Thesis Project for the Degree of Master of Science (one year) in Mathematical Statistics, 15 credits

Contents

In this course, the student is trained in specifying, planning, carrying out and presenting a thesis project with scientific qualities. The course builds on selected advanced courses in the subject, and treats topics more advanced than in standard courses in mathematical statistics. The scientific method is treated, as regards ways of posing a research question, collecting, reading and analysing background materials, and presenting scope, limitations, methods and conclusions. The main part of the course consists in producing a written report, which is then presented orally and in writing at a seminar. At the seminar, students critically evaluate each other's reports.

The course consists of three modules:
Module 1 (1 ECTS) Project plan
Module 2 (13 ECTS) Project report
Module 3 (1 ECTS) Seminar

Expected learning outcomes

For a passing grade, the student must be able to

Knowledge and understanding

• exhibit advanced knowledge of some area of mathematical statistics
• exhibit broad knowledge of mathematical statistics, for instance by accounting for applications where the topic of the thesis project is relevant, or by framing the research question in a wider statistical perspective

Skills and abilities

• with a high degree of independence plan and carry out a thesis project within a specified timeframe
• gather, select and analyse relevant scientific literature
• orally and in a written report with scientific qualities communicate research questions, methods and results

Judgement and approach

• critically and constructively evaluate another advanced level thesis project

Required Knowledge

Univ: A Bachelor Thesis (minimum 15 ECTS) and courses in Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics minimum 105 ECTS, including 15 ECTS on advanced level in Mathematical Statistics. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course. 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 mode of teaching on the course is individual supervision. At the end of the course, students critially evaluate each other's thesis project reports in seminar form.

Examination modes

The module Project plan is examined through a written project plan, graded by Fail (U) or Pass (G). The module Seminar is examined through an oral presentation of one's thesis work, and an oral critical evaluation of another thesis project report. The module is graded by Fail (U) or Pass (G), and both the presentation and opposition must be a pass in order to obtain a passing grade on the module as a whole. The module Project report is examined through a written thesis. For the thesis, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) is given. If all parts of the examination have been given a passing grade, the final grade on the course, Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) is decided by the grade for the thesis.

Deviations from the syllabus examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form shall be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes of the course syllabus. At the request of the student, the course coordinator, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision shall then be communicated to the student.

A student who has been awarded a passing grade for the course cannot be reassessed for a higher grade. Students who do not pass a test or examination on the original date are given another date to retake the examination. A student who has sat two examinations for a course or a part of a course, without passing either examination, has the right to have another examiner appointed, provided there are no specific reasons for not doing so (Chapter 6, Section 22, HEO). The request for a new examiner is made to the Head of the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. Examinations based on this course syllabus are guaranteed to be offered for two years after the date of the student's first registration for the course.

Credit transfer
All students have the right to have their previous education or equivalent, and their working life experience evaluated for possible consideration in the corresponding education at Umeå university. Application forms should be adressed to Student services/Degree evaluation office. More information regarding credit transfer can be found on the student web pages of Umeå university, http://www.student.umu.se, and in the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 6). If denied, the application can be appealed (as per the Higher Education Ordinance, chapter 12) to Överklagandenämnden för högskolan. This includes partially denied applications

Other regulations

In a degree, this course may not be included together with another course with a similar content. If unsure, students should ask the Director of Studies in Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. The course can also be included in the subject area of computational science and engineering.

Transitional provisions

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.