Master´s Degree Thesis in Chemistry, 30 credits, 30 Credits

Contents

The student will extend their knowledge of chemistry, develop their ability to apply the knowledge acquired during their studies and practice to independently conduct and present a major task. The task must be of research like character. The student shall actively participate in the planning of the project, independently solve the task, document and report the results both orally and in writing. The written report shall contain a popular scientific summary including social and ethical aspects. In addition, the student should critically examine and perform an opposition of a thesis at the second cycle level.

The course is divided into the following parts:

Part 1. Project description including an extensive literature study of the chosen project area that provides the background and allows planning of the project. This is presented in writing ( 5 credits).

Part 2. Execution, report and opposition (25 credits).
 

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, students shall be able to:

• apply deep subject and scientific knowledge and skills to solve complex problems within the main field of study and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of current research and development
• identify their need of further knowledge, conduct literature studies and critically evaluate current information and the state of knowledge concerning the project task
• creatively and independently plan, select method/methods and conduct an advanced scientific project within specified time frames
• perform adequate risk assessment of the chemical work of the project
• demonstrate good practical skills in an independent experimental or theoretical project
• systematically compile, critically evaluate and analyze the results obtained and thus be able to contribute to the development of knowledge
• demonstrate an ability to clearly, both orally and in writing, present and discuss the obtained results and conclusions
• demonstrate the ability to assess and discuss the project with respect to relevant social and ethical issues
• demonstrate the ability to present the obtained results and conclusions to laymen
• in a popular scientific summary
• demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and discuss a thesis at the second cycle level in the main field of study

Required Knowledge

The four foundation courses in the master's program in chemistry; Biophysical-chemical concepts (5KE145), Advanced Experimental Tools in Chemistry (5KE144), Chemometrics (5KE053) Computational Chemistry (5KE151) or equivalent.
English A / 5 or equivalent.

Form of instruction

The student conduct literature studies, set up a project plan and perform a subject-specific research project under supervision. The work is performed in the main field of chemistry. The work is either conducted at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, another authority or at a commercial enterprise. A supervisor for the thesis is appointed at an academic institution. For theses done outside of the university is, in addition, a supervisor/contact person in the workplace appointed. Supervision is received during the period/periods of the thesis.

After a period equivalent to 5 ECTS the student must submit a written report with a project plan that is evaluated by the supervisor after which the first part is reported.

The work is presented in a written report and presented and defended orally at a seminar. The written report shall be in a format corresponding to a scientific publication with a rich introduction and include a popular scientific summary of the work where also social and ethical issues are discussed. Students must also undertake a critical examination and perform an opposition of a thesis at the second cycle level.
 
The degree project is undertaken individually.
 

Examination modes

The degree project is presented in a written report in English and orally at a seminar for students and teachers/researchers. The examination considers the performed experimental work, the written reports, including the popular scientific summary, the oral presentation as well as the opposition on a thesis at the second cycle level. The course is graded with the grades Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail ( U). Students who have failed in two trials, has the right to request that another teacher is appointed to rate the retrial by the Prefect of the Department of Chemistry.