student guide - university of stavanger

8/13/2019 Student Guide - University of Stavanger

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Student guide for bachelors and masters thesis

Faculty of Science and Technology

Decision made of the Dean June 25th2013

STUDENT GUIDEFOR

BACHELOR'S

ANDMASTER'S THESIS

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


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Content:1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 42. STARTING THE THESIS ..................................................................................................... 42.1 About the topic/subject ......................................................................................................... 42.2 What do I do now? ............................................................................................................... 42.3 Deadlines .............................................................................................................................. 53. WORKING ON THE THESIS .............................................................................................. 73.1 Safety measures .................................................................................................................... 73.2 Contact between academic responsible member of faculty and the supervisor ................... 73.3 Documentation ..................................................................................................................... 83.4.About the citation of sources.......................................................................................... 8

3.4.1 What is an intellectual property? ............................................................................... 83.4.2 Use other's intellectual property ................................................................................ 9

4. FINAL REPORT .................................................................................................................. 104.1 General requirements ......................................................................................................... 104.2 About report layout and use of sources .............................................................................. 114.3 About finding literature ...................................................................................................... 144.4 Language ............................................................................................................................ 145. SUBMISSION ...................................................................................................................... 156. EVALUATION .................................................................................................................... 166.1. Bachelors Thesis .............................................................................................................. 16

6.1.1 Descriptions of grades for bachelors thesis in Engineering (translation into english

is in progress) ................................................................................................................... 166.1.3 Descriptions of grades for bachelors thesis in natural sciences (translation into

english is in progress) ....................................................................................................... 226.1.4 Facts about grading ................................................................................................. 27

6.2. THE MASTERS THESIS ................................................................................................ 276.2.1 EVALUATION OF THE THESIS ......................................................................... 276.2.2 Background ............................................................................................................. 276.2.3 SUPERVISORS ASSESSMENT of masters theses Attachment to Descriptions

of grades for masters theses in mathematics, natural sciences and technology .............. 286.2.4 Standardized assessment form Attachment to Descriptions of grades for masters

theses in mathematics, natural sciences and technology .................................................. 306.2.5 Descriptions of grades for masters theses in mathematics, natural sciences and

technology: ....................................................................................................................... 32


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Forms and regulations

In your work on the bachelors and masters theses you will need some forms and

regulations/guides. They can be collected at the facultys home pages www.uis.no. The first

form has normally this guide attached that you are reading right now.

Application bachelors and masters theses bokml

Application bachelors and masters theses, nynorsk

Contract bachelors - and masters theses, bokml

Contract bachelors and masters theses, nynorsk

Front page for bachelors thesis, nynorsk

Front page for masters thesis, nynorsk

Front page for bachelors thesis, bokml

Front page for masters thesis, bokml

Regulations for bachelors and masters theses

To the companies about bachelors and masters theses

Agreement concerning Restricted Access to Bachelors and Masters Theses Evaluation of the Bachelors Thesis

Evaluation of the Masters Thesis

Other documents Agreement concerning access to masters thesis

Masters Thesis deposit agreement

Laboratory Instructions for Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IDE)

Introduction to Health, Environment and Safety (HMS) for Department of Mechanical

and Structural Engineering and Materials Science (IKM) and Department of Industrial

Economics, Risk Management and Planning (IRP). Extracts (Note! Preliminaryversion)

Introduction to Health, Environment and Safety for the Department of PetroleumEngineering. Extracts.


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1. INTRODUCTION

In this Guide you will find necessary information about bachelor's and master's theses

together with advice on how to proceed at the beginning and during your work on the

assignment.

The guidelines for these assignments are based on regulations decided by the faculty. The

regulations can be found inRegulations for bachelor's and master's theses.

2. STARTING THE THESIS

2.1 About the topic/subject

The bachelors and masters theses are independent projects in which you will apply the

knowledge accumulated during your studies on solving a given assignment. It is through thisassignment that you will show your abilities and qualities as a coming engineer.

The assignment will normally be carried out in the last semester of your studies, except the

masters thesis of 60 ECTS that run over two semesters. At this stage you will have acquired

the knowledge and know-how needed for accomplishing a relevant assignment in your

studies.

2.2 What do I do now?

It is important to start thinking early about what kind of thesis you want to write. Remember

that its you who is responsible for proposing a theme for your thesis. There are several waysin which you can do that:

You have an idea yourself that you want to develop.

You have been in touch with a company, working part-time or have had a summer

vacation job, etc. Here you may have become aware of a topic/problem that the

company would like to have researched.

You find an interesting topic among the assignments that the department has published

onIts learning.

It can be a good idea to look at earlier assignments. This may give you inspiration and help toformulate ideas and relevant questions. Earlier masters theses are available at the library and

earlier bachelors theses at the faculty.

After the department has published its list of assignments, you can apply for some of them in

prioritized order. If you have found an assignment yourself, it must be registered. The

departments may have different routines concerning application/registration, but they will

hold information meetings about all you need to know in order to carry out your assignments.

It is common procedure at all departments that you must sign a contract (Contract for

bachelors and masters theses) between the department and yourself about the completion of


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the assignment after it has been registered. In this contract you confirm that you will carry out

the assignment you have received or have acquired. The contract also stipulates access to

office, loans of equipment or books, use of lab space and finally submission of finished

assignment. A possible external supervisor in a company will also confirm that s/he has read

the information in the letter: To companies concerning the bachelors and masters theses.

When the contract has been delivered to the department office, the title and topic of the thesis

has been submitted. The contract will be filed at the department, but remember to take a copy

as a receipt for submitting the assignment.

Noticethat if you have acquired the assignment yourself, it must be discussed with aninstructor and accepted as an assignmentbeforeyou can sign the contract. The instructorwants to see a project text and a plan for progression. The instructor will also assess the

feasibility of the assignment in relation to available resources. It is therefore recommended

that you prepare yourself well before you go to see one of the instructors.

If that has been done before registration, the instructor can sign the form Application for

bachelors and masters theses. The instructor then confirms that s/he has accepted the

relevance of the topic/problem, that it is at the appropriate level, of sufficient scope and

acceptable use of resources.

That an instructor has signed the application form does not mean that s/he will automatically

become your supervisor when the assignments are finalized. The department may decide to

appoint another person instead. This is due to the distribution of duties and work among the

faculty at the department.

2.3 DeadlinesThe process running over one year is shown in the table below:

Thesis: Bachelorsthesis,15 ects(fromspring2015:20 ects)

Mastersthesis,30 ects

Mastersthesis,60 ects

Deadline for departments toorganize information meetings

15/10 1/11 15/3

Deadline for the departments

issuing of topics.

15/10 1/11 15/3

Deadline for

application/registration (also

external theses)

15/11 1/12 1/4

Deadline for announcement of

assignments

1/12 15/12 15/4


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Deadline for submission of final

title and topic of thesis

15/1 1/2 15/9

Semesters devoted to thesis Spring Spring Autumn and

spring

Deadline for submission 15/5 15/6 15/6

Withdrawal deadline for

assignments submitted during the

spring semester*

01/02 01/02 01/02

Withdrawal deadline for

assignments submitted during the

fall semester*

01/09 01/09 01/09

Deadline for evaluation 6 weeks 12 weeks 12 weeks

Certificate If you fulfill the requirements for acertificate after the evaluation of the

thesis, it will routinely be mailed to

you.

