BENS5037 Master of Science Thesis (30 cr)

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Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Biological and Environmental Science
Curriculum periods:
2024-2025, 2025-2026, 2026-2027, 2027-2028

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Master of Science thesis

Description

The aim is to train students to perform independent research. The thesis research is carried out under guidance. Before starting the project the student is required to submit master’s thesis announcement form. The subject of the thesis must be agreed upon in advance with the professor responsible for the major studies. The theoretical background as well as the research plan should be presented in Master's seminar 1 before the experiments and data collection begins. The results of the research are presented in Master’s seminar 2.


Learning outcomes

After finishing this course the student:

  • is able to perform scientific research under supervision
  • can acquire scientific knowledge, read scientific articles and use that knowledge appropriately when writing a thesis.
  • understands the research methods used and can analyze her/his results
  • can present the research question's theoretical background and her/his own results
  • is able to interpret her/his own results and draw conclusions
  • is able to write scientific text with logic and clarity
  • is experienced in ethical scientific practice.

Additional information

In BENS4039 Maister's seminar 1 course, students learn more information about beginning the thesis and its evaluation. 

Description of prerequisites

Agreement form

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:
Before starting the work, the student and advisors complete the thesis agreement form. The subject of the thesis must be approved in advance by the professor responsible for the major studies.
Evaluation criteria:
The thesis is evaluated based on: - Logic and clarity - Connection to theoretical and conceptual background and research aims- Understanding of the literature and use of references - Understanding the methods and/or experiments – Presentation of results – Interpretations and conclusions - Student's independence and initiative, Student’s time management - Final quality of the thesis and language usage. Two evaluators present a written report to the vice head of the department, who accepts the thesis and gives the final grade.
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Parts of the completion methods
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Independent study (30 cr)

Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Thesis is evaluated based on: - Logic and clarity of the thesis - Connection to theoretical and conceptual background and research aims- Understanding of the literature and use of references - Understanding the methods and/or experiments – Presentation of results – Interpretations and conclusions - Student's independence and initiative, Student’s time management - Final quality of the thesis and language usage Two evaluators present a written report to the vice head of the department who accepts the thesis and gives the final grade.
Language:
English, Finnish
Study methods:

The theoretical background as well as research plan will be presented in Master's seminar 1 before the work begins. The research results will be presented in Master’s seminar 2. Accepted theses are public and they must be saved in the JYX publication archive of the University Library before final course credits are given.

Teaching