Degree Project: Master of Science (two years) in Computing Science (General degree and specialization: computer science), 30 Credits

Contents

The Master's Thesis Project shall be done during the last semester of a master's education aiming at a  Master's Degree with a Major in Computing Science (general degreee or with specialization in computer science.

During the course the student will develope her/his abilty to specify, plan, accomplish and present an individual project. The student should apply her/his knowledge from previous education in the project work and deepen her/his knowledge in at least one field of computing science (in-depth study). The in-depth study should provide some insight in research and development in computing science. The results must be presented both orally as well as in a written report.

Part 1. Individual project work (28 ECTS-credits)
The individual project work should be carried out within a research project at the University or within a development project in the IT-industry. The project work must consist of general problem solving techniques and lead to a deeper understanding of the subject. Moreover, the project must not consist of coding work only. The in-depth study must be related to current scientific trends.

Part 2. Presentation (2 ECTS-credits)
Apart from the previously mentioned written report, the Master's degree candidates have to present their work orally (in the form of a Thesis defence). Moreover, the student must act as an opponent in a fellow student's presentation, both for the written report and during the oral presentation. English will be the primary language.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After the course the student will:

• (FSR 1) demonstrate substantially deeper knowledge of at least one data field of science,

Skills and abilities
After the course the student will:

• (FSR 2) demonstrate an ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate complex questions 
• (FSR 3) demonstrate an ability to plan and use appropriate methods, carry out advanced tasks within specified limits, and demonstrate an ability to participate in research and development and thereby contribute to the development of knowledge 
• (FSR 4) demonstrate the ability to verbally and in writing, to present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments behind them, in dialogue with such scholars and masters in the field and lay people 
• (FSR 5) communicate about the project in oral and written English 
• (FSR 6) demonstrate an ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge acquired in key quality courses during their studies and to seek, analyze, synthesize and critically review scientific literature that is relevant to the problem

Values ​​and attitudes
After the course the student will:

• (FSR 7) demonstrate an ability to systematically and critically examine their own and others' work with regard to scientific, social and ethical aspects.

Required Knowledge

Entry requirements include a bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) and courses on the advanced level of at least 60 ECTS. At least 30 of the 60 ECTS on advanced level shall include the following courses (each 7.5 ECTS): Efficient Algorithms, Database System Principles, Computational Complexity, Student Conference in Computing Science. Depending on the direction of the Degree Project some extra prerequisites might be needed. Proficiency in English equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

Instruction consists of individual instruction. A supervisor within the department appointed for each student, with whom regular contact is maintained. The student will conserve the available tutoring resources and the student may not normally require tutorial support more than 10 months after the start of work. If the student performs the project with an external organization, then an additional supervisor shall be appointed by and at the external organization. In addition to tutoring the student independently identify, seek, evaluate and summarize information sources in order to provide a scientific background to the work done. The student will independently plan and carry out work in a timely manner and present it both orally and in writing. The student should also read up on another degree and opposition on this.

Examination modes

Part 1, independent work, assessed in terms of
a) planning, implementation and evaluation of the thesis work, and
b) scientific and engineering content and results.

Part 2, presentation, assessed in terms of
c) the written report
d) oral presentation and
e) planning and execution of opposition

Part 1 of the course is graded Fail (U) or Pass (G) and Part 2 of the course is graded Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). The course in total is graded Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). The grade on the course as a whole is determined by the grade on Part 2. The students that have not passed the course after one academic year have to retake the course in all parts, i.e. the students have to start all over with a new subject.

Adapted examination
The examiner can decide to deviate from the specified forms of examination. Individual adaptation of the examination shall be considered based on the needs of the student. The examination is adapted within the constraints of the expected learning outcomes. A student that needs adapted examination shall no later than 10 days before the examination request adaptation from the Department of Computing Science. The examiner makes a decision of adapted examination and the student is notified.

Other regulations

In particular, this course can not be part of any other exam than Degree of master of science (two years) in Computing Science without an explicit transfer of credits.

If the syllabus has expired or the course has been discontinued, a student who at some point registered for the course is guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination) according to this syllabus for a maximum period of two years from the syllabus expiring or the course being discontinued.