Table I

* Note especially 1.7 of the Regulations for Bachelors and Masters Thesis: The dean at

the Faculty of Science and Technology has set the following withdrawal deadlines for

submitting Bachelors and Masters Thesis:

Submissions for the spring semester must be retracted before: February 1st. Submissions for the fall semester must be retracted before: September 1st.

Oral notification is not valid. If a candidate who has registered submission of a bachelor's or

master's thesis withdraws after the prescribed deadline, or does not submit the thesis within

the deadline without valid reason, it is considered as an examination. The student is

responsible for documenting retraction within the deadline, see the Regulations relating to

Examinations at the University of Stavanger section 9 no.3 and no. 4.

2.4 Planning the thesisIt is important that you plan your work carefully and notice where you stand at any time.

Bachelors and masters theses are also meant as practice in solving a problem within a

particular time frame.

At the beginning of your assignment you must draw up a work schedule. You must also

regularly write status reports as agreed with your instructor or assigned supervisor.

Normal workload for an assignment is 30 hours per ects (credit) according to the norms at the

faculty. A bachelors thesis that is weighted 15 ects, has an estimated workload of approx.

450 hours.


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3.3 Documentation

It is an advantage to begin writing the thesis as early as possible. Make a skeleton outline of

the assignment early. As you progress, fill in the different chapters and subchapters. Duringthe work you may experience periods of frustration when everything looks hopeless. Then it

is an advantage to be able to return to chapters that are nearly finished.

By focusing on the end product, the report, you will save valuable time and establish good

communication between you and your supervisor.

In the beginning your text may appear patchy and in keywords. Here it is important that you

write down all ideas and thoughts you have as you go along. If not, they may be forgotten. It

is also important to write journal entries of conversations with supervisor as well as literature,

investigations, trials and errors.

Many experience computer problems, particularly in connection with large files. Many of

those problems can be avoided by dividing up files (e.g. one for each chapter) and often take

back-ups to secure the work.

3.4.About the citat ion of sources

To get anywhere with a paper, even the greatest in the world of science have to build on other

peoples work. Isaac Newton for example wrote the following in a letter to Robert Hooke in

1676: If I have seen further... it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.

One must therefore try to avoid using time to reinvent the wheel. Therefore, it is important to

do a thorough literature search to find out what has been done before in the field you are

going to work on. You can find more about literature research in chapter 4.3.

As for the use of sources, it is important to distinguish between knowledge and intellectual

property. Olav Torvund, law professor at the UiO, puts it this way in his blog*: Knowledge

is free. No one owns or can own knowledge. Except for the industrial exploitation of patents,

anyone can take advantage of the present knowledge regardless of who produced it. What

you cannot do is to copy someone else's work, such as articles. Anyone may freely use or

attempt to explain Einstein's theory of relativity. But we cannot freely copy Einstein's own

articles, since they are still protected by copyright.

*http://blog.torvund.net/2008/04/15/retningslinjer-for-felles-rettighetspolitikk-kommentarer

3.4.1 What is an intellectual property?

The Norwegian Copyright Act (LOV 1961-05-12 no. 02 Act relating to intellectual property

rights) defines intellectual property as:

The Copyright Act defines Intellectual property as literary, scientific or artistic works of any

kind, irrespective expressive manner and form of expression, such as

1) writings of all kinds,


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2) oral presentations,

3) stage works, dramatic and musical as well as choreographic and pantomimes and radio

plays,

4) musical compositions, with or without text,

5) cinematographic works,

6) photographic works,7) paintings, drawings, graphics, and such Fine Arts,

8) sculptures of all kinds,

9) construction art, drawings and models as well as the construction works,

10) tapestries and objects of handicrafts and applied art, the prototype as well as the work

itself,

11)maps and drawings and graphic and plastic representations of a scientific or technical

nature,

12)computer programs,

13)translations and adaptations of the works mentioned above

3.4.2 Use other's intellectual property

It is important to fulfill the law's requirements for handling intellectual property and to follow

good practice when it comes to references. Violation of this is very serious and can lead to

action being taken regarding academic misconduct.

The faculty will here remind you of the promise you made when your program was accepted

at the beginning of your studies:

I hereby declare that all my written work submitted to UiS

- has not been used in other written submissions to UiS or other institutions in

Norway or abroad.

- does not refer to the work of others without citation in the text

- does not refer to earlier work without citation in the text

- cites all sources (including web sites) in the literature lists.

I realize that infringement on these rules is to be regarded as cheating while sitting for an

exam or test.

Here is an example of what can happen if you cheat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwbw9KF-ACY&feature=player_embedded

Using other's intellectual property means that you reproduce this directly or in revised form in

your assignment. How to do this the right way depends on your situation:

1. You are not going to publish your paper on the internet:Universities and colleges in Norway have signed the so-called Kopinor Agreement. If

you are not publishing your paper on an open network, you can use other's intellectual

property in your paper without having to obtain permission from the copyright holder.


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The condition is that you provide an accurate reference to your sources and follow the

rules of citation.

2. You are going to publish your paper on the internet:If you, for example, are working on a master's thesis and wish to make this available

in the database Brage, or you are working on a paper that you want to make availableon an open network in some way, you must obtain permission to use other people's

intellectual property. This will, for example apply regarding images or drawings that

you find on the internet. In addition, you must provide accurate references in your

paper.

When it comes to intellectual property in the form of text, it is sufficient to follow the

rules of citation. More about this below.

It is therefore important that it is clearly evident in the paper what your contribution is and

what is taken from sources.

If you are using texts someone else has written, the reader must be aware of this. This may be

text, such as obtained from an article, a book, a thesis or a page you have found online.

Phrasings as "... this section is largely taken from ...", "... this section is inspired by the ..."

may be used.

If you use another author's text word for word, this text must be in quotation marks

and the source be in brackets afterwards. The source must also be in the reference list.

If you write in your own words something another author has written, you must also

provide the source, both in the text and in the reference list.

You do not have to cite the source when writing about general knowledge / known

facts.

If you have tables or figures that are wholly or partially based on other people's intellectual

property, you must provide references in the table or figure text.

Note sources continuously. It is often difficult to track them down later.

How to set up the final report and make a reference list in it is shown in the next chapter.

4. FINAL REPORT

4.1 General requirements

Bachelors and masters theses may have very different forms. In many assignments there is

construction or experimental work while others are more theoretically oriented. Other

assignments can be surveys of topics based on literary sources, assessments or how to solve a

concrete problem or develop a product.

Generally, the end report must have a clearly defined message, be well structured, clear and

easy to read. The pros and cons of statements must be logically presented. A fellow student,


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having the same background, should be able to read your report without the need ofextra information in order to understand it.

Rendering of textbooks on general theory and knowledge must be limited. The end report

must have a complete list of references.

Since assignments are so different, it is difficult to establish a common template for work and

reports. Normally the assignment will result in a report. An example of a report is provided

below. It must be underlined that this is only one example and adaptations will have to be

made. The different departments may have their own examples or requirements concerning

the structure of reports. Discuss with your supervisor how your assignment must be carried

out and documented.

Generally, final reports have similar structures.

