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 in Computing Science (general degree or with specialization in computer science).

During the course the student will develop their ability to specify, plan, conduct and present an individual project. The student should apply their knowledge from previous education in the project work and deepen their knowledge in at least one field of Computing Science. The work provides contact with research and development in the subject. The results must be presented both orally as well as in a written report.

Module 1. Independent work (28 ECTS)

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 problem solving in a broad sense and lead to a deeper understanding of the subject. The project must not consist of only routine programming. The in-depth study should relate the student’s work to existing scientific results and be documented, together with the rest of the degree project, in a scientific report.

Module 2. Presentation (2 ECTS)

The project is presented orally in a public seminar with an opponent. The student should prepare and conduct an opposition of another student's project.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After completing the course, the student should be able to:

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

Skills and abilities
After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• (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
• (FSR 4) 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 5) 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 6) communicate about the project in oral and written English
• (FSR 7) 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

Judgment and approach
After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• (FSR 8) demonstrate an ability to systematically and critically examine their own and others' work with regard to scientific, social and ethical aspects

Required Knowledge

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 should include the following courses (each 7.5 ECTS): “Efficient Algorithms”, “Database Systems and Applications”, “Artificial Intelligence – Methods and Applications”, “Student Conference in Computing Science”.

In order to apply for a master’s degree with a specialization in computer science the course “Computational Complexity” (7.5 ECTS) is additionally required.

Proficiency in English equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

Instruction consists of individual tutoring. A supervisor within the department appointed for each student, with whom regular contact is maintained. The student will conserve the available tutoring resources. 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 should 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

Module 1, independent work, is assessed through the following compulsory components:

• A written project plan, and
• a written final report.

For a higher grade (VG) the following component is also required:

• Written partial reports (milestones).

The grade scale on this module is Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Module 2, presentation, is assessed through the following compulsory components:

• An oral presentation, and
• a written and oral opposition.

The grade scale of this module is Fail (U) or Pass (G).

The course uses the grade scale Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG) and the course grade is determined by the grade on Module 1, independent work.

Adapted examination

For students who have a recommendation of support for students with disabilities the examiner may decide on individual adaption of examination modes set out in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of examination modes must always be considered based on the student's specific needs and the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. For more information, see Procedure for support for students with disabilities and Rules for grades and examination.

Other regulations

A course may not be included, either wholly or partly, in a degree together with another course that has substantially similar content. If there is any uncertainty, students should consult a study advisor at the Department of Computing Science and/or the program coordinator responsible for their program.

Transitional provisions

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.