Syllabus, Master´s thesis (two-year), Food and Nutrition, 2013-08-19

This course includes practical application of scientific methods in any research area of food and nutrition. The student work is performed independently under supervision and presented in a thesis. Presentation and defence of the thesis as well as opposition of another student's thesis are included in the course.

The expected learning outcomes are consistent with the corresponding course on ground level but this course on advanced level calls for a greater degree of autonomy, and, if appropriate, more advanced analysis.

The course consists of two parts:
Part 1. Project planning, data collection and initial analysis 6 credits.
Part 2. Analysis and production, presentation and defense of thesis 24 credits

Expected learning outcomes

Part 1. Project planning, data collection and initial analysis, 6 hp

On successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Skills

Identify and formulate a defined research question within the field of food and nutrition.
Plan, motivate and carry out a data collection in accordance with the chosen research method within a given time frame.
Give examples of appropriate analysis of collected data.

Analytical ability and attitude

Choose and motivate appropriate research methods in accordance with the chosen research question.
Apply an ethical approach towards own research.

Part 2. Analysis, and production, presentation and defence of thesis, 24 hp.

On successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Skills

Search, collect and integrate information about scientific state of knowledge in relation to own research question.
Process and analyse collected data with appropriate scientific methods.
Present own results relating to own research question.
Independently produce a thesis within a given time frame and in accordance with established scientific standards for language and format.

Analytical ability and attitude

Evaluate strengths and limitations of the selected research method in relation to own research question.
Evaluate and critically interpret relevant scientific literature in relation to own research question.
Discuss own results in relation to scientific state of knowledge and critically explore alternative interpretations and conclusions.
Discuss gender perspective and professional relevance in relation to own results.
Apply an ethical approach towards own research.
Independently discuss and defend own thesis
Review, evaluate and discuss another student's thesis.

Required Knowledge

Univ: Pass grades in at least 90 ECTS in Food and Nutrition, including 15 credits thesis and at least 7.5 ECTS skill courses at advanced level or equivalent.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section). 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

Preliminary choice of subject of the thesis is made by the student in consultation with the course coordinator. Choice of research question and relevant research method/s is made by the student in consultation with the supervisor. The thesis is carried out individually with continuous supervision and mandatory participation in seminars.

Examination modes

Part 1. Examination is based on submission of supporting documents (a project plan and a preliminary plan of analysis) and participation in mandatory seminars. This part of the course is graded pass (G) or fails (U).

Part 2. Examination is based on assessment of the thesis including work process, writing, presentation and defence. Also, a pass grade is required as an opponent for another thesis at the same level. This part of the course is graded pass with distinction (VG), pass (G) or fail (U).

To pass the course, pass grades must have been achieved in all the required parts of the assessment. To pass the course with distinction (VG) part 2 must be graded VG.

For rules and regulations about the examination/assessment see the Universitys Code of Rules and Procedures.

Equivalency credits
The equivalence of course credits (completely or partially) can be assessed (see the Universitys Code of Rules and Procedures). An application can be made on a special form according to the Student Services directive.

Literature

Valid from: 2014 week 2

Att skriva PM, rapporter och uppsatser
Institutionen för Kostvetenskap, Umeå :
Mandatory

Backman Jarl
Rapporter och uppsatser
2., uppdaterade [och utök.]. uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur : 2008 : 223 s. :
ISBN: 978-91-44-04826-0
Search the University Library catalogue

Introduktion till forskningsmetodik
Bell Judith, Nilsson Björn
4., [uppdaterade] uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur : 2006 : 265 s. :
ISBN: 91-44-04645-6 och 978-91-44-04645-7
Search the University Library catalogue

Seminarieboken : att skriva, presentera och opponera
Björklund Maria, Paulsson Ulf
2. uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur : 2012 : 147 s. :
ISBN: 978-91-44-05985-3
Search the University Library catalogue

Samhällsvetenskapliga metoder
Bryman Alan, Nilsson Björn
2., [rev.] uppl. : Malmö : Liber : 2011 : 690 s. :
ISBN: 978-91-47-09068-6
Search the University Library catalogue

Forsman Birgitta
Forskningsetik : en introduktion
1. uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur : 2010 : 138 s. :
Omslag och förlagets beskrivning
ISBN: 978-91-44-06350-8
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Från tanke till text : en språkhandbok för uppsatsskrivande studenter
Jarrick Arne, Josephson Olle
2., [översedda] uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur : 1996 : 133 s. :
ISBN: 91-44-26842-4 ; 240:00
Search the University Library catalogue

Strömquist Siv
Uppsatshandboken : råd och regler för utformningen av examensarbeten och vetenskapliga uppsatser
5., [utök. och uppdaterade] uppl. : Uppsala : Hallgren & Fallgren : 2010 : 142 s. :
ISBN: 978-91-7382-852-9
Search the University Library catalogue

Studentens skrivhandbok
Schött Kristina, Melin Lars, Strand Hans, Moberg Bodil
2., [uppdaterade] uppl. : Stockholm : Liber : 2007 : 176 s. :
ISBN: 978-91-47-08459-3z 978-91-47-08459-6
Search the University Library catalogue

Trost Jan
Att vara opponent
2., [uppdaterade] uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur : 2013 : 66 s. :
ISBN: 9789144095066
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Ejlertsson G.
Enkäten i praktiken : En handbok i enkätmetodik
Lund : Studentlitteratur : 2005 :
ISBN: 91-44-03164-5
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Ejlertsson Göran
Statistik för hälsovetenskaperna
2. uppl. : Studentlitteratur AB : 2012 :
ISBN: 978-91-44-07048-3
Search the University Library catalogue

Introduktion till SPSS
Inst för kostvetenskap :

Trost Jan
Enkätboken
4., uppdaterade och utök. uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur : 2012 : 178 s. :
ISBN: 978-91-44-07643-0
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Wahlgren Lars
SPSS steg för steg
3. uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur : 2012 : 198 s. :
ISBN: 978-91-44-08340-7
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Kvalitativa metoder i medicinsk forskning : en introduktion
Malterud Kirsti, Midenstrand Madeleine
2. uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur : 2009 : 244 s. :
ISBN: 978-91-44-05232-8
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Forskningsintervjun : tekniker och genomförande
Gillham Bill, Jamison Gromark Emily
1. uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur : 2008 : 229 s. :
ISBN: 978-91-44-04012-7
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Wibeck Victoria
Fokusgrupper : om fokuserade gruppintervjuer som undersökningsmetod
2., uppdaterade och utök. uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur : 2010 : 178 s. :
ISBN: 978-91-44-05856-6
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Trost Jan
Kvalitativa intervjuer
4., [omarb.] uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur : 2010 : 165 s. :
ISBN: 978-91-44-06216-7
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Valid from: 2013 week 34

Att skriva PM/ Rapporter/ Uppsatser. Umeå: Institutionen för kostvetenskap
Senaste versionen :
Mandatory