Master degree thesis work in plant biology, 45 Credits

Contents

The degree project must be defined in one of three main areas at the Department of Plant Physiology: 1. plant physiology, 2. plant molecular biology, or 3. bioinformatics. The project's relevance in a broader field of research of a biological nature must be clarified both in step 1: report and in step 2: an oral presentation. Biological discipline can, for example, be defined as morphology, developmental biology, evolution, ecology or biotechnology. Before approval of the degree project, the student must reach an agreement with the supervisor and present a project plan for the course with a realistic schedule. For students who apply for the master's program at the Department of Physiological Botany from a place other than Umeå, it is recommended that the student contact the supervisor or program responsible for the master's program at least four months before the course starts.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, student for the grade Pass must be able to:

• Use his/her scientific knowledge and skills to solve questions in the subject area
• Devise and apply a scientific approach
• Plan, carry out, present in writing and orally as well as defend a scientific study in the main area
• Independently choose a relevant method / methods suitable to address the question under study
• Explain and analyze key theories and results and evaluate theories relevant for the study in the chosen subject area
• Perform a work the aim of which corresponds to the scope of the course
• Show insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and people's responsibility for how it is used

After completing the course, student for the grade Pass with Distinction must also be able to:

• Plan, execute and report on a project within the given time frame
• Demonstrate the ability to identify the need for additional knowledge and independently acquire new knowledge to solve a task
• With a logical and communicative precision both in writing and orally clearly present and discuss conclusions as well as the underlying knowledge and supporting arguments 

Required Knowledge

Three compulsory courses of the Master program in Plant- and forest biotechnology (Plant cell and molecular biology, 15 hp, Plant growth and development 15 hp, Plant biotechnology and molecular breeding 15 hp, ) or equivalent courses completed elsewhere. Proficiency in English (English B/6 or equivalent) is required.

Form of instruction

The teaching includes relevant laboratory work, group discussions, regular meetings with supervisor(s), as well as guidance for oral and written research documentation and presentation. Course literature by agreement with the supervisor.

Examination modes

The examination takes place by documenting the independent work in a written report according to the formalities that apply to the degree thesis projects at the Department of Plant Physiology. The examination also includes that the report is presented and defended at a seminar. The course gives one of the following grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). Students who fail an examination have the right to apply for a re-examination to obtain a passing grade (HF, Chapter 6, Section 22). Those who have passed may not apply for re-examinations for higher grades. In order to pass the entire course, all exams and compulsory parts must be passed. The grade on the course constitutes a summary assessment of the results in the various parts of the examination and is only set when all compulsory parts have been passed.
Deviations from the syllabus' examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the syllabus' expected study results. At the request of the student, the course teacher in consultation, in consultation with the examiner, shall promptly decide on an adapted form of examination. The decision must then be notified to the student.

Other regulations

The bibliography is not available via the web-based education catalog. Contact the current department. 

In case the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expiring or the course has stopped being given.

Students have the right to be assessed whether previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in professional activities can be credited for corresponding education at Umeå University. The application for credit transfer is sent to the Student Center / Examina. More information about credit transfer can be found on Umeå.
University's student website, www.student.umu.se, and in the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A rejection of an application for credit can be appealed (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 12) to the Board of Appeal for Higher Education. This applies both if the entire and parts of the application for credit are rejected.