Course syllabus spring 2022
Course syllabus spring 2022
Title
Master’s thesis in Applied Data Science (two year)
Swedish title
Examensarbete i applied data science (master, två år)
Course code
DA638E
Credits
30 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
2021-03-16
Syllabus valid from
2022-01-17
Entry requirements
- Bachelor of Science in computer science or related subjects.
- At least 15 credits in programming.
- At least 7.5 credits in mathematics.
- Knowledge equivalent to English 6 at Swedish upper secondary level.
- At least 45 credits completed in the main area of study within the master programme, Computer Science: Applied Data Science
- A passing grade in the course Research Methods of Computer Science and Fundamental Computational Theory
Level
Advanced level
Main field
Computer Science
Progression level
A2E
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course is part of the programme Computer Science: Applied Data Science, master’s programme, and can be included in the master's degree in computer science (120 credits).
Course objectives
The purpose of the course is for the student to further develop knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to work with problems in the field of computer science in a scientific way. This includes the ability to independently plan, perform and present a project that represents a contribution to current research in the area. The student's knowledge of research methodology shall also be applied in 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 degree project
The thesis project has two phases:
- To perform the project and document it in writing (in the form of the degree project), and
- To present and defend the thesis verbally
The opposition consist of carefully studying and critically analysing another student's degree project, producing a written opposition and acting as an opponent in the presentation of another student's degree project.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student shall be able to:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of computer science.
Competence and abilities
For a passing grade the student shall be able to:
- Independently and creatively identify, formulate and handle complex problems
- Plan and perform research and development projects within predetermined time frames
- Describe a research project's contribution to an area of knowledge
- Actively seek and find relevant information on a specific research problem
- Apply research methods
- Verbally and in writing present the results of a research project in a scientific manner in international and national contexts.
- Communicate results of a research project to different target groups
- Critically analyse a scientific report and identify its main strengths and weaknesses
Evaluation abilities and approach
For a passing grade the student shall be able to:
- choose a research method for a specific scientific problem and provide arguments as to suitability
- assess and analyse relevant research issues of importance for data science
- make data science deliberations based on scientific, societal and ethical aspects
- demonstrate an insight into the opportunities and limitations of science, the role these play in society and the population’s responsibility for how this is applied
- demonstrate the ability to identify his or her own need for further knowledge and to take responsibility for his or her own knowledge development.
Learning activities
The teaching is project-based and adapted to the student's previous knowledge, ability, and experience. The main activities are thesis work, supervision and seminars. The student will also present orally and act as an opponent on another thesis.
The supervisor who is assigned to the student (and any external contact person, e.g. a user of the project result) supports and guides the student through the project, but it should be the student who initiates any request for support. The student is expected to report to the supervisor on an ongoing basis during the project work.
Assessment
Students' performance is assessed through:
- project plan (3 credits, UG),
- the written degree project and an oral presentation (25 credits, UA),
- and a public discussion and examination (2 credits, UG).
An A-E passing grade requires a pass in all parts. The final grade is based on the written degree project and the oral presentation.
Course literature
- Dawson, Christian (2009). Projects in computing and information systems. A student’s guide, 2nd edition. Addison Wesley
- 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 edition. Springer, UK
- Individual literature is selected by the student in consultation with the supervisor
Course evaluation
The University provides students who are taking or have completed a course with the opportunity to share their experiences of and opinions about the course in the form of a course evaluation that is arranged by the University. The University compiles the course evaluations and notifies the results and any decisions regarding actions brought about by the course evaluations. The results shall be kept available for the students. (HF 1:14).
Interim rules
When a course is no longer given, or the contents have been radically changed, the student has the right to re-take the examination, which will be given twice during a one year period, according to the syllabus which was valid at the time of registration.
Additional information
The syllabus is a translation of a Swedish source text.