Thesis Project for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, 15 Credits

Contents

In this course, students are trained in their ability to plan, carry out and present an independent thesis project. The course builds on selected basic level courses in the subject area, and goes considerably deeper than standard basic level courses in mathematics. The course gives an introduction to the scientific method in the subject area, regarding how to approach a research question, take in and analyse background material and presenting questions, results, and conclusions. The main part of the course consists in producing a written report, which is then presented orally and in writing at a seminar. At the seminar, students critically evaluate each other's reports.

The course consists of three modules:
Module 1 (1 ECTS) Project plan
Module 2 (13 ECTS) Project report
Module 3 (1 ECTS) Seminar

Expected learning outcomes

For a passing grade, the student must be able to

Knowledge and understanding

• exhibit in-depth knowledge in a selected area of mathematics

Skills and abilities

• plan and carry out an independent thesis project within a given time frame
• read and analyse scientific literature relevant to the thesis project
• orally and in written form communicate research questions, methods, and results

Judgement and approach

• apply a scientific perspective to source material and one's own writing
• critically and constructively evaluate another thesis project

Required Knowledge

Courses in Mathematics, minimum 75 ECTS, including 15 ECTS on bachelor level or equivalent. Within the mathematics credits, further requirements are 15 ECTS courses in calculus, 7,5 ECTS linear algebra and 6 ECTS mathematical statistics. In addition to this, 7,5 ECTS in programming is required.
Proficiency in English equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to thel level required for basic eligibilty for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The mode of teaching on the course consists in individual supervision. At the end of the course, students critially evaluate each other's thesis project reports in seminar form.

Examination modes

The module Project plan is examined through a written project plan, graded by Fail (U) or Pass (G). The module Presentation and opposition is examined through an oral presentation of one's thesis work, and an oral critical evaluation of another thesis project report. The module is graded by Fail (U) or Pass (G), and both the presentation and opposition must be a pass in order to obtain a passing grade on the module as a whole. The module Project report is examined through a written thesis. For the thesis, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) is given. If all parts of the examination have been given a passing grade, the final grade on the course, Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) is decided by the grade for the thesis.

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaption of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to 
the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

A student who has been awarded a passing grade for the course cannot be reassessed for a higher grade. Students who do not pass a test or examination on the original date are given another date to retake the examination. A student who has sat two examinations for a course or a part of a course, without passing either examination, has the right to have another examiner appointed, provided there are no specific reasons for not doing so (Chapter 6, Section 22, HEO). The request for a new examiner is made to the Head of the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. Examinations based on this course syllabus are guaranteed to be offered for two years after the date of the student's first registration for the course.

Credit transfer
All students have the right to have their previous education or equivalent, and  their working life experience evaluated for possible consideration in the corresponding education at Umeå university. Application forms should be adressed to Student services/Degree evaluation office. More information regarding credit transfer can be found on the student web pages of Umeå university, http://www.student.umu.se, and in the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 6). If denied, the application can be appealed (as per the Higher Education Ordinance, chapter 12) to Överklagandenämnden för högskolan. This includes partially denied applications

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.