One year Master´s Degree Thesis in Chemistry, 15 Credits, 15 Credits

Contents

The student will acquire a deepened knowledge of Chemistry and make use of this knowledge in a research project. The project will allow the student to develop skills in working and learning independently. The student will actively participate in the planning of the project, will independently carry out the research, and will provide a written and oral account of the work. The written report must contain a popular science summary which also addresses societal and ethical aspects of the research project. As an integral part of the course, the student will develop skills in critically reviewing and in debating research projects or peers at an advanced level.

The course is divided into two modules:
Module 1. Project description extensive literature study within the chosen project area that provides a background and enables the planning of the project. This is presented in writing (2.5 credits).

Module 2. Execution, accounting and opposition (12.5 credits).

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student is expected to

• Apply scientific knowledge to solve problems within the targeted research area, and show a deepened understanding of current research and development work
• Conduct literature studies, critically review current information on the state of knowledge of the research field, and take responsibility developing knowledge in this area.
• Show an ability to independently plan, to choose method(s), and to implement an advanced scientific project within the given timeframe
• Perform an adequate risk assessment of the work 
• Demonstrate sound experimental and/or theoretical skills
• Systematically compile, evaluate and analyze scientific data
• Demonstrate an ability to account for and to discuss results and conclusions, both in written and oral form.
• Demonstrate an ability to assess and to discuss the research project in relation to societal and ethical aspects
• Show a good ability to convey results and conclusions in a popular science summary
• Show an ability to critically review and discuss the research project at an advanced level.

Required Knowledge

Biophysical-Chemical Concepts (5KE174), Advanced Experimental Tools in Chemistry (5KE175), or equivalent.
English 6 / B or equivalent.

Form of instruction

The student conducts literature studies, sets up a project plan, and carries out a research task within one selected focus area of Chemistry. The work shall be carried out either at the Department of Chemistry of Umeå University, or in another competent organization or private company. A research supervisor shall be appointed for each research project. An additional supervisor and/or contact person from Umeå University must also be appointed if the work is to be performed outside the University. Research supervision will be given during the time period(s) of the project.

The student shall present a written report after a study period equivalent to 2.5 hp, namely Part I described above. This report will be assessed by an examiner.

The degree project is to presented in a written report, and will be defended orally at a seminar. The written report must have the format of a scientific publication (Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussions, Conclusions). It must also include a popular science summary that also accounts for social and ethical aspects of the work. As an integral part of the course, the student will develop skills in critically reviewing and in debating research projects of peers at an advanced level.

This degree project to be carried out individually.

Examination modes

The degree project is to presented (1) in written report and (2) in an oral presentation to students, teachers and researchers. Both presentations shall be in English. Evaluation of the work will take into account the experimental/theoretical work performed, the written reports (including the popular science summary), the oral presentation, as well as the critical review and debate of peers' research projects. Possible grades for this course are as follows: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). All examinations and compulsory exercises are required to pass this course. Students who have already passed this course may not take a second examination to obtain a higher grade. Students who have been failed twice by the same examiner have the right to request that another examiner be appointed by the head of the Department of Chemistry.

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.

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.