An Introduction to Master's Studies

Postgraduate course

ECTS credits
5
Teaching semesters
Autumn
Course code
GEOF301
Number of semesters
1
Teaching language
English
Resources
Schedule

Course description

Objectives and Content

Objectives:

The course aims to introduce and demonstrate the tools and provide advice and guidance, for a best possible implementation of the Master's study. Thus, the course prepares the students for the transition from the Bachelor level to participation in research at the master level, including writing a master thesis.

Content:

The course introduces commonly used tools and concepts for carrying out a Master's study, including literature search using library resources, use of programming and system tools/languages (Fortran, Matlab, LaTeX, unix, citation software), tips on how to structure and write a thesis, and presentation of ethical and scientific theory. The students get an introduction to how to prepare and implement a study in meteorology, oceanography or climate dynamics, which will help them to complete their Master´s thesis. An introduction to foundational problems related to meteorology, oceanography and climate dynamics will be given. Furthermore, ethical problems in the intersection between science and society will be critically examined and discussed.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • has the knowledge to plan and structure a Master's Thesis and a Dissertation
  • has the knowledge of the role of an academic supervisor

Skills

The student

  • is able to handle text setting systems; analysis, programming and graphics tools; and library resources
  • is able to prepare a LaTeX template for the Master's Thesis
  • is able to use basics of LaTeX including the structure of a document, the definition of figures and tables, the expression of mathematical equations and the definition of references within the text and to literature
  • is able to present his/her own idea for research

General competence

The student

  • can the basics of Linux, with focus on the command prompt line and text editors
  • can evaluate ethical and social aspects and problems regarding own research and research in related disciplines

ECTS Credits

5

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn
Required Previous Knowledge
Admission to Master's program in Meteorology and Oceanography, Master's program in Energy or Integrated Master's Programme in Energy
Access to the Course
Access to the course requires admission to a master's programme at The Faculty of Science and Technology
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, data exersises, discussions and thesis wrinting.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Approved attendance at 80% of the lectures. Only valid for the semester it was approved.
Forms of Assessment
Attendance and approved rapport. (Only valid for the semester it was approved)
Grading Scale
Passed / Failed
Assessment Semester
Autumn, only in semesters whent the course is taught.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within July 1st for the autumn semester and January 1st for the spring semester]
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated by the students in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the department
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.

Course description

Geophysical Institute