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Master Thesis III

Course developer

Prior knowledge

MežZ5055, Master Thesis II

Course abstract

The aim of the course is to improve the master's students' abilities to conduct research on any of the current topics of Latvia's ecosystem and sustainable, ecological and commercial forest management, a description of the methodology of processing experimental work and empirical results and present them at the scientific conference of master students of the Forest Faculty.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1. Knowledge - extensive theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of the research carried out in the relevant subsector science, the latest research tools and equipment, the possibilities of their use, the processing of empirical research data and the possibilities of presentation.
2. Skills - know how to apply the acquired knowledge in the development of a master's thesis: in the development and substantiation of research methodology, in the creation of new knowledge based on the performed research, in the generalization, evaluation and interpretation of results. Ability to scientifically substantiate their decisions in solving forestry (ecological) problems.
3. Competence - is able to work independently with calculations of forest volume (ecological) data processing of various amounts and their analysis, to conduct research in connection with the chosen topic of the work. Able to prepare a master's thesis and a presentation on the research. Able to speak at a conference (at the scientific conference of Master's students of the Forest Faculty and present the work according to the Master's thesis development schedule (2nd pre-defense)). Defends a master's thesis in the Master's Examination Commission (MEC).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Analysis and interpretation of the empirical data collected in the master's thesis.
2. Formulation of key conclusions and proposals. Annotation (in Latvian and English).
3. Execution of the master's thesis in accordance with the regulations for the final thesis.
4. Development of the final version of the bibliography.
5. Preparation of the presentation of the master's thesis and participation in the scientific conference of the master's students (2nd pre-defense).
6. Incorporation of the 2nd pre-defense recommendations of the master's thesis.
7. Submission of master's thesis and preparation for defense.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Presentation of the Master's thesis at the scientific conference of the Master's students in accordance with the Master's thesis preparation calendar schedule (2nd defense).

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Development and design of a master's thesis. Preparation of a presentation for the conference (s) (Forest Faculty and would also be recommended for one of the international ones).

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Successful presentation at the scientific conference of master students of the Forest Faculty is required to pass the master's thesis test.

Compulsory reading

1. Studiju noslēguma darbu struktūra un noformēšana: metodiskie norādījumi [tiešsaiste]. Sast. L.Sisenis, A. Ābele. Jelgava: LLU, 2015. 18 lpp [Skatīts 20.01.2021.]. Pieejams:
https://www.mf.llu.lv/sites/mf/files/2017-04/SND.PDF
2. Arhipova I., Bāliņa S. Statistika ekonomikā un biznesā. Rīga: Datorzinību centrs, 2006. 362 lpp.
3. Kothari C.R. Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. 3rd edition. New Age International Pvt Ltd Publishers, 2012. 418 p. 2004.g. [skatīts 27.03.2023.] Pieejams: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=277465&site=ehost-live&scope=site
4. Kumar R. Research Methodology: a Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners: 3rd edition. London: SAGE Publications Ltd., 2005. 440 p.

Further reading

1. Arhipova 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

Baltic Forestry. ISSN 1392-1355.

Notes

Master's Thesis III is included in the compulsory part of the Master's study program. The study course is planned for the 2nd semester of the 2nd year of the academic master's study program "Forest Science".