Magister Thesis in Informatics, 15 Credits

Contents

Module 1. Research proposal, 1.5 credits.
This course module focuses on the identification and formulation of research questions and associated aims within the field of Informatics, that can be investigated and answered with scientific methodology.

Module 2. Thesis work, 13.5 credits.
This course module gives the student the opportunity to apply a scientific approach while independently and critically formulating and solving problems in Informatics. The module includes identification of relevant research area, formulation of research problem/question and limitations, design and implementation of a study and the preparation of a written report. The thesis project can also include the creation of an IT application. The thesis is presented and defended in a seminar. When working on the written report, the student is given knowledge of and insight into current methodological issues relevant to scientific work in Informatics.

Expected learning outcomes

Module 1. Research proposal, 1.5 credits.
The student is, after the course module, expected to:
1. Identify and formulate delimited questions and associated aims in the field of Informatics, that can be investigated and answered with scientific methodology.

Module 2. Thesis work, 13.5 credits.
The student is, after the course, expected to be able to: 
1. Identify phenomena of both societal and subject area relevance and formulate problems within the subject area of the study programme.
2. Describe relevant literature with respect to the research question and within the subject area of the study programme.
3. Develop and implement a methodologically relevant and ethically justified study of the chosen research question.
4. Create a synthesis of collected data and selected theories and/or models so that general knowledge of the topic is generated.
5. Relate the research question, the analysis, and the conclusions to current scientific literature within the subject area.
6. Present the thesis in writing and orally in a clear manner, as well as review and discuss the work of others.

Required Knowledge

For admission, courses comprising at least 90 credits of Informatics with successive specialization, including 15 credits of independent work, are required. Among completed courses, at least 7.5 credits must include studies in scientific method in Informatics or Social Sciences. In addition, at least 30 credits of Informatics courses at the advanced level corresponding to the courses Management Information Systems, 15 credits and Business Analytics and Organizational Change, 15 credits or the courses Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience, 15 credits and Prototyping Interaction, 15 credits are required. Also, English B/6 is required.

Form of instruction

Learning is supported mainly by supervision sessions, but the course may also include lectures and seminars. Some teaching sessions may be compulsory. If the course so requires, necessary computer applications will be provided and introduced. During the course students are free to use the departmental computer labs. The language of instruction can be English. Good writing skills and good knowledge of the English language are both important in order to be able to complete the course.

Examination modes

Module 1. Research proposal, 1.5 credits.
Examination is done through a written assignment in the form of a research proposal. The grading scale for the module is Pass (G) and Fail (U).

Module 2. Thesis work, 13.5 credits.
Examination is done through the completion of a thesis project, which is documented in a written report, presented, and defended in a seminar. Additionally, students act as reviewers of others' thesis work and participate in compulsory elements of the course. If the thesis includes programming, software documentation must be submitted. The grading scale for the module is Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), and Fail (U).

The grading scale for the entire course is Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), and Fail (U). Grades on the course as a whole are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. To receive the grade Pass (G) for the course as a whole, the student must have achieved at least the grade Pass (G) in both modules. To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) the student must have achieved the grade Pass (G) in Module 1 and Pass with distinction (VG) in Module 2. 
 
Students who do not pass the exams during the course will be given a second opportunity soon afterwards. Students who do not pass after these two attempts have the possibility to complete remaining assignments during subsequent re-exam periods.
 
When a student has failed an exam on two occasions, they have the right to request another examiner. Requests for new examiners are made to the Director of studies.

If special circumstances arise, the examiner has the right to decide on another type of exam.

Other regulations

The thesis should normally be written by two authors together. It is not possible for two students to co-author a thesis project at different levels (e.g. bachelor's and master's level). Supervision of the thesis is only guaranteed for the duration of the course and for registered students.