EX0900, Master thesis in Biology, A2E, 60.0 Hp
Print syllabus

Syllabus

Level

Second cycle (A2E)

Main field of study

Biology

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

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. - If the student has not received a Pass grade for a test, the examiner has the right to give a supplementary assignment, provided this is feasible and can be justified. - If the student has been granted learning support due to a disability, the examiner has the right to offer an adapted test or let the student take the test in an alternative manner. - If this course syllabus is changed, or if the course is discontinued, SLU shall decide on transition rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but who have not yet completed the course. - For the examination of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the submission date. For more information, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor’s and Master’s level.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment

Cooperating departments

Department of Aquatic Resources Department of Ecology Department of Energy and Technology Department of Soil and Environment Department of Molecular Sciences Department of Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden Department of Forest My

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	60.0	0301

Other Information

Once the student has received a Pass grade for the written report, this must be published in the SLU system for electronic publication (Epsilon), and checked for plagiarism. To be admitted to the course, the student must have an agreement with the supervising department concerning supervisor and the subject of the project.

Students are recommended to take a course corresponding to at least 5 credits in scientific methodology before starting their independent project. This requirement is fulfilled by students who follow the syllabus for SLU degree programmes. Students who have not completed an undergraduate programme at SLU are urged to take the web-based teaching components provided for undergraduate-level independent projects. A course in scientific methodology is any course or course component that contributes to the student fulfilling the qualification requirement of advanced method knowledge in the main field of study. The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date the student has been admitted to and registered on.