First, an introduction explaining the background and purpose of the assignment and its

contents.

Second, a survey of relevant theory, existing methods and models relevant for the

assignment, laboratory instruments, etc.

Third, a presentation of the analyses/experiments/developments that have been carried

out and their results. For non-experimental assignments the results may involve

(further) development of principles, methods and models.

Fourth, a discussion of the obtained results. How do they relate to existing theory,

methods and models?

Finally, what conclusions may be drawn?

4.2 About report layout and use of sources

As mentioned, here is one example of the structure of a final report in which some guidelines

for the use of sourceshave been given. Please read this carefully!

Title page: The title page should include the title of your thesis, author, date/year, field of

study, and name of institution (UiS and collaborating company/institution, if any). Remember

to fill out the form Title page Masters Thesis and insert this as page 1.

Abstract: The abstract must be understandable independently of the thesis itself. It gives abrief presentation of the problem(s) and the work that has been carried out. Main results and

important conclusions should also be included. A good deal of work ought to be spent on

writing a good abstract because this is what most people will read. The abstract should be

short.

Table of Contents: This shows the chapters and subchapters with page numbers. If there are

symbols and abbreviations they can be listed after the table of contents.

Acknowledgements: If you wish to thank institutions and/or persons who have been of great

help during the project, this may be done in the acknowledgements. You may use the first-


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person mode (I) in this section. The use of first person is normally avoided in the actual

report.

Introduction: The introduction could consist of several sections. First comes a short

presentation of the background for the thesis, e.g. why it is important to examine this

problem. Furthermore, you should describe what the thesis is about, what has been done andhow the report is built up.

Theory: Description of the work that has already been done in this field. Normally one

evaluates alternative methods and components/equipment and argues for the choices one has

made. This section also outlines the theories, methods, models, equations, etc. that are

relevant to the thesis. Remember to tell the reader of the paper where you found the

information. Write down the sources both in the text and in the reference list.

Experiments: List the equipment you have used (for instance by tables and figures),

chemicals and experimental methods. You should also include methods for literature search,

interviews, development of methods and models etc.

Results: All results should be presented. What was the outcome of the experiments, analyses,

literature search and interviews? What kind of method or model did you arrive at?

Calculations and estimates (if any) of uncertainty should be included at this point. Use tables

(with text above) and figures (with text below). In the text all tables must be referred to with

necessary explanations. It must appear logical to the reader why these tables/figures have

been included. Reference to formulas, models and literature should be made in the theory

section. It is often more appropriate to discuss and comment on the result(s) as you move

along. In that case, the results and discussion should be dealt with in the same chapter.

Discussion: This is where you evaluate and interpret your results. Compare your findings to

other available results. Discuss possible sources of error and the implications of these. A good

thesis is recognized by a reflective discussion. The discussion must focus on significant

results and observations. Avoid making the impression that you have solved every single

detail. Be honest do not try to cover up errors and simplifications that you have made on the

way and later found to be unfortunate. Explain instead your choice of simplification and

comment on it.

Conclusion: Give a brief summary of the results in your thesis and what they can tell us.

Conclusions can often be integrated in the chapters Results, Discussion or Abstract.

References: To avoid all suspicion of cheating by copying, it is important to quote references

correctly. This also applies to the internet when it is used as a source.

Referencesare a list of books, articles, manuals etc. referred to in the report. The way you

write a reference is called a "style". There are many styles. In the examples below, the styles

Apa 6th, IEEE and Harvard are used. Ask your supervisor what style you should use.

BOOK:If you are referring to a book you should include the following::

Author's name, title, year, publisher, place.


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Example 1 (Apa 6th):In the text:

If you incorporate ideas from books, articles or the Web, you need to indicate they are

others ideas (Lipson, 2004, p.8)

In the reference list:Lipson, C (2004).Doing honest work in college: how to prepare citations, avoid plagiarism,

and achieve real academic success.Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Example 2 (IEEE):If you incorporate ideas from books, articles or the Web, you need to indicate they are

others ideas [1]

In the reference list:

[1] C. Lipson,Doing honest work in college: how to prepare citations, avoid plagiarism,

and achieve real academic success.Chicago: University of Chicago Press., 2004

ARTICLE:If you are referring to an article you should include the following:

Author's name, title, name of journal, year, volume, issue, page number.

Example (IEEE):In the reference list:

[1] T. Aven, J. E. Vinnern, og W. Red, On the use of goal: undertittel,Risk

management, Vol 7, pp. 117-36, 2006.

INTERNET DOCUMENTS:Author, year, title, Internet Address and reading date.

Example (Harvard):In the reference list:

University of Oslo. (2011).Ida The oldest complete primate skeleton in the world.

Available from: http://www.nhm.uio.no/english/visiting/geological-museum/ida/. (read

20.05.2012).

Remember that many websites are unstable. They can disappear tomorrow. Therefore, alwaystake a print of the websites you use in your paper. A good website for references, see:

Kildekompasset.no

Appendices: The purpose of appendices is to include supplementary information related to the

report. Typically, this is detailed useful information, but has a negative effect on the

readability and is not essential in order to understand the bigger picture. Examples of this

could be a particular theory concerning elements in the thesis statement, or a presentation of

raw data from parts of the experiments that have been performed (e.g. detailed calculations

and deductions, program lists, flow charts, file descriptions, chemical data). Tables and

figures should be placed in the text where they thematically belong. Alternatively, some of

them could be included in the form of an appendix. Readers should be able to extract precise


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information from tables and figures without having to look for explanatory information

elsewhere in the thesis.

4.3 About finding literature

At the University Library you will learn how to use databases containing the literature on

your topic. These are high standard databases and the literature you find there is of high

quality. If you do not find the literature you need at the library, they will borrow it for you

from another library. The University Library is a member of a large national and international

network of libraries.

The University Library offers a number of courses. In the spring semester many user

courses/workshops are open to students working on assignments. If you participate in some of

these, you will be given advice on how to find the literature you need.

If you are a master student you can sign up for one of the courses on the reference program

EndNote that handles your footnotes. The program communicates with Word and helps you

quote correctly and establish a correct list of references.

Courses offered by the University Library can be found here:

Most of these courses are very popular and require enrolment. Remember to respect the

waiting lists of students wanting to attend by giving the library notice in case you are unable

to come to the course.

If you are unable to attend these courses, you may ask a librarian who will help you start yourliterature searches.

There is also a series of helpful interactive courses on the internet.

This course is made for students at the Faculty of Science and Technology/University of

Stavanger:

http://student.uis.no.english/university_library/study_help/article67232-4423.html

4.4 Language

Always remember the reader:

Who are you writing for?

Adapt the vocabulary to the reader

Use concrete and known words where you can

Dont use words and letters indiscriminately

Explain technical terms or other difficult words

Stay focused on the assignment:


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Divide the text according to the main points.

Make one point at a time

Use conjunctions (and, or, because, etc.) to show connections in the text.

To write is to think. Does thought emerge from your text?

Think about the text:

Beware of abstract formulations.

Try to rephrase if you are not satisfied.

Chew over your sentences. Read them aloud.

Ask others for advice about language.

Get help for proofreading.

More advice:

Write complete sentences. Normally avoid the first person form.

Split up long and convoluted sentences. Its OK to use full stops.

