PhD Programme in Library and Information Science Programme description

The broad field of library and information science is facing challenges which demand research and research competence, and there is an increasing demand for professionals with such insight and competence. The goal of the PhD programme in Library and Information Science is to prepare candidates to meet these needs in research, teaching and further development in the Field of study.

The curriculum is based on an understanding of the core area which underlies research and teaching in Library and information science at OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University. The focus is the relation between an information organizing system, for example a library in both a physical and digital form, and present and potential users of documents in this system. The programme; consists of subjects associated with, for example, systems of knowledge organization and retrieval, methods for description and indexing of documents, information seeking; behaviour of individuals and groups, dissemination of contents from the system to users, and; information and cultural politics. An emphasis in the organizing and implementation of the PhD program aims at creating synergy and communication between subfields and developing a shared view on library and information science as a research field. This goal is approached through mandatory core subjects; on theories in library and information science, and research seminars where the candidates present their work, as well as through the participation in Projects across various fields of specialization. subarea borders.

The requirements for the PhD degree are established in the Provision for the Degree of Philosophiae doctor a (PhD) at OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University.

Upon completion and passing of the programme, the candidate will be awarded the degree PhD of Library and Information Science.

The target group for the PhD programme are those aiming at research qualifications in the field of library and information science, teaching positions at higher eduaction institutions and other positions which place high demands on professional competence.

Admission requirements are outlined in the Provision for the Degree of Philosophiae doctor (PhD) at OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University. To be admitted to the PhD program the applicant must have completed a master's degree in library and information science or a related field, such as, media, documentation science, cultural sociology or sociology of literature.

The description of the requirements for the application's contents are outlined in §2 of the Provision for the Degree of Philosophiae doctor a (PhD) at OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University. The application for admission must document the applicant's educational background, progress plan, a financing plan and plan for studies at other institutions. The applicant must also submit a project description and research question for their dissertation.

The Doctoral Degree Committee at the Faculty of Social Science will evaluate the application based on a total assessment. More detailed information of the requirements for the application's contents and admission decisions are outlined in the university's guidelines for consideration of application for admission to its' PhD programmes.

Upon admission to the programme the Doctoral Degree Committee will assign the candidate a supervisor(s). If the main supervisor is not associated with the programme, normally a second advisor associated with PhD programme in Library and Information Science will be assigned the candidate. The admission is formalized through a contract between the doctoral candidate, the advisor and the college, and if relevant, with other professional groups and institutions. The contract regulates the parties' mutual rights and obligations for the contract's period in accordance with; the Provisions and is based on the outline developed by the University and College Board (UHR).

All courses will be offered to external candidates based on availability. The courses are primarily reserved for candidates admitted to the PhD programme, but will be open for candidates who has completed; a master's degree (120 credits) in Library and information science or associated areas.

The Master's Degree Programme in Civil Engineering is a full-time course of study over two years (120 credits). The programme represents a continuation and specialisation in relation to the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Civil Engineering

The master's degree programme is designed to meet the national conditions for use of the Norwegian term “sivilingeniør” added to the master´s title.

The programme provides in-depth study and specialisations in the fields of structural engineering, building technology, transport infrastructure engineering, geotechnical engineering and smart water process and infrastructure engineering.

Structural engineering concerns the analysis, calculation and design of load-bearing structures and structural systems.

Building technology concerns the analysis, performance and sustainable design of buildings, including facades and building envelopes.

Transport infrastructure engineering concerns the analysis, calculation and design of modern and future-oriented infrastructure systems as well as smart monitoring and management of existing infrastructure systems.

Geotechnical engineering concerns the properties of soil (sand, silt and clay) in terms of construction technology, and the analysis, calculation, design and monitoring of foundations, excavations and fill, retaining structures, and the assessment of slope stability and the risk of land slides.

Smart water process and infrastructure engineering concerns the design, monitoring, analysis, control and risk management in urban water processes and hydraulic infrastructure.

As for challenges to sustainable development, climate change in the form of increased average temperatures, more precipitation and extreme weather exposes buildings, infrastructures, offshore structures and other installations to greater and more unpredictable stresses. At the same time, society and the authorities place increasing demands on environmentally friendly and sustainable design in the built environment. For the purpose of dimensioning and designing new buildings and infrastructures for the future, we need candidates with engineering expertise at master's degree level (engineers) in the fields of civil engineering, who are also knowledgeable about climate and environmental issues relating to the field.

Candidates holding a master's degree in Civil Engineering have expertise that is in high demand in both the private and public sector. The most relevant employers are consulting engineering firms, contractors, construction clients, municipalities and research institutes. The Master's Degree in Civil Engineering can also qualify students for further studies at the doctoral degree level.

