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Master Thesis II

Course developer

Prior knowledge

VidZ5036, Master Thesis I

Course abstract

The Master's Thesis aims to acquire the ability to independently perform scientific research that solves current problems with modern methods and tools. 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 final (4th) semester is devoted only to preparation, finalization, and defending the Master's Thesis.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After the preparation of the Master's Thesis, students:
• Know and understands the components and structure of the scientific work, the relevance of the Master's Thesis topic for filling the knowledge gaps of recent stage of the research field – Master's Thesis;
• Know the issues discussed in the topic of the Master's Thesis – Master's Thesis;
• Can select scientific literature and critically evaluate its content, conduct experimental and analytical investigations, analyze the results of individual studies – Master's Thesis;
• Is able to formulate objectives and tasks of the Master's Thesis – Master's Thesis;
• Is able select and apply the research methods, which are state-of-the-art and internationally recognized – Master's Thesis;
• Is able to prepare a scientific literature review – Master's Thesis;
• Is able to present and describe the research results and conclusions obtained – Master's Thesis;
• Is able to discuss and assess the issues investigated according to the topic of the Master's Thesis – Master's Thesis;

• Is able to define the topical subject for the studies of future perspective – Master's Thesis.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Collection of research and experimental data;
2. Initial data processing;
3. Statistical analysis and graphical representation of the obtained data;
4. Compilation of research results;
5. Assessment of research results;
6. Formulation of conclusions and proposals;
7. Preparation of the draft version of Master's Thesis in coordination with the supervisor;
8. Drawing up of the Master's Thesis and pre-defense;
9. Finalization of the Master's Thesis according to recommendations provided during the pre-defense and coordinated by the supervisor;
10. Submission of Master's Thesis and preparation of presentation;
11. Defense of Master's Thesis.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Formal test with a grade. The Master's Thesis must be developed according to schedule and completed, formatted following the existing requirements of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, and successfully defended in the pre-defenses. The Master's Examination Commission makes the final assessment of the results of master theses by considering the defense, the decisions of two reviewers and a supervisor.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

According to the supervisor's instructions of the Master's Thesis, the student independently develops the Master's Thesis. The Thesis should be well structured and meet the formal requirements. Finally, the student independently prepares a report and defends the Master's Thesis for the Master's examination commission.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The Master's Thesis is evaluated according to the methodology described in the methodological instructions for the authors, which is included in the literature source: Valujeva K., (2021). Metodiskie norādījumi maģistra darbu izstrāšanai un aizstāvēšanai LLU Vides un būvzinātņu fakultātes akadēmiskās maģistra studiju programmas “Vides, ūdens un zemes inženierzinātnes” studentiem. Jelgava: LLU.

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,
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 Sspēkā ar 29.10.2013. [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 18.06.2019.]. [skatīts 31.03.2022.] Pieejams:
https://likumi.lv/ta/id/261495-mervienibu-noteikumi

Notes

The course is included in the academic Master's study programme "Environmental, Water and Land Engineering" full-time studies