Master´s Degree Thesis in Biology, 60 Credits

Contents

During the course the student performs and presents a scientific study on the subject by applying knowledge and skills acquired during their studies. This occurs in conditions similar to those in a vocational situation. The course also includes review and comment on a similar work.

The course is divided into the following sections:

Section 1. Project Description as instructed 1hp

Section 2. Execution 29 hp

Section 3. Execution and presentation 30hp

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the student for the grade Pass should be able to:
FSR1 Using their thematic and scientific knowledge and skills to solve problems within the subject area;
FSR2 Apply a scientific approach,
FSR3 Plan, conduct, write and orally present and defend a scientific study in the main field,
FSR4 Independently choose an appropriate method / methods based on the current issue,
FSR5 Describe, analyze and evaluate key theories and results within the chosen subject
FSR6 Perform a work whose extent corresponds to the course's extent
FSR7 Critically review and comment on a master's work

After completing the course the student for the grade Pass with Distinction should be able to:
FSR8 plan, conduct and present a project in the allotted time.
FSR9 independently acquire new knowledge to solve the task
FSR10 write and orally present a scientific study with logical and communicative accuracy
FSR11 constructively discuss their own work
FSR12 perform a constructive opposition on the other work

Required Knowledge

Univ: 180 ECTS credits including

one of the courses Forest Ecology or Arctic ecosystems, or these two courses Aquatic ecosystems and Aquatic Systems Ecology

And one of the courses Evolutionary Biology, Molecular ekology and evolution, or Ecological dynamics 

And Analysis of field data 

And a degree thesis at bachelor level, or equivalent. 

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The thesis is carried out under supervision. The course structure is planned jointly by students, supervisors and course coordinator. The planning of the thesis must be approved by the course coordinator prior to the start. The thesis can be planned to be conducted in several sub-periods, but the total time should correspond to the time of a conventional course with the same number of credits. A supervisor for the thesis is normally appointed at an academic institution. For theses that are made outside the university will also be appointed a mentor / contact person in the workplace. The thesis is presented in a written report and presented and defended at a seminar. The student will also carry out a reveiw on a similar work. Student works individually.

Supervision is received during the period / periods of the approved work plan and to an extent according to departmental evaluation rules for theses.

Examination modes

Examination is caried out on the independent work as documented in a written report in accordance with the formalities relating to EMG's series theses. The examination also includes the report be defended at a seminar, and the reveiw on the other report. Section 1 and 2  is graded Fail (U) or Pass (G). Section 3 and the whole  course is graded Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).  Students who fail the examination have the right to resit them to pass (HF Chap. 6 § 22), and the student who twice failed an examination, have the right to the head of department of Ecology and Environmental Science to request a different teacher be appointed to determine the grade. Those who pass the tests can not resit the higher grades. To pass the course requires that all examinations and compulsory modules are approved. The grade is an overall assessment of the results of examinations of different parts and given when all compulsory parts are approved.

Crediting
Students have the right to have their previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession tested whether it can be credited for the corresponding course at Umeå University. Application for credit is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. For more information on credit transfer available on Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of accreditation may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole as well as part of the application if accreditation is refused.