ACIT5910 Master's Thesis, Phase 1 Course description

Phase 1 (MT-1) of the master's thesis lays the foundation for conducting a successful master project and writing the master's thesis. In this phase, you will study the relevant literature, map out the area of your master project, find and formulate problem statement and research questions, and plan the research you will conduct in your master project.

At least two subjects (20 ECTS) from the first semester must have been passed before the student can start work with MT1.

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 of the research literature of the specific areas of their Master thesis

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 clearly formulate problem statement and research questions applicable to the area of their master project

General competence

On successful completion of this course the student:

• can apply knowledge in new areas and plan limited projects
• can carry out comprehensive independent literature study

Two internal examiners. External examiner is used periodically.

This course covers the state of the art of technology and methods in the research within human-computer interaction and available computer systems.

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 advanced knowledge of multimodal user interfaces
• has advanced knowledge of input and output technologies
• can analyse problems and issues in interactions related to context, such as accessibility in public spaces, mobility problems, and the user's affective state
• can use knowledge of interaction technology to address new problems in universal design of ICT

Skills

On successful completion of this course the student

• can independently use appropriate methods of user centred interaction design and evaluation; both heuristic and automatic, in an independent manner
• can analyse and critically deal with the results from relevant research literature, apply these to structure and formulate scientific arguments, and assess the suitability of published results on new problems and issues
• can carry out independent, limited research or development projects under supervision and in accordance with applicable ethical standards
• can present scientific work orally
• can debate and conduct scientific discussions

General competence

On successful completion of this course the student

• can apply knowledge and skills in interaction technology on new problems and issues for carrying out advanced facilitation tasks and projects
• can communicate scientific problems, analysis and conclusions in the field to both specialists and the general public
• can contribute to original thinking and innovation processes

This course is organized as a series of seminars where students present and discuss with opponents research articles that covers core concepts and topics in the literature. Students work in groups on projects under supervision.

• Two individual oral presentations of research articles (45 min per presentation including questions).
• Being opponent against two student presentations.

• One written grop project report (2000-3000 words) in group of 1-2 students. This part of the examination counts 35 % of the final grade.
• One written group project report (4000-5000 words) in group of minimum 4 students. This part of the examination counts 35 % of the final grade.
• Individual oral examination (20 minutes for each candidate). The oral examination counts 30% of the final grade.

All 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 applying 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.

For the oral exam, students will not have access to computers or other aids.

For the final assessment a grading scale from A to E is used, where A denotes the highest and E the lowest pass grade, and F denotes a fail.