Course syllabus spring 2016
Course syllabus spring 2016
Title
Computer Science: Master Thesis
Swedish title
Computer Science: Master Thesis
Course code
DA613A
Credits
15 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Technology and Society
Syllabus approval date
2012-05-15
Syllabus valid from
2014-01-20
Entry requirements
1. Second cycle (advanced level) Research Methodology in Computer Science of at least 7.5 credits
2. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Degree of Engineering in Computer Science, or a degree in a related field. All degrees must be equivalent to at least 180 higher education credits.
3. The equivalent of English B in Swedish secondary school.
Level
Advanced level
Main field
Computer Science
Progression level
A1E
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
This course is included in Computer Science: Master Programme (one year), and is part of the degree requirements for a Master of Science (60 credits) with a major in Computer Science.
Course objectives
The aim of the course is that the student shall further develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to work with problems in the area of computer science in a scientific manner. This includes the ability to independently plan, perform and present a project that makes at least a minor contribution to current research in the area. Moreover, the student's knowledge in research methodology shall be applied in, for example, the choice of scientific method and thesis writing.
Course contents
The course consists of three parts: problem definition and project planning, the thesis project, and the opposition on another Master thesis.
The thesis project has two phases:
- to carry out the project and document it in writing (the Master thesis), and
- to present and defend the thesis orally.
The opposition is a thorough study of another Master thesis, i.e., to critically analyze it in a written opposition, and to act as an opponent during the presentation of that thesis.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course the student shall demonstrate:
- deepened knowledge in at least one area of computer science
- deepened knowledge of the research process and its planning
Skills and abilities
On completion of the course the student shall demonstrate:
- ability to independently identify, formulate, and handle complex problems
- ability to plan and carry out research and development projects within given time frames
- ability to describe how a research project has contributed to the field of knowledge
- ability to actively search for and analyze relevant information concerning a given research problem
- ability to select a research method for a given scientific problem and argue for its suitability
- skills to apply research methods
- skills to present results from a research project in a scientific manner both orally and in writing
- skills to communicate results from a research project to different audiences
Capability of assessing and perception
On completion of the course the student shall demonstrate:
- capability to assess and analyze relevant research questions of importance for computer science
- capability to critically analyze a scientific report and identify its main strengths and weaknesses
Learning activities
The teaching is project-based and is adapted to the existing knowledge, skills and experience of the student, and aims at developing critical thinking, argumentation, and problem solving in a scientific context. The main activities are thesis project work (approximately 350 hours), supervision (approximately 10 hours), and seminars (approximately 10 hours). The student shall carry out the project, write the thesis, and make an oral presentation. In addition, the student shall be the opponent for another thesis (approximately 30 hours).
During the project work the student is assigned an academic supervisor, and may in addition have an external contact person, e.g., a user of the project results. The supervisor (and the potential external contact person) supports and guides the student through the project, but the student should be proactive in requesting the guidance. The student is expected to report to the supervisor continuously during the project work.
Assessment
The examination is composed of three parts: problem definition and project plan (2 higher education credits), thesis project (12 higher education credits), and opposition (1 higher education credits).
All three parts have to be passed in order to pass the course. The grade for the complete course is determined by the examiner using criteria in an assessment matrix.
Course literature and other study material
- Dawson, C.C. (2009), Projects in Computing and Information Systems, Pearson., 2005.
- Oates, B.J. (2005). Researching Information Systems and Computing. Sage Publications, UK.
- Zobel, J. (2004). Writing for Computer Science – The art of effective communication. 2nd ed., Springer, UK.
Course evaluation
All students are given the opportunity to give their comments at the end of the course in writing. A compilation of the results will be available on the faculty computer net. Student participation is in the form of course meetings.