0 | 0002 |
| Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology | 30.0 | 0004 |
| Department of Forest ecology and Management | 30.0 | 0005 |
| Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Environmental Studies | 30.0 | 0006 |
| Department of Forest Resource Management | 30.0 | 0007 |
| Department of forest bioeconomy and technology | 30.0 | 0010 |
| Department of Forest Resource Management | 30.0 | 0007 |