ACIT4820 Applied Robotics and Autonomous Systems Course description

The master's thesis is a specialized individual research project. Phase 3 is dedicated to final analysis and/or prototype development and writing the Master's thesis. Prototypes and/or other products that are developed as part of the project can also be part of the final thesis.

In addition, there will be a series of workshops on the academic writing and effective communication of the thesis project, building on the workshops in Phase 1 and 2. Students will develop an awareness of the conventions of academic writing and the writing process and use a range of analytical tools and methods to develop their writing and writing practices as part of writing their thesis.

Guidelines for master's theses at the Faculty can be found here: Retningslinjer for masteroppgaver ved Fakultet for teknologi, kunst og design - Student - minside (oslomet.no)

Knowledge of linear algebra, vector calculus and basic statistics and probability. Knowledge of programming in python and basic introductory course on control or dynamical systems is recommended.

To be eligible to write a master's thesis, all courses from the first year of the program must be successfully completed.

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

On successful completion of this course the student:

• has specialized knowledge on the specific areas of their Master thesis
• has a deep understanding of scientific writing as a process of both constructing and communicating meaning.
• is familiar with the structures and conventions of methods and results chapters.

Skills

On successful completion of this course the student:

• can clearly define and limit problem areas
• can connect his/her own project to relevant research literature
• can plan and carry out limited research or development projects
• can identify types and scopes of results which are required to ensure the claims and conclusions are scientifically valid
• can reflect on the decisions made and their consequences for the project
• can effectively draft, revise and develop the written communication of their research

General competence

On successful completion of this course the student:

• can apply knowledge and skills in new areas and carry out advanced projects
• can analyse and deal critically with developed products or collected data
• can carry out comprehensive independent study
• can contribute to the innovation of their field
• can apply effective writing strategies to diverse academic writing situations, including the writing of academic research articles.

Successful completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2 forms the basis for Phase 3. The work is carried out under the guidance of the supervisor appointed at the start of Phase 1.

In addition to the project work, there will be a series of online, asynchronous classes during which students will be provided with a range of analytical tools and methods to help develop their writing skills. Students will also receive formative feedback on draft versions of their texts from the course instructor and their peers, with a focus on the final master's thesis and draft research article.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

1. a draft text of the masters thesis or draft research paper
2. a peer review of another students draft text of the masters thesis
3. a Process Memo (reflection on the feedback received from the thesis supervisor(s))

The assessment will be based on two part-exams:

1) Individual project report (4000-6000 words). The project report counts 80% of the final grade.

2) Individual project presentation (10 minutes). The presentations will be open to public. The oral examination counts 20% of the final grade

Both exams must be passed in order to pass the course.

The oral examination cannot be appealed.

New/postponed exam

In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. The student is responsible for registering for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The Regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in Regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.

All aids are permitted, provided the rules for plagiarism and source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F.

Two external examiners will be used for the assessment.

Alex Alcocer