Place the verb early in the sentence.

Use the active voice instead of the passive - where suitable

Consult updated dictionaries and guides.

Remember:

Stick to official orthography.

Remember to weed out the English division of words (e.g. lamme lr, ananas biter)when you write in Norwegian

Use Norwegian words

Remember that writing is to connect with others

We must not only speak

so that our audience can understand us

but so that they cannot misunderstand us.

(Quintilian, approx. 35 100 A.D.)

You will find more about usage under Norsk Sprkrd: http://www.sprakrad.no.

5. SUBMISSION

Before you submit your paper, it is important to observe the following points:

As different chapters are finished, give them to the supervisor for reviewing as soon as

possible before the deadline. You can also benefit from external help for proofreading.

Check that pagination and references correspond.


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Check that all references, tables and figures are included, correctly reproduced and

referred to.

In particular check that title page, abstract, introduction and table of contents are correct and

unambiguous. For other requirements concerning submission, seeRegulations for Bachelors

and Masters Theses.

6. EVALUATION

An external examiner will normally be appointed on the recommendation of your supervisor.

The examiner, together with your supervisor, will grade the thesis.

6.1. Bachelors Thesis

6.1.1 Descriptions of grades for bachelors thesis in Engineering (translation intoenglish is in progress)

Karakterbeskrivelser og vurderingskriterier for sensur av bacheloroppgaver i ingenirfag er

utarbeidet av Nasjonalt rd for teknologisk utdanning (NRT). Beskrivelsene er laget i henhold

til nasjonalt kvalifikasjonsrammeverk for hyere utdanning og forskrift om rammeplan for

ingenirutdanning fastsatt av Kunnskapsdepartementet 3. februar 2011. Beskrivelsene brukes

for alle bacheloroppgaver i ingenirfag etter ny rammeplan fr og med vren 2014.

Bacheloroppgva:A Fremragende 1. Fremragende prestasjon som klart utmerker seg, og som

kjennetegnes av:

2. Kandidaten har svrt god ingenirfaglig innsikt og viser

fagkunnskap p meget hyt niv

3. Kandidaten kan velge ut og benytte relevant faglig teori

og metoder p en svrt overbevisende mte.

4. Kandidaten kan utarbeide en svrt relevant og tydelig

problemstilling og planlegge og gjennomfre et

ingenirfaglig arbeide med svrt hy kvalitet.

5. Arbeidet fremstr som avansert og/eller nyskapende.

Analyse og diskusjon er faglig svrt godt fundert og

begrunnet og er tydelig koblet til problemstillingen.

Kandidaten viser svrt god evne til refleksjon og skiller

tydelig mellom eget og andres bidrag.

6. Form, formidling, struktur og sprk ligger p et svrt

hyt niv.

B Meget god 1. Meget god prestasjon som kjennetegnes av:

2. Kandidaten har meget god ingenirfaglig innsikt og viser

fagkunnskap p hyt niv.

3. Kandidaten kan velje ut og benytte relevant faglig teori


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og metoder p en meget overbevisende mte.

4. Kandidaten kan utarbeide en meget relevant og tydelig

problemstilling og planlegge og gjennomfre et

ingenirfaglig arbeide med meget hy kvalitet.

5. Arbeidet fremstr som meget godt og/eller nyskapende.

Analyse og diskusjon er faglig meget godt fundert ogbegrunnet og er tydelig koblet til problemstillingen.

Kandidaten viser meget god evne til refleksjon og skiller

tydelig mellom eget og andres bidrag.

6. Form, formidling, struktur og sprk ligger p et meget

hyt niv.

C God 1. God prestasjon som kjennetegnes av:

2. Kandidaten har god ingenirfaglig innsikt og viser gode

fagkunnskaper.

3. Kandidaten kan velje ut og benytte relevant faglig teori

og metoder p en god mte.4. Kandidaten kan utarbeide en relevant og i hovudsak

tydelig problemstilling og planlegge og gjennomfre et

ingenirfaglig arbeide med god kvalitet.

5. Arbeidet fremstr som godt med innslag av kreativitet.

Analyse og diskusjon er faglig godt fundert og koblet til

problemstillingen. Kandidaten viser god evne til

refleksjon og skiller stort sett tydelig mellom eget og

andres bidrag.

6. Form, formidling, struktur og sprk ligger p et godt

niv.

D Noks god 1. Klar akseptabel prestasjon som kjennetegnes av:

2. Kandidaten har noks god ingenirfaglig innsikt og viser

noks gode fagkunnskaper.

3. Kandidaten kan stort sett benytte relevant faglig teori og

metoder.

4. Kandidaten kan utarbeide en hovedsakelig relevant og

tydelig problemstilling, der mlene med oppgaven kan

vre noe uklart definert. Planlegging og gjennomfring

av det ingenirfaglige arbeidet har klart akseptabelt niv.

5. Arbeidet fremstr som noks godt. Analyse og diskusjon

er faglig godt fundert og koblet til problemstillingen,men med potensial for forbedring. Kandidaten viser evne

til refleksjon, men kan ha problemer med skille tydelig

mellom eget og andres bidrag.

6. Form, formidling, struktur og sprk ligger p et

akseptabelt niv.

E Tilstrekkelig 1. Prestasjon som er akseptabel ved at den tilfredsstiller

minimumskravene, og som kjennetegnes av:

2. Kandidaten har tilstrekkelig ingenirfaglig innsikt og

viser tilstrekkelige fagkunnskaper.

3.

Kandidaten kan til en viss grad benytte relevant faglig


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18




teori og metoder.

4. Kandidaten kan utarbeide en tilstrekklig tydelig

problemstilling, der mlene med oppgaven er beskrevet,

men er uklare. Planlegging og gjennomfring av det

ingenirfaglige arbeidet har akseptabelt niv, men

kandidaten viser begrenset faglig progresjon utan tettoppflging.

5. Arbeidet fremstr relativt beskjedent og noe

framentarisk. Analyse og diskusjon er tilstrekkelig faglig

fundert, men burde vrt betre koblet til

problemstillingen. Kandidaten viser ndvendig evne til

refleksjon, men kan ha problemer med skille klart


6. Fremstillingen er stort sett akseptabel, men har merkbare

mangler mht. Form, formidling, struktur og sprk.

F ikkje besttt 1. Prestasjon som ikkje tilfredsstiller minimumskravene, og

som kjennetegnes av:

2. Kandidaten har ikkje ndvendig ingenirfaglig innsikt og

viser ikkje tilstrekkelige fagkunnskaper.

3. Kandidaten viser manglende kompetanse til benytte

relevant faglig teori og metoder.

4. Kandidaten evner ikkje utarbeide en tilstrekkelig

tydelig problemstilling og ml er uklart definert eller

ikkje beskrevet. Planlegging og gjennomfring av det

ingenirfaglige arbeidet er ikkje akseptabelt.5. Arbeidet fremstr beskjedent og fragmentarisk. Analayse

og diskusjon er ikkje tilstrekkelig faglig fundert og lst

koblet til problemstillingen. Kandidaten viser ikkje

ndvendig evne til kritisk refleksjon, og skiller lite


6. Fremstillingen har vesentlige mangler mht. form,

formidling, struktur og sprk.

