IKT590 Master's Thesis
- ECTS Credits:
- 30
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Engineering and Science
- Course Leader:
- Lei Jiao
- Lecture Semester:
- Spring
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- 1 term
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Master's Programme in Information and Communication Technology
- Artificial Intelligence, 5-year master programme
Teaching language
EnglishPrerequisites
In order to start working on the master’s thesis, the students must have passed examinations with no less than 75 ECTS credits in the Master programme at the beginning of the semester when the master’s thesis is to be written. The topic of the master’s thesis has to be approved by the University of Agder.
Course contents
The master's thesis is a self-contained work with a topic within information and communication technology. The work is expected to include elements of research and innovative methods. Basic assignments within planning, programming or development should be avoided. The thesis project includes a master's thesis describing the state-of-the-art, research problem, approach, results, evaluations, and outlook, as well as an oral presentation of the thesis. A press release that presents the thesis work and the main results is also required. Prototypes and/or other products that are developed for the thesis may be included as part of the hand-ins.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the master thesis, the students should:
- be able to apply their knowledge in new areas within ICT
- be able to analyze ICT problems, both from a research and an industrial's perspective
- have obtained skills required to analyze existing theories and methods, and to independently solve both applied and theoretical problems
- be able to apply relevant research and development methods in an independent manner
- be able to critically analyze various information sources, and apply these for structuring and formulating arguments
- be able to conduct an independent research and development project under supervision, according to governing academic and ethical research standards
- be able to convey comprehensive independent work by mastering relevant expression forms used within ICT research and development
- be able to disseminate applied and theoretical problems and solutions, orally and in writing, both to peers and to the public
- be able to contribute with innovation and new ideas both in academic and industrial ICT projects
Examination requirements
For every student/group there will be 10 compulsory guidance meetings. The press-release of the thesis must be submitted and approved.
Teaching methods
Independent work. A supervisor will be available for regular consultations. The students choose whether they want to do the master thesis project individually or in groups of maximum three students. The duration of the Master's Thesis is normally one semester, which gives an estimated workload of 800 learning hours for the student.
The master's thesis is normally carried out in the Spring semester. The faculty may approve that some students carry out their master's thesis in the Autumn semester. This is given that the student meets all the prerequisites, and that there are available supervisors.
Evaluation
The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.
Assessment methods and criteria
The thesis and oral presentation. The thesis and other submitted work can be written and presented in English, Norwegian or another Scandinavian language. Graded assessment.
The students choose whether they want to write the master's thesis individually or in groups of maximum three students. The assessment given on the thesis may be individually adjusted maximum one grade up/down after the oral presentation. Students who are taking a new or postponed exam, cannot submit an improved version of the master's thesis.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| IKT592 – Master's Thesis | 30 |