Students who complete the programme will be awarded the degree “Master´s Degree in Civil Engineering”, with one of the following programme options:

-Structural Engineering

-Building Technology

-Transport Infrastructure Engineering

-Geotechnical Engineering

-Smart Water Process and Infrastructure Engineering

The master's degree is awarded in accordance with Section 3 of the Regulations concerning Requirements for the Master's Degrees, issued by the Ministry of Education and Research. Graduates from the programme can use the additional Norwegian designation sivilingeniør.

The master's degree programme is aimed at candidates with at least a three-year bachelor's degree in civil engineering, who want a solid professional and academic extension to their education in the fields of structural engineering, building technology, transport infrastructure engineering, geotechnical engineering or smart water process and infrastructure engineering.

The programme is also suitable for candidates holding a degree in mechanical engineering, marine engineering, chemical engineering or in other engineering fields.

Course work

The course work consists of instruction in the various subjects in meetings over several days. The format includes both lectures; and student presentations.

The dissertation work

;Supervision

The candidate is entitled to supervision during the preparation of the dissertation and is expected to actively make use of it. If the main supervisor is not associated with the programme, an second supervisor associated with the programme will normally be appointed.

The candidate is entitled to a total of 210 hours of supervision in the course of the study.Up to 70 out of 210 hours may be used by a second advisor. The planned time division is established in the supervision agreement. A schedule of supervison shall be settled in the first meeting with the supervisor each semester. The hours for supervision includes preparation, discussions with the candidate and post meeting work. The rights and responsibilities in connection with supervision are regulated in the Provisions paragraph 11.;

Participation in research seminars and interim evaluation

A research seminar will be held each semester where current research and research education questions will be discussed. Each candidate shall present their project at the beginning, midway and at near the end of his work with the dissertation.

Opponents will be appointed among both doctoral candidates and internal and external researchers in connection with seminars for submission of dissertation work. The interim evaluation midway ("midway seminar") consists of an academic evaluation where the candidates shall present their projects. This will form the basis for the final dissertation and public defence. The midway presentation with the evaluation of the doctoral project shall occur within the first two years in theprogramme. Supervisors and researchers in the research field will be invited to participate. At the final seminar, the opponent will be an external researcher within the relevant subject area. The candidate will function as opponent at least at one seminar in the course of their study.

Dissemination

The candidate is expected to present their research at least once in an international conference. The candidate is also encouraged to present their projects in other relevant fora and channels.

On completion of the Master's Degree Programme in Civil Engineering, candidates are expected to have the following learning outcome defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The candidate

• has advanced knowledge in engineering and design of the built environment and deep insight in a specific area, depending on the choice of study direction (structural engineering, building technology, transport infrastructure engineering, geotechnical engineering or smart water process and infrastructure engineering).
• has in-depth knowledge of scientific theory and methods as well as knowledge of relevant policy and regulations used in the analysis and design of the built environment.
• is able to evaluate climate and environmental effects on the built environment, and apply this knowledge in solving contemporary engineering problems.
• is able to analyze questions/issues related to civil engineering based on the historical development of the discipline/subject area, new technology and societal needs for more sustainable design in the built environment.

Skills:

The candidate is able to

• analyze and make use of scientific publications and technical literature in discussions and to justify engineering solutions.
• work independently and in teams and make use of state of the art theories and methods, as well as policy and regulations, to solve practical and theoretical problems related to the built environment.
• use suitable methods for research and development within the built environment in an independent manner or as part of a team.
• use relevant software and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools in the analysis, design and visualisation of buildings, structures and processes.
• carry out an independent, delimited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable research ethical standards.

General competence:

The candidate is able to

• analyze academic and professional ethical issues and make sound recommendations for the built environment, including their impact on sustainable development.
• apply knowledge and skills to analyze and design infrastructure within structural engineering, building technology, transport infrastructure engineering, geotechnical engineering or smart water process and infrastructure engineering.
• convey the results of independent work, both in writing and orally.
• communicate on issues, analyses and solutions within the built environment, both with specialists and the general public.
• contribute to the development of new structural and sustainable solutions.

The programme is a full-time programme over two years that consists of a lecture-based component with a scope of 90 credits and an independent project - the master's thesis - with a scope of 30 credits.

Content

The master's degree programme is profession-oriented and adapted to meet the building construction and infrastructure industry and society's need for up-to-date, forward-looking expertise in structural engineering, building technology, transport infrastructure engineering, geotechnical engineering and smart water process and infrastructure engineering.