Utfyllende beskrivelser av punktene som er brukt ved beskrivelse av trinnene i

karakterskalaen for bacheloroppgaver i ingenirfag.

Med arbeidet menes i beskrivelsene den skriftlige oppgaven og evt. produkt samt evt. muntlig

presentasjon.


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19




1. Generelt inntrykkHelhetsinntrykk: Helhetsinntrykket av arbeidet.Selvstendighet: I hvilken grad har kandidaten selv generert viktigeelementer/problemstillinger/ider i oppgaven? Kan kandidaten p selvstendig

grunnlag finne fram til og benytte relevant litteratur og metoder, og gjennomfre et

selvstendig forsknings- eller utviklingsprosjekt under veiledning? Vises det personliginitiativ? Hvilke typer hjelp og veiledning har kandidaten mottatt i ulike faser av

arbeidet? Har kandidaten vist evne til dra nytte av forskningsmiljets fagkompetanse

i eget arbeid?

Niv: Vurdering av de enkelte kriterier gjres i henhold til graden bachelor iingenirfag.

Tid: Det er en forutsetning for vurdering av arbeidet at det er levert innenfor normerttid.

2. Ingenirfaglig innsiktI hvilken grad er det ingenirfaglige grunnlaget godt beskrevet? Er arbeidet satt inn i

et helhetlig systemperspektiv og viser for eksempel livslps-, miljmessig,

helsemessig, samfunnsmessig, konomisk, etisk perspektiv? I hvilken grad kan

kandidaten(e) oppdatere sin kunnskap innenfor fagfeltet, bde gjennom

informasjonsinnhenting og kontakt med fagmiljer og praksis?

3. Teoretisk innsiktI hvilken grad dokumenterer arbeidet god teoretisk oversikt, fordypning i eget

ingenirfag samt kunnskap om relevant forskning og utvikling, metoder og

arbeidsmter?

4. GjennomfringMlbeskrivelse: I hvilken grad er problemstillingen med bakgrunn og ml presentert

p en klar og forstelig mte?

Ferdighetsniv: I hvilken grad dokumenterer arbeidet evne til planlegge oggjennomfre et ingenirfaglig arbeide (prosjekter, arbeidsoppgaver, forsk ogeksperimenter)? I hvilken grad dokumenteres evne til framskaffe, vurdere, bruke og

henvise til informasjon og fagstoff og framstille dette slik at det belyser en

problemstilling?

5. ResultatResultatet: I hvilken grad bygger arbeidet p tidligere forsknings- ogutviklingsarbeid? Viser arbeidet kvalitet og kreativitet, og bidrar det til nytenkning,

innovasjon eller realisering av brekraftige og samfunnsnyttige produkter, systemer

og/eller lsninger?

Analyse og diskusjon: I hvilken grad er analyse og diskusjon faglig fundert og

begrunnet og tydelig koblet til problemstillingen? I hvilken grad er evalueringen avresultatene bygget p en metodisk tilnrming?

Refleksjon: I hvilken grad gis en rimelig vurdering av betydningen av resultatene?Forholder kandidaten seg kritisk til ulike informasjonskilder? Er

usikkerhetsmomenter, som metodefeil, mlefeil og annet vurdert og diskutert? Er

relevante fag-, yrkes-, samfunns- og forskningsetiske problemstillinger analysert?

Eget bidrag/mloppnelse: I hvilken grad evner kandidaten(e) klart skille egetbidrag fra andres (kilder og tydelige referanser)? I hvilken grad gir rapportens

konklusjon en god fremstilling av i hvilken grad mlene er ndd? Foreligger et

fornuftig og begrunnet forslag til videre arbeid eller spredning, implementering eller

bruk av resultatene?


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6. FremstillingStruktur: Har det skriftlige arbeidet en strukturert og logisk oppbygning? Er arbeidet

generelt oversiktlig? Er det benyttet en enhetlig stil for referanser, figurer og tabeller?

Form og formidling: I hvilken grad kommuniseres problemstilling og resultater med

ndvendig faglig og sprklig presisjon? I hvilken grad er rapporten godt lesbar med

god sprklig kvalitet? Hvilken kvalitet har figurer og tabeller? Hvilken kvalitet harevt. produkt? Hvilken kvalitet har evt. muntlig presentasjon?


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Sensurskjema for ingenirfaglig bacheloroppgaveHvor mye det enkelte vurderingspunkt skal vektes kan settes opp i dialog med kandidaten(e) og eventu

med bacheloroppgaven igangsettes.

Vurdering av Vekting

prosent

Vekting for aktuell

oppgave(mulig eksempel for

praktisk orientert

oppgave)

Delpunkt Kommentar V

1. Generelt inntrykk 10-15 10 Helhetsinntrykk

Selvstendighet

Niv

Tid

2. Ingenirfaglig

innsikt

15-25 25 I tillegg til angitte

vurderingskriterier kan

delpunkt settes opp for

den enkelte oppgave

3. Teoretisk innsikt 15-25 15 I tillegg til angittevurderingskriterier kan

delpunkt settes opp for

den enkelte oppgave

4. Gjennomfring 15-25 20 Mlbeskrivelse

Ferdighetsniv

5. Resultat 15-25 20 Resultatet

Analyse og diskusjon

Refleksjon

Eget bidrag/

mloppnelse

6. Fremstilling 10-15 10 Struktur

Form og formidlingArbeidsinnsats

Sluttkarakter


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22




Kobling mellom poengsum og karakter (det er her benyttet samme skala som foresltt

for vurdering av masteroppgaver i MNT-fag):

A: 90-100 poeng

B: 80 89 poeng

C: 60 - 79 poengD: 50 - 59 poeng

E: 40 - 49 poeng

F: 0 - 39 poeng

6.1.3 Descriptions of grades for bachelors thesis in natural sciences (translation intoenglish is in progress)

Karakterbeskrivelser og vurderingskriterier for sensur av bacheloroppgaver i realfag erutarbeidet p grunnlag av karakterbeskrivelser og vurderingskriterier for bacheloroppgaver i

ingenirfag, utarbeidet av Nasjonalt rd for teknologisk utdanning (NRT.)

Karakterbeskrivelser og vurderingskriterier for bacheloroppgaver i ingenirfag er laget i

henhold til nasjonalt kvalifikasjonsrammeverk for hyere utdanning og forskrift om

rammeplan for ingenirutdanning fastsatt av Kunnskapsdepartementet 3. februar 2011.

Beskrivelsene brukes for alle bacheloroppgaver i realfag fra og med vren 2014.


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Trinn ikarakterskalaen

Betegnelse Beskrivelse:

A Fremragende 1.

Fremragende prestasjon som klart utmerker seg, og som kjenne2. Kandidaten har svrt god faglig innsikt og viser fagkunnskap p me3. Kandidaten kan velge ut og benytte relevant faglig teori og metoder

overbevisende mte.

4. Kandidaten kan utarbeide en svrt relevant og tydelig problemstillin

og gjennomfre et faglig arbeide med svrt hy kvalitet.

5. Arbeidet fremstr som avansert og/eller nyskapende. Analyse og dis

svrt godt fundert og begrunnet og er tydelig koblet til problemstill

Kandidaten viser svrt god evne til refleksjon og skiller tydelig mel

andres bidrag.

