Print Syllabus

Syllabus

EX1040 Master's thesis in Biology, A2E - Faculty of Forest Sciences, 30.0 Credits

Masterarbete i biologi, A2E - Fakulteten för skogsvetenskap

Subjects

Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre	30.0	0001
Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology	30.0	0002
Department of Ecology	30.0	0003
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

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
Master’s level (A2E)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to

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.

Grading form

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.

Formats and requirements for examination

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.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional 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.

Responsible department

Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Environmental Studies

Cooperating departments: