Master´s Thesis, Food and Nutrition, 15 Credits

Contents

This course provides opportunities to acquire a deeper understanding and practical application of research in the field of food and nutrition. During the course, students will demonstrate their ability to independently plan, carry out and present their research on a food and nutrition related topic. This involves formulating a research problem and objectives, selecting appropriate methods, analysing data and presenting results in relation to scientific articles and other relevant literature. The course includes a final seminar where the thesis is presented and discussed.
 
The expected learning outcomes are consistent with the corresponding course on ground level but this course on advanced level calls for a greater degree of autonomy, and, if appropriate, more advanced analysis.
 
The course consists of two parts:

1. Project Planning, Data Collection and Initial Analysis, 6 credits.
2. Analysis and Production, Presentation and Defence of Thesis, 9 credits

Expected learning outcomes

Part 1. Project Planning, Data Collection and Initial Analysis, 6 credits
On successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Skills

• Identify and formulate a defined research question within the field of food and nutrition.
• Plan a data analysis in accordance with the chosen research method within a given time frame.

Analytical ability and attitude

• *   Choose and motivate appropriate research methods in accordance with the chosen research question within a given time frame.
• *    Apply an ethical approach towards own research.

Part 2. Analysis, and Production, Presentation and Defence of Thesis, 9 credits
On successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Skills

• Search, collect and integrate relevant scientific literature in relation to own research question.
• Process and analyse collected data with appropriate scientific methods.
• Present results relating to own research question.
• Independently produce a thesis within a given time frame and in accordance with established scientific standards for language and format.

Analytical ability and attitude

• Evaluate and discuss strengths and limitations of the selected research method in relation to own research question.
• Evaluate, critically interpret and discuss own research question in relation to relevant scientific literature.
• Draw conclusions based on own results.
• Discuss societal relevance in relation to own results.
• Apply an ethical approach towards own research.
• Independently present, discuss and defend own thesis.
• Review, evaluate and discuss another student's thesis.

Required Knowledge

Master Thesis (one year) in Food and Nutrition, and 7,5 credits in a scientific methods course at the advanced level in food and nutrition, or the equivalent.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B or the equivalent.

Form of instruction

Preliminary choice of subject of the thesis is made by the student in consultation with the course coordinator. Choice of research question and relevant research method/s is made by the student in consultation with the supervisor. The thesis is carried out individually with continuous supervision and mandatory participation in seminars. If students want to write together it should be discussed with the teacher acting as course coordinator.
Supervisor resources must be used by the student during the semester in which the student is first registered on the course, or at the latest during the next semester. If the student do not intend to use supervisor resources in accordance with this, the student are encouraged to contact the course coordinator and director of studies

Examination modes

Part 1. Project Planning, Data Collection and Initial Analysis, 6 credits
Examination is based on submission of supporting documents (a project plan and a preliminary analysis) and participation in mandatory supervision. This part of the course is graded pass (G) or fails (U).
 
Part 2. Analysis and Production, Presentation and Defence of Thesis, 9 credits
Examination is based on assessment of the thesis including work process, writing, presentation and defence. Also, a pass grade is required for written half-time opposition as well as oral and written opposition for another thesis at the same level. This part of the course is graded pass with distinction (VG), pass (G) or fail (U).

Full course
To pass the course, pass grades must have been achieved in all the required parts of the assessment within time limits defined by the examiner. To pass the course with distinction (VG) part 2 must be graded VG.
Additions needed to pass the course must be made according to the examiner's instructions within the time specified by the examiner.
 
Deviations from the syllabus can be made for a student who has been granted educational support due to a disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form will be considered based on the student's needs. The form of examination is adapted within the framework of the syllabus's expected study outcomes. At the request of the student, the teacher responsible for the course, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on an adapted examination form. The decision must then be notified to the student.
Students who fail at one examination have the opportunity to take part in renewed examination on at least five occasions. A student has the right to request a change of examiner after two failed tests on parts of the course. The Director of Studies is contacted in such cases. The examinations based on this syllabus can be guaranteed for two years after the student's first registration on the course. Students who have been graded pass on a test can not undergo a re-examination. In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including ordinary examination opportunity) according to current syllabus for a maximum period of two years from the date the previous syllabus expired or the course ceased to be offered.
 
Transfer of credits
Transfer of credits regarding this course (in whole or in part) can be tested. See the university's regulations and transfer of credit system. The application is made at the university's' e-service for credit transfer https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/transfer-of-credits/. Credit transfer is tested by the Student Center at Umeå University