Course code MežZ5003

Credit points 37.50

Master Thesis

Total Hours in Course1000

Independent study hours1000

Date of course confirmation16.03.2021

Responsible UnitInstitute of Forest Management

Course developer

author prof.

Olga Miezīte

Dr. silv.

Course abstract

Master theses is a complex research of actual themes in forestry including ecosystem, sustainable and commercial aspects of the forest sector, it consist of topical review of research theme, reasonable research work and methodology of appropriate mathematical methods for processing of empirical data.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

The development of the Master's thesis strengthens the Master's knowledge of the stages of scientific research work, from the choice of the topic to the design and defense of the work. Skills are developed to search for and process information, plan and conduct experiments, use and apply the most appropriate methods of mathematical processing, interpret the obtained results, develop proposals for their use. As a result, the master's student acquires the competence to independently formulate and critically analyze complex scientific and professional problems, to explain and describe the results in a meaningful way / to submit a Master's thesis and defend.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Choice and approval of the topic of master's thesis. Hypothesis, purpose and tasks of the Master's thesis.
2. Structure of the Master's thesis, topicality of the topic. Subject of the study.
3. Methodology of research field work and relevant literature studies.
4. Methodology of research chamber work and relevant literature studies.
5. Critical evaluation of previous scientific research and literature.
6. Conduct first-year research according to individual work plan.
7. Conduct second-year studies according to individual work plan.
8. Compile analytical reports on specific topics.
9. Mathematical treatment of empirical materials.
10. Mathematical treatment of empirical materials.
11. Graphical representation of empirical results.
12. Evaluation of the obtained data.
13. Drawing up conclusions and proposals.
14. Preparation and pre-presentation of master's thesis.
15. Preparation of recommendations for the pre-session of the Master's thesis. Transfer of master's thesis to reviewers.
16. Submission of master's thesis and preparation of a presentation in defense the same. Defending the Master's thesis.

Requirements for awarding credit points

The Master's thesis must be developed in time and in full, drawn up in accordance with the requirements of the LLU and successfully defended in the presented. The Master's Examination Commission, considering the defense of the work, feedback from the supervisor and two reviewers, evaluates the Master's thesis with a mark and decides on the award of the Master's degree.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The master's student works independently under the supervision of the supervisor(s).

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

A Master's thesis has been submitted and defended.

Compulsory reading

Studiju noslēguma darbu struktūra un noformēšana: metodiskie norādījumi [tiešsaiste]. Sast. L.Sisenis, A. Ābele. Jelgava: LLU, 2015. 18 lpp [Skatīts 20.01.2021.]. Pieejams: http://www.mf.llu.lv/getfile.php?id=1383 Arhipova I., Bāliņa S. Statistika ekonomikā un biznesā. Rīga: Datorzinību centrs, 2006. 362 lpp.

Further reading

1. Ahipova I., Bāliņa S. Statistika ar Microsoft Excel ikvienam: mācību līdzeklis 1.daļa, Rīga, Datorzinību Centrs, 1999. 168 lpp.
2. Arhipova I., Bāliņa S. Statistika ar Microsoft Excel ikvienam: mācību līdzeklis 2.daļa, Rīga, Datorzinību Centrs, 2000. 136 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. LLU raksti (Proceedings of LAU, www.llu.lv); ISSN 1407-4427
2. Starptautiskais zinātnisko rakstu krājums "Baltic Forestry";http://www.balticforestry.mi.lt/ ; ISSN 1392-1355
3. Zinātnisko rakstu krājums "Mežzinātne". [tiešsaiste]. Salaspils: Latvijas Valsts Mežzinātnes institūts "Silava". ISSN 1407-270X. Pieejams: http://www.silava.lv/Mezzinatne/lejupieladei.aspx