Structural engineering concerns the analysis, calculation and design of load-bearing structures and structural systems. Bridges, quays, offshore installations and other large building structures are exposed to great loads combined with environmental and climate impacts. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is used to determine load effects (stress and strain) in the different parts of such complex structures. The study programme focuses on providing the students with solid, theoretical knowledge and applied skills in linear and non-linear FEM analysis, design of structures and structural systems, and service life dimensioning and service life extension of structures. Theory and applied skills are taught in the courses MABY4100 Finite Element Method in Structural Analysis, MABY4400 Structural Analysis and Design, MABY4800 Advanced Materials and Technologies for Sustainable Structures and MABY4500 Durability and Service Life of Structures. Behaviour of structures under dynamic loads is covered in the course MABY5200 Structural Dynamics.

Building technology concerns the analysis, calculation and design of the body of the building, including facades and building envelopes. Climate change and increased focus on resource use and environmental impacts thereby also entail a greater focus on the choice of materials and climate adaptation in connection with the design of buildings. The study programme focuses on providing the students with more detailed knowledge of building physics processes, principles and methods, and an understanding of the importance of the choice of building materials and components in the design of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, climate-resilient buildings. Here, life-cycle analyses (LCA) and sustainability assessments are important tools for decisions on the choice of materials and building solutions. Theory and applied skills are taught in the courses MABY4200 Building Physics and Climate Adaptation of Buildings, MABY4700 Sustainability Assessment for Built Enviroment, MABY4600 Sustainable Building Design and MABY4900 Timber Building Engineering. Computational fluid dynamics in and around buildings as well as structures are covered in the course MAEN4300 Fluid Dynamics and Computational Methods.

Transport infrastructure engineering concerns the analysis, calculation, design and management of transport infrastructure systems. Roadways and railways are typical transport infrastructure systems and they must be well designed and managed to provide safe and resilient support to traffic that is ever-changing with the advancement in the transport technology and increase in societal demand for multi-modal future-oriented transportation forms. Besides, existing transport infrastructure systems also need to be taken care of to ensure safe functionality. This specialization is built upon the important knowledge and skills of structural analysis and sustainability assessment offered in the common courses MABY4100 Finite Element Method in Structural Analysis and MABY4700 Life-Cycle Assessment for Built Environment. In addition, theory and applied skills in the field of transport infrastructure engineering are taught in the courses SMUA4200 Traffic Engineering and Intelligent Transport Systems, SMUA4600 Geophysical Information Systems, MABY5030 Advanced Pavement Design and Rehabilitation, MABY5040 Advanced Railway Engineering, MABY5050 Smart infrastructure and Asset Management and MABY5060 Managing Infrastructure Projects.

Geotechnical engineering concerns Engineering behaviours of earth materials such as soils and rocks to find solutions for various engineering problems. It is typically linked with hydrological, geological, and geophysical engineering. Geotechnical engineering is not only applicable to civil engineering but also to mining engineering, petroleum engineering, and offshore structures and foundations. Compared with other civil engineering directions, the tasks of a geotechnical engineer comprise more site-based field investigation and laboratory testing to classify relevant properties of geo materials with large variations to engineering design. This specification is fundamentally built upon the deep understanding of soil mechanics which will be taught in the course, MABY5410 Advanced Soil Mechanics. This course will provide a conceptual model for soil classification, cover soil mechanics for simple but widely applied models to the advanced framework and also highlight their engineering applications and typical state of art technics applied in this field. After this course, MABY5420 Geotechnical Site Investigation and Ground Modelling, MABY5440 Geotechnical Models and Simulations, MABY5460 Environmental Geotechnics, MABY5450 Urban Geotechnics, and MABY5430 Foundation Solutions will follow. This study specialisation provides students with abilities to handle tasks through all phases of geotechnical designs; from site investigation and soil testing, to proposed engineering solutions, to design validation at the end, based on solid theoretical knowledge.

Smart water process and infrastructure engineering concerns the analysis, design and management of urban water resource processes and infrastructure. Water is an essential resource with strong links to energy and food production and urban water systems represent one of the largest water pollutant sources globally. Implementing state-of-the-art and innovative technology rather than conventional resource intensive ones is key to adapt in the future. As we move towards a hyper-connected urban infrastructure, data collection, decision support and process control form the need for future practitioners within smart water process and infrastructure. This specialization extends on the existing programme in civil engineering, offering the common courses of MABY4700 Life Cycle Assessment for Built Environment, MAEN4300 Fluid Dynamics and Computational Methods, SMUA4600 Geophysical Information Systems, MABY5050 Smart Infrastructure and Asset management and MABY5060 Managing Infrastructure Projects. The study specialisation focuses on providing the students with solid, theoretical knowledge and applied skills in the field of smart water process and infrastructure taught in the courses MABY5310 Urban pipe Systems, MABY5320 Bioprocess Technology, MABY5330 Water Resource Recovery Technology, MABY5340 Water Infrastructure, Trenches and No-Dig, MABY5350 Sensor Networks and Model Based Decisions Support and MABY5360 Design and Optimisation Projects.

