ACIT5910 Master's Thesis, Phase 1 Emneplan

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.

In addition, there will be a series of workshops on the academic writing and effective communication of the thesis project. 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.

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
• understands the functions, structures, and forms of introduction chapters in theses
• understand the functions, structures, and formal requirements of literature review chapters in thesis.
• understands the function and structure of the IMRAD model and other heuristics for thinking about how academic texts are constructed
• understands the role and methods of peer learning and peer review, particularly the "summarize, evaluate, suggest" structure for commenting. 

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
• can apply different heuristics to the writing of the introduction and literature review chapters.
• give and receive effective peer feedback specific to the chapters.
• can analyze and reflect on own writing through process memos and other reflective documents.

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
• understands and is able to articulate the idea that introduction and literature review structures and forms are based on disciplinary conventions.

This phase is the beginning of a longer research project. The content will be relative to the student's project.

The academic writing workshops will cover topics such as 

• Variations in academic style
• Audience, purpose and style
• The writing process
• Disciplinary identity
• Academic language
• Vocabulary, grammar, sentence, paragraph and text
• Coherence and cohesion
• Directness and formality
• Avoiding common errors: e.g. digression, lack of thesis statement, misunderstanding one’s audience
• Analysing, discussing and responding to academic texts
• Article structures, including IMRAD

Each student is appointed a supervisor when starting MT1. The work is carried out under the guidance of the appointed supervisor.

In addition to the project work, there will be a series of online, asyncronous 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. 

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

1. A draft text of the Phase 1 submission
2. A peer review of another students draft text of the Phase 1 submission
3. A Process memo (reflection on the feedback received)

The Phase 1 submission is an individual written text of between 5,000 and 10,000 words that amounts to the two first chapters of the thesis: the Introduction and Literature Review. The text should clearly formulate the problem statement and research questions, and include a plan of the research to be conducted in Phase 2 and 3 of the masters thesis. 

It is understood that the contents of the Phase 1 submission does not necessarily constitute the final versions of the text in the master's thesis. 

The exam grade can 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.

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

Assessment is pass or fail.

Two internal examiners. External examiner is used periodically.

Assistant professor Nuno Marques