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Master Thesis

Course developer

Prior knowledge

MežZ5066, Master Thesis III

Course abstract

The aim of the course is to strengthens the master's student's knowledge of the stages of scientific research work, starting with the choice of the topic and ending with the design and defense of the thesis. Skills are developed to search and process information, plan and perform 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 analyse complex scientific and professional problems, for the content explanation and description of the results / the Master's thesis must be submitted and defended.

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 - 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.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Selection and approval of the master's thesis topic. Master's thesis hypothesis, aim and tasks.
2. Structuring of the master's thesis, substantiation of the topicality of the topic. Object of research.
3. Methodology of research work in the field of scientific work and studies of relevant literature.
4. Research work data processing methodology and relevant literature studies.
5. Critical evaluation of previous scientific research and literature.
6. Carry out the first year's research according to an individual work plan.
7. Carry out second year research according to an individual work plan.
8. To compile analytical reports on specific topics.
9. Mathematical processing of empirical materials.
11. Graphical representation of empirical results.
12. Evaluation of the obtained data.
13. Development of conclusions and proposals.
14. Master's thesis design and pre-defense.
15. Incorporation of master's thesis pre-defense recommendations. Submission of master's thesis to reviewers.
16. Submission of master's thesis and preparation of presentation for its defense. Defense of master's thesis.

Requirements for awarding credit points

The master's thesis must be prepared on time and in full, designed in accordance with the existing requirements of the Forest Faculty of the LBTU and successfully defended in the pre-defense. The Master's Examination Commission evaluates the master's thesis with a mark and decides on awarding a 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

The master's thesis has been submitted and defended.

Compulsory reading

1. Studiju noslēguma darbu struktūra un noformēšana: metodiskie norādījumi [tiešsaiste]. Sast. L.Sisenis, A. Ābele. Jelgava: LLU, 2015. 18 lpp. [Skatīts 24.03.2023.]. 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.
4. Kumar R. Research Methodology: a Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners :3rd edition. SAGE Publications Ltd., 2011. 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".