Master´s Degree Thesis in Chemistry, 45 Credits, 45 Credits

Contents

The student shall develop their knowledge of Chemistry, develop their ability to apply the knowledge acquired during their studies, and train in independently conducting and presenting a major assignment. The assignment should be of a research-like nature. The student is to actively take part in the planning of the project, independently complete the assignment, document and present the results both verbally and in writing. The written report is to contain a popular scientific summary which shall also address relevant societal and ethical aspects. The course also includes the critical examination and opposition of a degree project at second-cycle level.

The course is divided up into the following modules:

Module 1. Project description encompassing a literature study within a chosen project field which provides background and enables planning of the project. This is presented in writing (5 credits).

After a period of 20 weeks, the student will submit a revised project plan to be assessed by the examiner.

Module 2. Conducting the project, final report and opposition (40 credits).

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, students shall be able to:

- apply in-depth subject-related and academic knowledge and skills in order to solve complex questions within the main field, and demonstrate detailed insight into current research and development work
- identify their needs for further knowledge, conduct literature studies and critically examine current information and the state of knowledge concerning the project tasks
- demonstrate great ability to creatively and independently plan, select method(s) and conduct an advanced academic project within the specified time frames
- carry out adequate risk assessment of chemical work within the scope of the project
- demonstrate very good practical skills within an experimental or theoretical degree project
- systematically compile, critically evaluate and analyse the results received and in so doing demonstrate great ability to contribute to knowledge development
- demonstrate ability to clearly account for and discuss the results received and the conclusions, both verbally and in writing
- demonstrate ability to assess and discuss the project with reference to relevant societal and ethical aspects
- demonstrate good ability to present the results received and the conclusions in a popular scientific summary
- demonstrate great ability to critically examine and discuss a degree project at second-cycle level within the main field
 

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 (5KE138) or equivalent.
English A / 5 or equivalent.

Form of instruction

The student conducts literature studies, establishes a project plan and works on a subject-related research assignment, under supervision. The degree project is conducted within the subject field Chemistry. The work is conducted either at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, or at another institution or company. For degree projects, the student is allocated a supervisor from an academic institution. For degree project conducted outside of the University, a supervisor/contact person at the workplace shall also be appointed, in addition to the above. Supervision is ongoing throughout the time period(s) over which the degree project extends.

After a period corresponding to 5 credits, the student is to present a written report with a project plan which is to be assessed by the examiner, wherupon Module 1 is reported.
The degree project is to be presented in a written report and shall be presented and defended verbally at a seminar. The written report shall have a format equivalent to that of an academic publication with a detailed introduction, and contain a popular scientific summary of the work which shall also address relevant societal and ethical aspects. The student shall also conduct an opposition of another second-cycle degree project.

Degree projects are conducted individually.

Examination modes

The degree project is to be presented in a report written in English. The work is also to be presented verbally at a seminar for students and teachers/researchers within the subject field. At the examination, consideration is paid to the experimental work conducted all in all, the written reports - including the popular scientific summary, the verbal presentation and the opposition of another second-cycle degree project. For the whole course, the grade of U (Fail), G (Pass)
or VG (Pass with distinction) will be awarded. To pass the whole course, all examinations and obligatory tasks must have been passed. Those who pass an examination may not take the same examination again with the aim of achieving a higher grade. A student who has taken two examinations for a course or a part of a course, without passing either examination, has the right to have another examiner appointed, if there are no specific reasons for not doing so (Chapter 6, Section 22, HEA). Requests for a different examiner are to be made to the Head of the Department of Chemistry.

Accreditation requests are always examined individually (see the University’s Rules and Regulations and the Accreditation Regulations).