Master's thesis in cognitive science, 15 Credits

Contents

The student shall under supervision conduct and report an independent research project at an advanced level. This means that the student should deepen his or her knowledge within one of the research areas represented at the department where the thesis is written. The course gives training in formulating research questions and hypotheses, planning a study, testing, analysis and reporting results in a written form and at a seminar. The thesis is treated in a similar way as during a scientific dissertation, where the roles as opponent and respondent are being practiced.

Expected learning outcomes

After the course the student should with a large degree of independence be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

•    Know and understand the theories and concepts relevant to the chosen subject area

Skills and abilities

•    Search for relevant literature in databases
•    Compile a review of a subject area
•    Formulate one or several research questions and hypotheses that emerge from recent empirical and/or theoretical knowledge within the chosen subject area
•    Plan a study based on the defined research problem with respect to study design and methods, and conduct the study
•    Choose adequate analysis methods, conduct analysis and draw reasonable conclusions thereof
•    Write a scientific thesis in a format appropriate for the chosen subject, and register the report in Diva.

Ability to evaluate and approach

•    Relate critically to one’s own results
•    Apply relevant principles of research ethics
•    Defend one’s work at a final seminar which means to objectively discuss strengths and weaknesses and to take into account the meaning of one’s own perspective and context
•    Perform opposition and in an objective and informative way present and discuss strengths and weaknesses in others work

Required Knowledge

Finished courses corresponding to 90 credits (hp) in cognitive science or equivalent, including 30 credits at an advanced level in cognitive science including the courses Scientific perspectives and research design, 7.5 credits, Higher cognitive functions, 7.5 credits, Language, brain and cognition, 7.5 credits, and The problem of consciousness: Philosophical and empirical aspects, 7.5 credits, or equivalent.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A/6 (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT
(Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section).
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 student works closely with the supervisor and/or a research group. The research subject is chosen from one of the research subjects represented at the department where the thesis is written. The course also includes a number of seminars. Supervision is given within the time frame of the thesis course.
 

Examination modes

Examination contains five parts: a project plan, the written thesis, a defense of the thesis, a presentation and a critical discussion of another student’s thesis and publication of the thesis in DiVA. A project plan is presented at a seminar and examined. The independent report will be examined by an examination committee, both the written report and the work process will be judged. The defense, presentation and critical discussion is examined at a seminar. The grading scale includes failed, passed, and passed with distinction for the thesis. For the defense, presentation, critical discussion and publication in DiVA only the grades failed and passed are applied.

A student who has failed twice on an examination can request from the Board of Under-graduate Studies in Psychology that another teacher is appointed to grade the project work. The student is entitled 5 examinations within two years after the first registration occasion. To pass the entire course all tests and compulsory parts must have been passed. The grade is an integrated judgement of the results from all examination parts, and is given when all parts have been passed.

CREDIT TRANSFER
An application for credit transfer can be made for a complete cpurse or part of a course based on earlier studies or professional experience. If the application is denied all togehter or partly a written motivation will be given. If the application is denied It is possible to appeal to the board of Higher  education. For more information contact Studentcentrum/Examina.