MEST5900 Master project Course description

The master’s thesis is a major independent piece of work where the student chooses a research question to explore within the framework of the programme. The master's thesis must contain both a written and practical-aesthetic part, but may place different emphasis on the respective parts. In theses with a practical-aesthetic focus, emphasis can be given to a practical-aesthetic approach and an explanation of the thesis’s form, theoretical backdrop, method and result. In theses with particular emphasis on a theoretical approach, the practical-aesthetic component may help to elucidate the research question that is subject to theoretical discussion

All previous courses must be passed before students can take the exam in MEST5900.

Structures are often subjected to dynamic loads during their lifetime. This course aims to equip students with knowledge in structural dynamics, with particular emphasis on the building and bridge structures. The course is intended to provide necessary knowledge to determine the structural response to dynamic loads. Topics include single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems, response to harmonic loading, response to impulsive transient loading, numerical integration, element stiffness, mass and damping matrices, multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems, damping, and eigenvalue problems. Theoretical knowledge on structural dynamics will be supplemented by its application on different structural engineering problems such as vibration control, system identification, earthquake response.

Kunnskap

Studenten har kunnskap om:

• sentrale styringsdokumenter for opplæring
• yrkesetiske prinsipper og dilemmaer som kan oppstå i skolehverdagen
• teori om barn og unges læring og utvikling
• klasseledelse og lov og prinsipp om likeverdig og tilpasset opplæring
• skolen som læringsarena og flerkulturell møteplass
• likheter og forskjeller i elevers oppvekstbetingelser
• sosiale og emosjonelle vansker hos barn og unge, og vold og seksuelle overgrep
• barn og unges rettigheter i et nasjonalt og internasjonalt perspektiv, og kjennskap til forebyggende og helsefremmende tiltak i skolen

Ferdigheter

Studenten kan:

• reflektere over og begrunne egne pedagogiske valg i lys av læreplanverk, yrkesetikk, relevant teori og praksiserfaring
• reflektere over noen etiske dilemmaer knyttet til egen profesjonsutøvelse
• legge til rette for et inkluderende læringsmiljø tilpasset elevers læringsbehov, og begrunne valg av ulike perspektiver og strategier for læring

Generell kompetanse

Studenten:

• har evne til analytisk refleksjon over egen undervisningspraksis ut fra skolens verdigrunnlag og overordnede mål
• er bevisst sin rolle som leder av læringsprosesser og er i stand til å legge til rette for et trygt og stimulerende læringsmiljø
• kan vurdere ulike lærings- og undervisningsopplegg relatert til elevers ulike behov og læringsbetingelser

Arbeidet med de tre målområdene må ses i sammenheng med praksisopplæringen og undervisningen i fagdidaktikk (se egen emneplan for praksis). Alle aspekter ved målområdene behandles nødvendigvis ikke i undervisningen, men skal dekkes av studenten selv gjennom pensumlitteratur, aktiv deltakelse i undervisningen og øvrig studiearbeid.

Sentrale problemstillinger tematiseres fra ulike perspektiver i løpet av studiet. Arbeidsformene veksler mellom forelesninger, ulike former for gruppe- og prosjektarbeid samt selvstudium. Arbeidsmåtene omfatter øvelse i ulike vurderings- og veiledningsformer underveis.

The exam in the course is threefold:

1. Written master’s thesis - individual

The thesis shall document the student's research and development work. The documentation shall contain one theoretical and one practical-aesthetic part linked to the research question discussed.

The master’s thesis is assessed by one external and one internal examiner on the basis of the following criteria:

• the overall discussion of a limited research question in the programme's main areas
• the research discussion of the elements included in the work: research question(s), data, method, presentation, interpretation and angles of discussion
• the connection between theory and the relevant practical-aesthetic work
• clear form of presentation
• correct use of references
• independent reflection and use of theory
• analytical and ethical use of source material

The thesis must have a scope of 80 pages (+/- 10%).

The master’s thesis counts for 50% of the final master’s project grade.

1. Public presentation/production/performance - individual

The public presentation shall give an overall presentation of the material. It is based on the master's thesis' practical aesthetic part and artistic research.

The public presentation/production/performance is assessed by one external and one internal examiner on the basis of the following criteria:

• overall aesthetic presentation
• clear form of communication, qualified and conscious choices and relevant content

The public presentation/production/performance counts for 25% of the final master’s project grade.

1. Oral exam - individual

The oral exam is based on a discussion of the master’s thesis and relevant literature (common syllabus and literature selected by the student).

The oral exam is assessed by one external and one internal examiner on the basis of the following criteria:

• the student’s ability to discuss and assess
• the student’s use and understanding of the literature used
• the student's reflection on his/her own master’s project

The oral exam counts for 25% of the final master’s project grade.

Students who due to valid absence do not take one or several exam parts that make up the ordinary exam, or who are given an F in one or more of the exam parts that make up the exam, can register for a resit/rescheduled exam.

Students who take the resit exam in MEST5900 must take all parts of the exam. Students who do not take one or more parts of the exam in the course due to valid absence, or who are awarded an F grade for such an exam, can register for a resit/rescheduled exam. Resit/rescheduled exams are organised early in the following semester.

Skriftlig skoleeksamen på fem timer.

Eksamen kan påklages. Eksamen gjennomføres i andre semester.

Portfolio assessment subject to the following requirements:

1. Project report prepared in groups of 1-2 students. Approximately 20-30 pages
2. Four individual assignments

Each student’s work will be assessed together as portfolio with one individual grade at the end of the semester, but both parts that make up the portfolio must be assessed as "pass" in order for the student to pass the course. The overall assessment can be appealed.

All aids allowed.