6. Form, formidling, struktur og sprk ligger p et svrt hyt niv.

B Meget god 1. Meget god prestasjon som kjennetegnes av:2. Kandidaten har meget god faglig innsikt og viser fagkunnskap p h

3. Kandidaten kan velge ut og benytte relevant faglig teori og metoder

overbevisende mte.

4. Kandidaten kan utarbeide en meget relevant og tydelig problemstilli

og gjennomfre et faglig arbeide med meget hy kvalitet.

5. Arbeidet fremstr som meget godt og/eller nyskapende. Analyse og

faglig meget godt fundert og begrunnet og er tydelig koblet til probl

Kandidaten viser meget god evne til refleksjon og skiller tydelig me

andres bidrag.

6.

Form, formidling, struktur og sprk ligger p et meget hyt niv.C God 1. God prestasjon som kjennetegnes av:

2. Kandidaten har god faglig innsikt og viser gode fagkunnskaper.

3. Kandidaten kan velge ut og benytte relevant faglig teori og metoder


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4. Kandidaten kan utarbeide en relevant og i hovedsak tydelig problem

planlegge og gjennomfre et faglig arbeide med god kvalitet.

5. Arbeidet fremstr som godt med innslag av kreativitet. Analyse og d

faglig godt fundert og koblet til problemstillingen. Kandidaten viser

refleksjon og skiller stort sett tydelig mellom eget og andres bidrag.

6. Form, formidling, struktur og sprk ligger p et godt niv.

D Noks god 1. Klar akseptabel prestasjon som kjennetegnes av:2. Kandidaten har noks god faglig innsikt og viser noks gode fagkun

3. Kandidaten kan stort sett benytte relevant faglig teori og metoder.

4. Kandidaten kan utarbeide en hovedsakelig relevant og tydelig probl

mlene med oppgaven kan vre noe uklart definert. Planlegging og

av det faglige arbeidet har klart akseptabelt niv.

5. Arbeidet fremstr som noks godt. Analyse og diskusjon er faglig g

koblet til problemstillingen, men med potensial for forbedring. Kand

evne til refleksjon, men kan ha problemer med skille tydelig mello

andres bidrag.6. Form, formidling, struktur og sprk ligger p et akseptabelt niv.

E Tilstrekkelig 1. Prestasjon som er akseptabel ved at den tilfredsstiller minimumsom kjennetegnes av:

2. Kandidaten har tilstrekkelig faglig innsikt og viser tilstrekkelige fag

3. Kandidaten kan til en viss grad benytte relevant faglig teori og meto

4. Kandidaten kan utarbeide en tilstrekkelig tydelig problemstilling, de

oppgaven er beskrevet, men er uklare. Planlegging og gjennomfrin

arbeidet har akseptabelt niv, men kandidaten viser begrenset faglig

tett oppflging.

5. Arbeidet fremstr relativt beskjedent og noe fragmentarisk. Analysetilstrekkelig faglig fundert, men burde vrt bedre koblet til problem

Kandidaten viser ndvendig evne til refleksjon, men kan ha problem

klart mellom eget og andres bidrag.

6. Fremstillingen er stort sett akseptabel, men har merkbare mangler m


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formidling, struktur og sprk.

F ikke besttt 1. Prestasjon som ikke tilfredsstiller minimumskravene, og som kj2. Kandidaten har ikke ndvendig faglig innsikt og viser ikke tilstrekk

fagkunnskaper.3. Kandidaten viser manglende kompetanse til benytte relevant faglig

metoder.

4. Kandidaten evner ikke utarbeide en tilstrekkelig tydelig problemst

uklart definert eller ikke beskrevet. Planlegging og gjennomfring a

arbeidet er ikke akseptabelt.

5. Arbeidet fremstr beskjedent og fragmentarisk. Analyse og diskusjo

tilstrekkelig faglig fundert og lst koblet til problemstillingen. Kand

ndvendig evne til kritisk refleksjon, og skiller lite mellom eget og a

6. Fremstillingen har vesentlige mangler mht. form, formidling, struktu


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26

Student guide for bachelors and masters theses


Decision made by the Dean June 25th2013

Page 26 of 36

Utfyllende beskrivelser av punktene som er brukt ved beskrivelse av trinnene ikarakterskalaen for bacheloroppgaver i realfag.

Med arbeidet menes i beskrivelsene den skriftlige oppgaven og evt. produkt samt evt.

muntlig presentasjon.

1. Generelt inntrykkHelhetsinntrykk: Helhetsinntrykket av arbeidet.Selvstendighet: I hvilken grad har kandidaten selv generert viktigeelementer/problemstillinger/ider i oppgaven? Kan kandidaten p selvstendig

grunnlag finne fram til og benytte relevant litteratur og metoder, og

gjennomfre et selvstendig forsknings- eller utviklingsprosjekt under

veiledning? Vises det personlig initiativ? Hvilke typer hjelp og veiledning har

kandidaten mottatt i ulike faser av arbeidet? Har kandidaten vist evne til dra

nytte av forskningsmiljets fagkompetanse i eget arbeid?

Niv: Vurdering av de enkelte kriterier gjres i henhold til graden bachelor irealfag.Tid: Det er en forutsetning for vurdering av arbeidet at det er levert innenfornormert tid.

2. Faglig innsiktI hvilken grad er det faglige grunnlaget godt beskrevet? I hvilken grad kan

kandidaten(e) oppdatere sin kunnskap innenfor fagfeltet, bde gjennom

informasjonsinnhenting og kontakt med fagmiljer?

3. Teoretisk innsiktI hvilken grad dokumenterer arbeidet god teoretisk oversikt, fordypning i eget

fag samt kunnskap om relevant forskning og utvikling, metoder og

arbeidsmter?4. Gjennomfring

Mlbeskrivelse: I hvilken grad er problemstillingen med bakgrunn og mlpresentert p en klar og forstelig mte?

Ferdighetsniv: I hvilken grad dokumenterer arbeidet evne til planlegge oggjennomfre et faglig arbeide (prosjekter, arbeidsoppgaver, forsk og

eksperimenter)? I hvilken grad dokumenteres evne til framskaffe, vurdere,

bruke og henvise til informasjon og fagstoff og framstille dette slik at det

belyser en problemstilling?

5. ResultatResultatet: I hvilken grad bygger arbeidet p tidligere forsknings- og

utviklingsarbeid? Viser arbeidet kvalitet og kreativitet, og bidrar det tilnytenkning, innovasjon?

Analyse og diskusjon: I hvilken grad er analyse og diskusjon faglig fundertog begrunnet og tydelig koblet til problemstillingen? I hvilken grad er

evalueringen av resultatene bygget p en metodisk tilnrming?

Refleksjon: I hvilken grad gis en rimelig vurdering av betydningen avresultatene? Forholder kandidaten seg kritisk til ulike informasjonskilder? Er

usikkerhetsmomenter, som metodefeil, mlefeil og annet vurdert og diskutert?


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27




Page 27 of 36

Eget bidrag/mloppnelse: I hvilken grad evner kandidaten(e) klart skilleeget bidrag fra andres (kilder og tydelige referanser)? I hvilken grad gir

rapportens konklusjon en god fremstilling av i hvilken grad mlene er ndd?

