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Master Thesis I

Course developer

Course abstract

The study course aims to conduct preliminary research on the issues related to the topic, goal and tasks of the Master's thesis and develop a plan for the future research process. The Master's thesis is an independent scientific work on relevant issues in the chosen field of study. The work can be considered as being scientific if it complements the existing knowledge with novel ideas. The thesis provides opportunities for students to identify and analyze a research problem, define a hypothesis, and outline the structure and development of the scientific work. The thesis should consist of a literature review, experimental/analytical work, statistical data analysis, and results. The thesis is elaborated simultaneously with the acquisition of theoretical knowledge.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Upon successful completion of the course, students:
1. Know the components and structure of the scientific work, actual research studies, and scientific gaps in the knowledge – independent work and discussion;
2. Can select scientific literature and critically evaluate its content, conduct experimental and analytical investigations – independent work and discussion;
3. Is able to formulate aim and tasks of the Master's thesis, select and apply the research methods, which are state-of-the-art and internationally recognized, prepare a scientific literature review – independent work and discussion.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. The analysis of results and findings obtained during initial studies of the literature;
2. Supplementation of a list of keywords required for the scientific literature selection;
3. Selection and analysis of additional scientific and practical literature sources in agreement with topic and aim of master theses;
4. Reformulation of topic and aim of the master thesis by adapting the results and findings obtained during the literature studies;
5. Reformulation of tasks of master theses by considering the aim and scientific potential to draw conclusions the master thesis;
6. Reformulation of the hypothesis of the master thesis by adapting the results and findings obtained during the literature studies;
7. Development/improvement of the literature review scheme developed according to the aim and tasks of the Master's thesis;
8. Improvement of the materials and methodology section and identification of the necessary literature sources and collection of materials;
9. Development/improvement of experimental/analytical research plan;
10. Development/improvement of the structure of the results and discussion section;
11. Experimental work;
12. Summarisation, demonstration, and discussion of the results obtained during the semester - supervisor assesses the performance of the student.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Formal test. Tasks of the course must be performed in coordination with the supervisor of the Master's thesis. In the end, a report should be provided and defended successfully. The supervisor of the master theses performs the final assessment of the student performance.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

In coordination with the supervisor, each student should independently perform the tasks of this study course described in the course content. The outcomes should be summarized, and individual conclusions should be drawn.
At the end of the course, the student should prepare and defend a report reflecting the results of performed tasks.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The supervisor of the Master's thesis evaluates the student's achievements and assesses if the student's performance was successful.

Compulsory reading

1. Valujeva K., Metodiskie norādījumi maģistra darbu izstrādāšanai un aizstāvēšanai LLU Vides un būvzinātņu fakultātes akadēmiskās maģistra studiju programmas “Vides, ūdens un zemes inženierzinātnes” studentiem. Jelgava: LLU, 2021.
2. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana . Red. K. Martinsone un A. Pipere. Rīga: Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, 2019. 311 lpp.
3. Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva . Red. K. Martinsone un A. Pipere. Rīga: Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, 2021. 607 lpp.

Further reading

1. Cargill M., O'Conor P. Writing Scientific Research Articles: Strategy and Steps. Chichester, UK; Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009.
2. Gustavii B. How to Write and Illustrate a Scientific Paper. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2008. 141 p.
Mērvienību noteikumi: LR MK noteikumi Nr. 1186. Stājas spēkā ar 29.10.2013. [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 18.06.2019.]. [skatīts 31.03.2022.] Pieejams:
https://likumi.lv/ta/id/261495-mervienibu-noteikumi

Periodicals and other sources

1. Templates for abstracts. In: LLU “Students on their Way to Science” (for undergraduate/post-graduate/doctoral students” [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 01.03.2022.]. Pieejams: https://www.sws.llu.lv/call-for-abstracts

Notes

Maģistra darbs iekļauts akadēmiskā maģistra studiju programmas „Vides, ūdens un zemes inženierzinātnes” pilna laika studijās.