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Study plan for MAMN-INFDID Computer science communication, fall 2024

Name of qualification

Master of Science in informatics ¿ Computer science communication

ECTS Credits

Two years of full-time study, where the normal workload for a full-time student is 60 credits for one academic year.

Full-time/Part-time

Full-time

Language of Instruction

Norwegian and English

Semester

For applicants residing in Norway: autumn and spring

Objectives and content

Computer science has become an integral part of society and there is an increasing need for accurate knowledge and understanding about advanced computer science topics. A Master's degree in informatics with a specialization in computer science communication will equip you with the knowledge and skills to bridge knowledge gaps between experts and the general public.

You will simultaneously learn advanced topics in computer science and how to disseminate them to a variety of audiences, such as experts in other fields, the general public or students. The field of computer science communication includes research on how to develop high-quality computer science courses, presentations and activities, able to convey advanced concepts, both in education and outreach.

Required Learning Outcomes

A candidate who has completed his or her qualification should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

  • understands advanced concepts in computer science and can effectively disseminate this knowledge
  • knows important theories of computer science communication
  • can apply methods from computer science communication research to share knowledge with audiences of various backgrounds
  • can analyze societal impacts of misconceptions regarding computer science topics
  • can analyze and participate in the academic discourse on computer science communication based on the subject's history and traditions.

Skills

The candidate

  • can identify the core points from advanced topics in computer science that are relevant to a given audience,
  • can use learning theory to independently design high quality computer science courses, presentations and activities,
  • can analyze didactics research relevant to computer science, and independently evaluate and argue applicability of the results,
  • can carry out an independent, limited research or development project in computer science communication under supervision and in line with applicable research ethics norms

General competence

The candidate

  • can analyze relevant ethical issues such as biases in communication and education, knowledge divides and social inequalitie
  • can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions in computer science, both with specialists and the general public.
  • has a critical and analytical view of their own and others¿ work.
  • can apply their knowledge and skills in computer science communication to disseminate in depth new developments in computer science
  • can communicate extensive independent work, and masters the forms of expression in the field of computer science communication
  • is able to work independently and as part of a group, and can contribute to new thinking and in innovation processes

Admission Requirements

The master's programme builds on a bachelor's degree from the Department of Informatics, or a bachelor's degree and at least 80 ECTS of Mathematics and Informatics/Computer science.

Bachelor's degrees from UiB that qualify:

  • Bachelor's degree from Department of Informatics, UiB (BAMN-BINF, BAMN-DSIK, BAMN-DTEK, BAMN-DVIT, BATF-IMØ, BAMN-INF)
  • Bachelor's degree in Information and Communication Technology (IKT) with at least 15 ECTS (at least two courses for at least 7,5 ECTS each) of elective Mathematics
  • Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science (BASV-KOGNI) with specialization in Informatics

Bachelor's degrees that qualify

  • Bachelor's degree in Computing from HVL (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)
  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from HVL
  • Bachelor's degree in Communication Systems from HVL

Other bachelor's degrees might qualify if you have at least 80 ECTS of Mathematics and Informatics/Computer Science. Out of these 80 ECTS, at least 40 ECTS must be in Informatics/Computer science, and at least 15 ECTS (at least two courses with 7,5 ECTS each) must be in Mathematics. If both INF100 and INF109 are part of the Bachelor's degree, the applicant will only get credits for INF100. One course in Statistics can count towards (except STAT100 and equivalent) mathematics. MNF130 (and equivalent) counts as Informatics.

For international self-financing applicants:

The Master's programme is not available for international applicants residing outside of the Nordic countries, the European Union/EEA and Switzerland.

You also need to document

  • Average grade of minimum C (equivalent to Norwegian grade C)
  • Proficiency in English

Recommended previous knowledge

A bachelor's degree in informatics or a related field.Good programming skills.

Compulsory units

The master's programme consists of two components: Coursework and an individual research project (master's thesis). The total workload is 120 ECTS. The master¿s thesis consists of 60 credits. It is possible to write a 30 credits master¿s thesis.

Courses

INF234 Algorithms and INFDID210 Introduksjon til didaktisk forskning are compulsory.

The electives must be on 200- or 300 level. Together with the supervisor, the student can choose maximum 10 credits on 100-level. To have a good foundation to build the master¿s thesis on, courses and special syllabus must be chosen together with supervisor.

1.sem. autumn: INF234, electives

2.sem. spring: INFDID210, master thesis/elective

3.sem. autumn: master thesis/elective

4.sem. spring: master thesis

Master's thesis: INF399 Master's thesis in informatics consist of 60 ECTS. Students can choose, in agreement with supervisor, to write a 30 ECTS thesis and expand the coursework accordingly. The Master's thesis must be submitted within a deadline at the end of the fourth semester, 20 November or 1. June.

Sequential Requirements, courses

The recommended sequence of the courses in the programme can be found under the heading ¿Compulsory units¿.

Study period abroad

You can plan study periods abroad in consultation with your supervisor as a part of the master agreement.

Teaching and learning methods

In preparing your master's thesis you will independently use methods and scientific working techniques from the subject field to research a relevant topic. During the 1st semester the student establishes contact with a personal supervisor. Together with the supervisor a subject for the thesis is specified and a schedule is made with an outline of courses and milestones in the thesis work.

A combination of teaching methods is used in the various courses, mainly lectures and groups. You may find more information in the course description.

Assessment methods

The final step in the programme is an oral examination. The examination is held when the master's thesis is submitted, evaluated and approved.

The most common assessment methods in the courses are written and oral examination. The assessment methods for each course are described in the course description.

Grading scale

At UiB the grades are given in one of two possible grading scales: passed/failed and A to F.

The master¿s thesis will be graded A to F. The grading scale for each course is given in the course description.

Diploma and Diploma supplement

The Diploma, in Norwegian, and the Diploma Supplement, in English, will be issued when the degree is completed.

Access to further studies

To be eligible for admission to the Doctoral education (PhD) the candidate must have completed a master¿s degree.

To qualify for the Doctoral education (PhD) at UiB the average grade for the master's thesis, the Master's degree and the bachelor's degree should be at least C.

In order to get enrolled you have to be granted a fellowship for doctoral training.

Employability

Information- and communication technology is more and more becoming a basic technology in all kinds of business activity and administration, and our candidates are strongly demanded to maintain and develop IT-systems. Many of the candidates also get employed by the IT-industry or within research and higher education.

Evaluation

The programme will be evaluated according to the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.

Programme committee

The programme committee is responsible for the academic content, the structure and the quality of the programme

Administrative responsibility

The Faculty of Science and Technology by the Department of Informatics holds the administrative responsibility for the programme.

Contact information

Please contact the student adviser for the programme if you have any questions:

Studierettleiar@ii.uib.no

Phone: + 47 55 58 42 00