Type of course

This course is reserved for Bachelor students at the study program Biology.

The course is also available to exchange students at a biology study program.

Course content

The thesis may consist of practical/experimental work and/or a literature review on previous research on a given or self-chosen topic.

The purpose of the thesis work is that the student should learn how to approach a biological question by defining a specific goal or hypothesis after reviewing published literature. When practical/experimental work is conducted, the student should be able to design a plan to answer the research question. Results from the experimental work and/or litterature review should be presented in an appropriate legible form. The structure of the thesis should follow the same format as an article in a scientific journal (Table of contents, Abstract, Introduction, (Methods), Discussion, Conclusions, (Appendices) and References).

When writing a bachelor's thesis, you are entitled to a supervisor who is employed at the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology. It is the student's responsibility to find a supervisor, but the study administration can assist in getting in touch with subject staff within the discipline you want to write about.

Recommended prerequisites

Objectives of the course

Knowledge:

• has a broad knowledge about the research and development work within the subject matter of the thesis
• can identify theories and choose analysis methods concerning the chosen topic and problem
• can follow accepted norms for academic writing
• can apply scientific methods satisfactorily(thesis based on practical/experimental work)

Skills:

• can formulate and define a focused biological research question in collaboration with a supervisor
• can collect, evaluate and examine relevant literature and scientific information within a certain biological discipline critically and independently shedding light on the chosen biological research question in writing
• can reflect upon and make well-founded choices in their academic work and adjust it under supervision
• can process and present relevant findings from experimental work and / or academic knowledge in an extended written format using the appropriate academic language

General competence:

• can plan and carry out an assignment, alone or as part of a group, over a four-month period-of-time in accordance with ethical requirements and principles
• can communicate key subject matter including theories, issues, discussions and solutions in writing
• has insight into relevant academic and professional ethical issues
• can exchange professional views and experiences with others with backgrounds in the same thematic area
• Is familiar with new thinking and innovation processes within the biological topic chosen for the thesis work

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Individual studies and supervision.

Expected workload for writing a 10 ECTS bachelor thesis varies between 250 to 300 hours.

Information to incoming exchange students

This course is available for inbound exchange students.

To attend this course you need knowledge from basic courses in biology, as well as knowledge in courses that are relevant to the field of study.

Do you have questions about this module? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty: https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=510412