BIO501 Master Thesis

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master's Programme in Coastal Ecology

Teaching language

Norwegian/English

Prerequisites

50 credits of subjects must be passed before commencement of the Master thesis. The topic and problem for the assignment must be approved by the course coordinator. Students who have obtained conditional admission to the Master program must have passed missing subjects in the admission basis prior to commencement of the Master thesis.

Course contents

The content of the master's thesis consists of studying a topic within coastal ecology. An overview of current topics and related supervisors will be presented orally during the first semester and be published in Canvas as well.

Learning outcomes

After completing the Master thesis, the student will:

• Have a specialized insight into the topic and problems of the Master thesis

• Be able to apply the knowledge in new areas

• Know relevant methods and procedures

• Be able to present data and results in writing and orally

• Be able to analyze and relate critically to different sources of information

• Be able to conduct an independent research project under supervision and in accordance with current research ethical norms

• Be able to convey comprehensive independent work and master the field of expression of the subject area

Examination requirements

Mandatory supervision must be approved. In addition, the two compulsory oral presentations must be completed and approved.

Teaching methods

The Master's thesis is conducted individually. Supervision of 40 hours is mandatory. The guide will take place in Norwegian, but in the case of foreign language students, the language of instruction will be English. Details are given at the start of the semester. Students are assigned/select supervisor for the master's thesis during the first semester. The students will write a master contract with the supervisor. This is to be delivered by 1^st February and approved by the department. The student must submit the master's thesis before the 15^th of May in the spring 4^th semester (15^th of November if delivered in the autumn semester).

The master course includes two compulsory seminars, where the students will present their assignments orally in a forum of academic staff and other master students.

Evaluation

The person responsible for the course, 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 Master's thesis is performed individually. After the Master thesis has been delivered and evaluated, an oral exam will be held. The candidate presents the task for the sensors, the supervisor(s) and a possible audience. Oral examinations are then conducted. The final grade of the Master thesis will be determined after the oral examination.

Censorship and grading is subject to the UHR recommended guidelines for assessment of dissertations in MNT subjects.