Foreligger et fornuftig og begrunnet forslag til videre arbeid eller spredning,

implementering eller bruk av resultatene?

6. FremstillingStruktur: Har det skriftlige arbeidet en strukturert og logisk oppbygning? Er

arbeidet generelt oversiktlig? Er det benyttet en enhetlig stil for referanser,

figurer og tabeller?

Form og formidling: I hvilken grad kommuniseres problemstilling og

resultater med ndvendig faglig og sprklig presisjon? I hvilken grad er

rapporten godt lesbar med god sprklig kvalitet? Hvilken kvalitet har figurer

og tabeller? Hvilken kvalitet har evt. muntlig presentasjon?

Sensurskjema for realfaglig bacheloroppgave

Hvor mye det enkelte vurderingspunkt skal vektes kan settes opp i dialog med

kandidaten(e) og eventuell ekstern veileder fr arbeidet med bacheloroppgavenigangsettes. Se sensurskjema for bacheloroppgaver i ingenirfag p side 9 i dette

dokumentet, skjemaet kan brukes for realfaglige bacheloroppgaver dersom nskelig.

Kobling mellom poengsum og karakter (det er her benyttet samme skala som foresltt

for vurdering av masteroppgaver i MNT-fag):

A: 90-100 poeng

B: 80 89 poeng

C: 60 - 79 poeng

D: 50 - 59 poeng

E: 40 - 49 poeng

F: 0 - 39 poeng

6.1.4 Facts about grading

If two or more students cooperate on an assignment, they are collectively responsible

and receive the same grade. If an oral presentation/examination constitutes a part of

the final grade, it may be possible to grade individually. The student may request a

written justification of the assessment.

6.2. THE MASTERS THESIS

6.2.1EVALUATION OF THE THESIS

6.2.2 Background

In 2012 the National Faculty meeting for Sciences (NFmR) and the National Council

for Technological Education (NRT), decided on new common grade descriptions for

Master theses in mathematics, natural sciences and technology subjects (MNT). These


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Page 28 of 36

will apply to Master theses submitted as of spring semester 2014. The reason why this

is being introduced is as follows:

Statistics prepared by UHR showing that grades A and B are used in too large

degree.

Introduction of the qualifications framework for higher education in 2012.

*NFmR and NRT are subject-strategic units in the Norwegian Association of Higher Education

Institutions (UHR)

Grade descriptions are now specific to both education level and subjects, such as

MNT. In addition, the connection between learning outcomes and grading clarified

helping supervisor and assessor.

It is expected that these measures will lead to increased use of the entire grading

scale.

Grade descriptions are documented with the following forms:

1. Descriptions of grades for masters theses in mathematics, natural sciences

and technology

2. Assessors assessment of masters theses

3. Supervisors assessment og masters theses

4. Standardized assessment form

In addition NFmR and NRT made a report on their work that is not attached here.

6.2.3 SUPERVISORS ASSESSMENT of masters theses Attachment toDescriptions of grades for masters theses in mathematics, natural sciences andtechnology

For each criterion, the Supervisor is to assess the candidates attainment of the

following:

Theoretical insight:

Has the candidate generated important elements/issues relevant to the thesis? Does the

candidate use relevant resources (databases, etc.) to acquire current and applicable

literature and background material for the work?Skill level:

Does the candidate master relevant methods and use these in the thesis in an

applicable and integrated manner?

Working methods:

Does the candidate demonstrate the ability to work in a planned and methodical

manner?

Effort:


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Page 29 of 36

Does the candidate demonstrate a high degree of effort and motivation?

Degree of independence:

Is the candidate able to work and use relevant methods in an independent manner, and

conduct an independent piece of research or development under supervision? Does

the candidate show personal initiative? What type of help and supervision has thecandidate received during the different phases of the work? Is the candidate able to

draw on the expertise of the research group and apply this to his/her own work?

Project result:

Does the work demonstrate creativity and/or contribute to new thinking/creativity?

Does the work appear to be particularly extensive or comprehensive?

Deadlines:

A pre-requisite for assessment is that the work is submitted within the defined

deadline.


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Page 30 of 36

6.2.4 Standardized assessment form Attachment to Descriptions of grades formasters theses in mathematics, natural sciences and technology

Main

assessment

criteria:

Sub-criteria:

Comments

A/S* Max.

Score

Pre-

assessment

Final

points

Comments

Introduction

and theory

(max. 20 pt.)

Technical

grounding:

Theoretical

insight:

Goal description:

Own

contribution:

A

A + S

A

S

Methods and

working

practice

(max. 25 pt.)

Skill level:

Working

methods:

Effort:

Degree of

independence:

A + S

S

S

S

Results and

Discussion

(max. 35 pt.)

Project result:

Analysis and

discussion:

Critical

reflection:

Own contribution/ goal attainment:

A + S

A

A

A

Presentation

(max. 15 pt.)

Structure:

Language:

Form:

A

A

A

Oral

examination

(max. 5 pt.)

Presentation

during final

examination:

A + S

SUM

*Assessment provide primarily by Assessor or Supervisor

A maximum number of points is proposed for the main assessment criteria (which in

total is not to exceed 100), whereas no maximum number of points is suggested for

each of the sub-criteria (although they must have total 100). This is to accommodate

different types of projects (theoretical / experimental, 30/60 credits etc.) that require

certain sub-criteria to be weighted differently.


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Page 31 of 36

Using the Assessment form

Total scores:

The Faculty / Institute / Department must set a maximum number of points for each

criterion to that the sum total is 100. In the same way, a maximum total score must bedecided for each sub-criterion so that the total for all the sub-criteria is 100. The

maximum score for a criterion is to be equal to the sum of the maximum scores for its

associated sub-criteria.

Note that, since there are only 16 sub-criteria, and a total of at least 40 points is

required to gain a pass, 1 point will rarely indicate an acceptable level of attainment

(pass). The general rule is that the lower limit for acceptable achievement is 40% of

the maximum score for that (sub)criterion. In other words, if a sub-criterion, such as

Technical grounding, has a maximum score of 5 points, the following scale will

apply:

5 points near perfect

4 points very good, only minimal improvement possible

3 points good, but clear improvement possible

2 points just acceptable for masters degree standard

1 point some value, but insufficient for masters degree standard

0 points negligible value

Assessment:

The assessor and Supervisor carry out a pre-assessment and assign points according to

the different criteria (marked A and S). After the oral examination and the assessment

meeting, all scores may be adjusted apart from Presentation and Oral

examination. Criteria are marked A (Assessor) or S (Supervisor) according to who

has overall responsibility for the assignment of points. Four criteria are marked A + S

meaning that the Assessor and Supervisor have joint responsibility for the assignment

of points.

Grade table:

Grade Point interval

A: 90 100 points

B: 80 89 points

C: 60 79 points

D: 50 59 points

E: 40 49 points

F: 0 39 points


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Page 32 of 36

6.2.5 Descriptions of grades for masters theses in mathematics, natural sciencesand technology:

The grading of masters theses in mathematics, natural sciences and technology is

governed by the following descriptions of grades for students admitted to masters

studies in the autumn semester 2012 or later.

Each description covers these areas: general comments; theoretical overview, insight

and choice of methods; manner of completion level, technical skills; extent,

research and development; presentation.

