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.

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:

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.

For a passing grade the student shall be able to:

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of computer science with a special focus on Data Science.

2. Explain the research process and its planning

For a passing grade the student shall be able to:

3. Independently and creatively identify, formulate and handle complex problems

4. Plan and perform research and development projects within predetermined time frames

5. Describe a research project's contribution to an area of knowledge

6. Actively seek and find relevant information on a specific research problem

7. Apply research methods

8. Verbally and in writing present the results of a research project in a scientific manner in international and national contexts.

9. Communicate results of a research project to different target groups

10. Critically analyse a scientific report and identify its main strengths and weaknesses

For a passing grade the student shall be able to:

11. choose a research method for a specific scientific problem and provide arguments as to suitability

12. assess and analyse relevant research issues of importance for data science

13. make data science deliberations based on scientific, societal and ethical aspects

14. 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

15. demonstrate the ability to identify his or her own need for further knowledge and to take responsibility for his or her own knowledge development.

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, for example 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.

Students' performance is assessed through:

For a passing grade (at least E), all parts of the course must be approved. The final grade of the course is based on the grade for the thesis and the written presentation.

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).

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.

The syllabus is a translation of a Swedish source text.