Thesis Project for the Degree of Master of Science in Mathematics, 30 Credits

Contents

In this course, the student is trained in specifying, planning, carrying out and presenting a thesis project with scientific qualities. The course builds on selected advanced courses in the subject, and treats topics more advanced than in standard courses in mathematics. The scientific method is treated, as regards ways of posing a research question, collecting, reading and analysing background materials, and presenting scope, limitations, methods and conclusions. An important part of the course consists in producing a written report with scietific qualities, and presenting ones work orally and in written form in seminars.

Expected learning outcomes

For a passing grade, the student must be able to

• with a high degree of independence plan and carry out a thesis project within specified timeframe
• gather, select and analyse relevant scientific literature
• exhibit advanced knowledge of some area of mathematics
• exhibit widened knowledge of mathematics, for instance by accounting for applications where the topic of the thesis project is relevant, or by framing the research question in a wider mathematical perspective
• orally and in a written report with scientific qualities communicate research questions, methods and results
• perform a critical examination of another advanced level thesis project

Required Knowledge

Univ: Courses in Mathematics minimum 90 ECTS-credits including at least 15 ECTS-credits advanced level. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section). Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

Teaching is centered around individual supervision, which is complemented by lectures and workshops. In the first few weeks of the course, there is an introductory lecture, a starting seminar and a number of workshops, all intended to supply students with a solid base and appropriate tools for the thesis work. Student progress is treated at a mid-time seminar. At the end of the course, students critically examine each others' written reports at an examination seminar.

Examination modes

The examination consists of three parts: Critical reading of another thesis project, defense of ones own thesis project, and the written thesis itself. For a passing grade, performance on each part must be satisfactory. The grade scale is Failed (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG). If the student has performed satisfactorily on all parts of the examination, the decision of whether the grade awarded is Pass or Pass with distinction is based on the quality of the written report.

Students who have passed an examination cannot redo the examination to receive a higher grade. For students who have not passed the first examination, a retake examination is offered in connection to the course. When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to be assigned another examiner. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies.

Examination based on the same syllabus as at the ordinary examination is guaranteed during two years after the first registration to the course.

Academic credit transfer
Credit transfer is always tried individually.