Master Thesis (MEEMAS)

Content

The thesis should have a substantial research component that builds on theories, methods, and collected data that are carefully documented based on primary and/or secondary sources within the field of energy, environment, and society. It is encouraged to write the thesis in pairs, and use the opportunity to demonstrate expertise in a chosen area of research. The thesis must be written under the guidance of a supervisor.

The master thesis seminars, held in the autumn semester, is preparation for writing the master thesis and the end-goal is the research design. In the seminars the students are presented with the guidelines for the thesis, potential topics and problem statements, potential supervisors, and possible cooperation with the industry and public authorities.

The first part of the seminar presents the guidelines and prepares the students for what is expected and required in order to be able to write a master thesis. We look at possible research designs and discuss possible themes, problem statements, and research questions as part of the development of the research design. The main activity is to develop a research design for the students' own master thesis, through discussions with lecturers, peers, and other invited people.

Learning outcome

It is expected that the students, after completing the course, will have the following knowledge, skills, and general competencies:

Knowledge

Students who successfully complete the course should:

• Know the demands, requirements, and guidelines for the master thesis.
• Know the content of a research design and the decisions that have to be made in order to make an outline of the master thesis.
• Understand how to define and present research questions.
• Have gained a thorough understanding of theories and methods that can be used to address the chosen research question.
• Understand how to use analytical frameworks and theories to answer research questions.

Skills

After completing the course, students should be able to:

• Develop an outline of the master thesis that can be used as the starting point for the master thesis.
• Evaluate social science research, including their own research plans.
• Identify research questions suitable for a master's thesis.
• Search relevant sources for theories and data that can address the chosen research questions.
• Review existing theories and empirical evidence.
• Organize, summarize and analyze data.
• Write clearly about the chosen research question.
• Plan social science research and report writing.

General competence

After completing the course, students should be able to:

• Present oneself as a possible participant in a research project.
• Plan and complete a large project under supervision and in accordance with existing norms for research ethics.
• Apply knowledge and skills to the chosen area of research.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Minimum 60 ECTS from the M-EES program must be passed.

More specifically MEE125, MEN185, and MEE100 in addition to three other courses recommended and/or mandatory from the study program

Exam

Coursework requirements

The research design to be developed is a research plan for the master thesis. It should normally contain the following points:

• Title - what do you want to write about?
• Background - why study this?
• Introduction - problem statement and research questions
• Research strategy
• Theory - theoretical perspective and approach
• Method - how will it be studied?
• Results - what do you expect to find?
• Discussion - what can you already see in this phase of possible ways to explain/interpret the findings?
• References (preliminary)

The research design should be around five pages. Deadline for uploading in the Collaboration Portal will be announced at the start of the seminar. The supervisors are assigned on the basis of the research design.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Study Program Director:

Course teacher:

Method of work

Open for

Course assessment

Literature