Grade / level Description

A

Excellent

An outstanding thesis which clearly demonstrates a talent for

research and/or originality, in a national perspective.

The candidate has very good insight into the scientific theory

and methods in his/her field and has demonstrated scientificknowledge at a very high level. The objectives of the thesis are

well defined and easy to understand.

The candidate is able to select and apply relevant scientific

methods convincingly, has all the technical skills required for

the work, can plan and conduct very advanced experiments or

computations without help, and works very independently.

The thesis is considered very extensive and/or innovative. The

analysis and discussion have an extremely good scientific

foundation and justification, and are clearly linked to the topic

that is addressed. The candidate demonstrates extremely goodcritical reflection and distinguishes clearly between his/her

contributions and the contributions from other.

The form, structure and language in the thesis are at an

extremely high level.

B

Very good

A very good thesis that is clearly and positively distinguishable.

The candidate has very good scientific knowledge and insight

into the scientific theory and methods in his/her field. The

objectives of the thesis are well defined and easy to understand.

The candidate is able to select and apply relevant scientific

methods soundly, has almost all the technical skills required for

the work, can plan and conduct advanced experiments or

computations without helt, and works very independently.

The thesis is considered extensive and/or innovative. The

analysis and discussion have a very good scientific foundation

and justification, and are clearly linked to the topic that is

addressed. The candidate demonstrates very good critical

reflection and distinguishes clearly between his/her

contributions and the contributions from others.

The form, structure and language in the thesis are at a very high


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level.

C

Good

A good thesis

The candidate has good scientific knowledge and insight into

the scientific theory and methods in his/her field. The objectives

of the thesis are generally well defined, but may contain someinexact formulations.

The candidate uses the relevant scientific methods satisfactorily,

has most of the technical skills required for the work, can plan

and conduct quite advanced experiments or computations

without help, and works independently.

The thesis is considered good with elements that are creative.

The analysis and discussion have a good scientific foundation

and justification, and are linked to the topic that is addressed.

The candidate demonstrates good critical reflection and usually

distinguishes clearly between his/her contributions and the

contributions from others. The form, structure and language in the thesis are at a good

level.

D

Satisfactory

A satisfactory thesis.

The candidate has quite good scientific knowledge and insight


objectives of the thesis are defined, but may contain some

inexact formulations.

The candidate is generally able to apply relevant scientific

methods, has the main technical skills required for the work,

and can plan and conduct experiments or computations withouthelp. The candidate works independently to some extent, but

needs quite close supervision to achieve satisfactory scientific

progress. The candidate may have problems utilizing the

research groups expertise in his/her own work.

The thesis is considered satisfactory. The analysis and

discussion have a satisfactory scientific foundation and

justification, and are linked to the topic that is addressed, but

there is room for improvement. The candidate demonstrates

his/her ability for critical reflection, but has problems

distinguishing clearly between his/her contributions and the

contributions from others.

The form, structure and language in the thesis are at an

acceptable level.


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E

Sufficient

A thesis that is acceptable and satisfies the minimum criteria.

The candidate has sufficient scientific knowledge and insight


objectives of the thesis are described, but are vague and

imprecise.

The candidate is able to apply some relevant scientific methods,

has a minimum of technical skills required for the work, and

can plan and conduct simple experiments or computations

without help. The candidate achieves limited scientific progress

without close supervision, and has problems utilizing the


The thesis is considered limited and somewhat fragmented. The

analysis and discussion have an adequate scientific foundation

and justification, but ought to have had a better link to the topic

that is discussed. The candidate demonstrates sufficient critical

reflection, but may have problems distinguishing betweenhis/her contributions and the contributions from others.

The thesis is mostly acceptable, but has definite shortcomings

with respect to form, structure and language.

F

Fail

A thesis that does not satisfy the minimum requirements.

The candidate does not have sufficient scientific knowledge and

insight into the scientific theory and methods in his/her field.

The objectives of the thesis are not clearly defined or are

lacking.

The candidate demonstrates a lack of competence in the use of

scientific methods, does not have the required technical skillsand independence for the work, and has scarcely utilized the


The thesis is considered very limited and fragmented. The

analysis and discussion do not have an adequate scientific

foundation and justification, and are loosely linked to the topic

that is discussed. The candidate does not demonstrate sufficient

critical reflection, and does not clearly distinguish between

his/her contributions and the contributions from others.

The thesis has major shortcomings with respect to form,

structure, and language.


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Assessors assessment of masters theses Attachment to Descriptions of gradesfor masters theses in mathematics, natural sciences and technology

For each criterion, the Assessor is to assess the candidates attainment of the

following.

Technical grounding:

Is the theoretical and technical foundation clearly described, enabling the work to be

placed in the context of relevant international research?

Theoretical insight:

Does the work, in particular the introduction, demonstrate that the candidate has

advanced knowledge of relevant theory and methods, and particular indepth insight

into a specific field that is applicable to the thesis?

Goal description:

Are the goals and/or hypotheses for the thesis presented in a clear and comprehensible

manner?

Skill level:

Does the candidate master relevant methods and use these in the thesis in an

applicable and integrated manner?

Project result:

Does the work demonstrate creativity and/or contribute to new thinking/creativity?

Does the work appear to be particularly extensive or comprehensive? How do you

rate the quality and value of the new knowledge/results generated by this work?

Critical reflection:

Does the candidate demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the value of the

results? Does the candidate approach sources of information in a critical manner?

Does the candidate consider and evaluate factors of uncertainty such as

methodological errors, data errors, etc.? Does the candidate analyse relevant ethical

questions related to technical, professional and research matters? Does the candidate

make and justify reasonable suggestions for further developments or discuss the

potential for such?

Structure:

Does the work demonstrate and organized structure 8normally IMRaD: Introduction,

Methods, Results and Discussion)? Is the work generally clear?

Language:

Is the candidate able to present issues and results with the necessary technical

precision? Is the work easily comprehended and does it demonstrate a good command

of the language used?

Form:


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Is the style used for references, figures and tables consistent? Is the quality of figures

and tables acceptable? Does the candidate have a good command of relevant

specialist terminology?

Assessing masters theses Attachment to Descriptions of grades for masters

theses in mathematics, natural sciences and technologyDuring the academic year 2012/2013, new guidelines for grading masters theses in

mathematics, natural sciences and technology came into effect. The new system

applies to students who began a 2-year masters degree during autumn 2012, and

students who started the last two years of a 5-year masters degree in autumn 2012.

Using the new definitions of grade categories the whole grading scale will be used.

The masters thesis itself, and how it is conducted, will not be affected.

Why redefine the grading system?

In 2003, a letter-based grading system was introduced. Statistics indicate that in

grading masters theses, some of the grades in the scale are rarely used. This is thebackground for redefining the grading system on a national level.

It is important that this change in the grading of theses will not have adverse

consequences for students. Consequently, we will ensure that adequate information is

distributed to potential employers and other educational institutions. All certificates

and diploma supplement documents will include and updated description of the

grading system.

Assessments by supervisors and assessors

New guiedelines for supervisors and assessors will ensure a unified understanding of

the grading system. These guiedelines provide detailed explanations and examples

regarding the terminology used.

Masters theses must be submitted before the allotted deadline in order to be eligible

for assessment. This is include in guidelines for supervisors.

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