MTH300 E-learning Course: Planning and Scientific Writing of a Master's Thesis in Natural Sciences

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Roland Peter Kallenborn

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk, norsk

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:

Lectures: 10 h
Electronic seminars/ discussions: 30 h
Practical excercises/ colloquia: 20 h
Reporting: 20 h
Video/ elecronic teaching tools: 35 h
Self study: 10 h

Teaching and exam period:Autumn

About this course

The use of modern pedagogic and electronic teaching tools to provide professional preparation, planning and implementation of a written Master's Thesis in Natural Sciences.

This is an on-line course with a few physical meetings. The course covers all aspects of writing a master thesis (30, 45 and 60 credits' (ECTS)) from developing research questions, planning the research process, searching for information, writing the thesis, defending and publishing.

The learning goals of the course contribute to UN- Sustainable development goals (SDG) 4, 5, 10, 16 & 17

Learning outcome

GENERAL: The aim of the course is to provide sound and reliable strategies for the development and realization of the master project (including writing the thesis) in a given time period.

KNOWLEDGE: Through critical monitoring of given progress indicators (Milestones and Deliverables), the student will be able to follow and eventually modify (if required) the project plans during the course of the project.

COMPETENCE: After completion of the course, the student will be able to identify relevant topics and develop a sound and realistic research plan for the given topic, in close collaboration with the supervisor.

Learning activities
- The course responsibles will ensure weekly updates of the MTH300 Canvas resources. This will be done through video conferencing and electronic discussion fora on chosen subjects.
- In addition, students will be assigned project topics to be presented in report form.
- The students will perform and report their project work in the eight course modules.
- The concluding reports will be presented in short presentation during the final physical seminar of the course.
Teaching support
In addition to The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Sciences (KBM), the NMBU Teaching Centre will also actively contribute with experienced personel to the course concept and implementation.
Other NMBU faculties are invited to contribute. Faculty specific contacts will be established if needed.
Prerequisites
The students must be admitted to a Master's program at NMBU.
Assessment method
Portfolio evaluation: All obligatory assignments have to be delivered and approved.
Pass/fail.

Portfolio Grading: Passed / Not Passed
Examiner scheme
An external examinator will evaluate the quality of the submitted assignments.
Mandatory activity
The students have to deliver all assignments in time and get them approved to pass the course.
Report no 5 is graded by an external examiner.
Notes
As all the electronic resources are available on Canvas, the students are expected to individually plan and adapt the time they spend on each assignment. However, several thematic seminars on dedicated topics will be arranged within a set time period. For these seminars students have to be well prepared and active contribution to the discussions linked to the specific topic is mandatory. Thus, specific information will be provided in the course plan (well in advance) allowing enough time for preparation.
Teaching hours
All students are expected to organize their course time flexibly and in accordance with their own teaching plans. However, participation in the four course meetings is mandatory. All six modules are organized in lecture (2-3h), discussion forum 6-10h) and reporting (10-13h). It is expected that minimum 20 h are invested per module (opened for interaction in 1-2 weeks depending on the complexity of the learning program).
Admission requirements
Special requirements in Science.