Students are enrolled to one of the study directions from semester one. The MABY5000 Civil Engineering Seminars and Projects as well as the master's thesis will give the students practice in applying their knowledge and skills to relevant issues through more comprehensive project work.

Projects in the built environment are increasingly complex and interdisciplinary. The study programme focuses on teaching students how to use advanced computer programs and simulation tools to solve complex problems relating to their study directions.

The study programme also aims to qualify candidates with the competence to participate in research work in the field. All the courses taught in the second semester therefore include an element of research at different levels. The course MAEN5300 Research Methods and Ethics underpins the master's thesis and provides an introduction to research methods, ethics, and academic writing and dissemination of results.

MABY5900, the master's thesis, is an independent, supervised research or development project in the core areas of the field, and represents further specialisation in either structural engineering, building technology, transport infrastructure engineering, geotechnical engineering or smart water process and infrastructure engineering.

The structure of the programme

The master's degree programme consists of compulsory courses, elective courses and a master's thesis. The course portfolio is composed so that the compulsory courses ensure academic and professional breadth, at the same time as the students are given an opportunity for in-depth study and specialisation through elective courses and the master's thesis.

Specialisation in the field of ‘structural engineering’ - SEB requires the students to choose, in addition to the mandatory courses:

In the second semester, the following two courses:

MABY4400 Structural Analysis and Design (10 credits)

MABY4800 Advanced Materials and Technologies for Sustainable Structures (10 credits)

In the third semester, at least one course between the following two:

MABY4500 Sustainable Concrete Structures (10 credits)

MABY5200 Structural Dynamics (10 credits)

Specialisation in the field of ‘building technology’ - BIT requires the students to choose, in addition to the mandatory courses:

In the second semester, the following two courses:

MABY4600 Sustainable Building Design (10 credits)

MABY4900 Timber Building Engineering (10 credits)

In the third semester, at least one course between the following two:

MABY4500 Sustainable Concrete Structures (10 credits)

MAEN4300 Fluid Dynamics and Computational Methods (10 credits)

In this way, students in both specialisations, i.e. STE and BIT, get the opportunity to also choose some from the ‘transport infrastructure engineering’ elective courses (max. 1 per semester, i.e. in second and third semesters)

Specialisation in the field of ‘transport infrastructure engineering’ - TIE requires the students to choose, in addition to the mandatory courses:

In the second semester, three courses from the following four courses:

MABY4400 Structural Analysis and Design (10 credits)

MABY5030 Advanced Pavement Design and Rehabilitation (10 credits)

MABY5040 Advanced Railway Engineering (10 credits)

SMUA4600 Geographical Information Systems (10 credits)

In the third semester, two courses from the following four:

MABY4500 Sustainable Concrete Structures (10 credits)

MABY5200 Structural Dynamics (10 credits)

MABY5050 Smart Infrastructure and Asset Management (10 credits)

MABY5060 Managing Infrastructure Projects (10 credits)

Specialisation in the field of `geotechnical engineering´ - GEO requires the students to choose, in addition to the mandatory courses

In the second semester, one course from the following four courses:

MABY4400 Structural Analysis and Design (10 credits)

MABY4800 Advanced Materials and Technologies for Sustainable Structures (10 credits)

MABY5030 Advanced Pavement Design and Rehabilitation (10 credits)

MABY5040 Advanced Railway Engineering (10 credits)

In the third semester, one course from the following five courses:

MABY4100 Finite Element Method in Structural Analysis (10 credits)

MABY5000 Civil Engineering Seminars and Projects (10 credits)

MABY5050 Smart Infrastructure and Asset Management (10 credits)

MABY5060 Managing Infrastructure Projects (10 credits)

MABY5200 Structural Dynamics (10 credits)

Specialisation in the field of `smart water process and infrastructure engineering´ - SWAPIE requires the students to choose, in addition to the mandatory courses:

In the first semester, the following two courses:

MABY5310 Urban Pipe Systems (5 credits)

MABY5320 Bioprocess Technology (5 credits)

In the second semester, the following three courses:

MABY5330 Water Resource Recovery Technology (10 credits)

MABY5340 Water Infrastructure, Trenches and No-Dig (5 credits)

MABY5350 Sensor Networks and Model Based Decisions Support (5 credits)

In the third semester, the following course:

MABY5360 Design and Optimisation Projects (10 credits)

In order for students to be formally assigned a supervisor for the master's thesis, all exams from first year of the study programme must be passed.

Students are encouraged to contact private and public enterprises in the region for the purpose of gaining practical training and experience in the fields through a summer job or similar, and to establish cooperation on project assignments.