Master Project Studio / for students, who do thesis at ULapland (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After completion of the course, you will:
- understand the structure and objectives of the master’s thesis
- be able to define the phenomenon under investigation
- be able to plan the implementation of the research process: understand the phases of research, construct a research plan, understand and make methodological choices, independently seek information/data related to the research topic, utilize literature from different sources
- understand the construction of a theoretical basis, the possibilities to combine the theoretical part and service design production/project, and the production of research results and conclusions
- be familiar with dealing with questions related to research reporting
- comment on research texts, actively engage in discussions, and evaluate presentations/works by other students
- articulate one's views verbally and in writing, providing reasoned arguments

Execution methods

The following tasks are required to be completed in the course: Active participation in lectures. Successful completion of given tasks, presentations, and reflection and discussions of others’ work.

Accomplishment methods

Lectures and exercises 30 hours. Independent work 105 hours. Teaching profile: Online 1. This means that the course will be taught only remotely online with the help of Microsoft Teams.

Content

During the course, the students will:
• familiarize themselves with relevant scientific and methodological literature for their research
• do a data collection plan and collect data for the master’s thesis
• structure their research topic by writing an Introduction chapter for their thesis. This will work as a research plan for the study. The Introduction chapter includes the following:
- The subject of the thesis and its justifications: background of the research problem and key concepts
- Motivation for the study
- Preliminary objectives and research questions of the thesis
- Summary of the research methodology
- Structure of the thesis
• Present research plans
• Peer review other students’ research plans and give feedback

Materials

Supplementary reading and other materials will be agreed upon separately during the course.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Fail: Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Pass: Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting comprehension and a skill to analyse and justify.