Main Field of Study and progress level:
Biology: Second cycle, contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Department of Ecology and Environmental Science
Established by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2017-06-27
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2023-09-05
Contents
During the course the student performs and presents a scientific study on the subject by applying knowledge and skills acquired during their studies. This occurs in conditions similar to those in a vocational situation. The course also includes review and comment on a similar work.
The course is divided into the following sections:
Section 1. Project description according to instructions, 1 hp Section 2. Execution, 29 hp
Expected learning outcomes
After finished course, for the grade Passed, the student shall be able to:
Module 1. Project description according to instructions, 1 credit ELO 1. Create a feasible project plan for a thesis, with a content and workload that matches the extent and topic of the course ELO 2. Make assessments regarding relevant societal and ethical aspects in relation to the project
Module 2. Execution and presentation, 29 credits ELO 3. Use subject and scientific knowledge and abilities to solve questions within the subject field ELO 4. Independently choose a method/methods that is/are relevant to current research question ELO 5. Use a scientific approach ELO 6. In writing and orally present a scientific study to a range of audiences ELO 7. Defend a scientific study within the subject field ELO 8. Account for and analyze central theories and results within the chosen subject field ELO 9. Carry out a study with a content and workload that matches the extent of the course ELO 10. Constructively review and comment on similar work
After finished course, for the grade Passed with Distinction, the student shall be able to:
Module 2, Execution and presentation, 29 credits ELO 11. Carry out and present a project within given timeframe ELO 12. Independently gather new knowledge to solve the task ELO 13. Identify, evaluate and make relevant prioritization when presenting and discussing own results, with consideration of project aim ELO 14. Discuss own results from a wider perspective than what is directly related to the specific system/research question of the study ELO 15. In writing and orally present a scientific study with logical and communicative precision ELO 16. Constructively defend the own study ELO 17. Critically act as the opponent on a similar study
Required Knowledge
Univ: 180 ECTS credits including one of the courses Forest Ecology 15 hp or Arctic ecosystems 15 hp, or these two courses Aquatic ecosystems 7,5 hp and Aquatic Systems Ecology 7,5 hp. And one of the courses Evolutionary Biology 15 hp, Molecular ekology and evolution, 15 hp or Ecological dynamics 15 hp. And Analysis of field data 15 hp. And a degree thesis at bachelor level, or equivalent.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Form of instruction
The thesis is carried out under supervision. The course structure is planned jointly by students, supervisors and course coordinator. The planning of the thesis must be approved by the course coordinator prior to the start. The thesis can be planned to be conducted in several sub-periods, but the total time should correspond to the time of a conventional course with the same number of credits. A supervisor for the thesis is normally appointed at an academic institution. For theses that are made outside the university will also be appointed a mentor / contact person in the workplace. The thesis is presented in a written report and presented and defended at a seminar. The student will also carry out a reveiw on a similar work. Student works individually.
Supervision is received during the period / periods of the approved work plan and to an extent according to departmental evaluation rules for theses.
Examination modes
Examination is caried out on the independent work as documented in a written report in accordance with the formalities relating to EMG's series theses. The examination also includes the report be defended at a seminar, and the reveiw on the other report. Section 1 is grade Fail (U) or Pass (G). Section 2 and the course as a whole is graded Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG). Students who fail the examination have the right to resit them to pass (HF Chap. 6 § 22), and the student who twice failed an examination, have the right to the head of department of Ecology and Environmental Science to request a different teacher be appointed to determine the grade. Those who pass the tests can not resit the higher grades. To pass the course requires that all examinations and compulsory modules are approved. The grade is an overall assessment of the results of examinations of different parts and given when all compulsory parts are approved.
Crediting Students have the right to have their previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession tested whether it can be credited for the corresponding course at Umeå University. Application for credit is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. For more information on credit transfer available on Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of accreditation may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole as well as part of the application if accreditation is refused.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
