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.

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. 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

Examination on this course consists of three parts: Critical evaluation of another thesis project report, defense of one's own thesis project report, and the written thesis project report itself. For the critical evaluation and defense, one of the grades Fail (U) or Pass (G) is given. For the written thesis project report, 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 written thesis project report.

Deviations from the form of examination specified in the syllabus form can be made for a student who has been granted pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form will be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes of the course syllabus. At the request of the student, the course coordinator, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision must then be communicated to the student

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