Type of course

Course content

The master thesis project represents the conclusion of the master study, where the students get an opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired in preceding courses.

The thesis assignment is formulated by the supervisor, individually or after discussion with the student and/or external participants. The institute offers a wide range of project assignments within relevant and pertinent topics, based on internal or external research activities, but the student may also suggest assignments based on their own interests or according to requests from the industry. The assignments may also be extensions of project works completed previously in the study, however, with broadened problem definitions.

The project assignment may in general contain both theoretical and practical elements, such as mathematical modelling, system analysis, theoretical derivations, programming, and practical development. The project is individual, and the work should be performed at UiT - Campus Narvik. If the project assignment is formulated in collaboration with a specified external partner, it is possible to arrange for the student to work at the partner’s location for parts of the project period.

Guidelines for the master thesis project work are formulated by the master's degree programme Applied Computer Science at UiT Narvik.

Objectives of the course

The goal of the master thesis project is to give the student competence to carry out an individual project within a selected topic that is relevant and pertinent to the master programme. The student will acquire a broad knowledge of the topic through literature surveys of previous work within the field and related fields as well as a profound knowledge through solving a specified problem. The final result of the project is a scientific report (thesis) containing a presentation of the problem itself, the proposed solution, a discussion of considered and employed techniques, and the results.

After passing the course, a successful student has gained the following learning outcome.

Knowledge and understanding:

• Advanced knowledge within the academic field of some applied mathematics, physics and engineering, and specialized insight in a limited area within the field of computer science.
• Knowledge of different theories and methods in the field of computer science.
• Understand how to apply some knowledge to new areas within the academic field of numerical and analytical calculations, computations, simulations, systematic design process, computational methods, artificial intelligence, geometric modeling, computational geometry, and computer science.
• Can solve academically some problems on the basis of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the academic field in computer science.

Skills:

• Can analyze and deal critically with information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments.
• Can analyze existing theories, and interpretations in the field of computer science, and work independently on practical and theoretical problems.
• Can use relevant methods in computer science for research and scholarly in an independent manner.
• Can carry out an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics.

Competence:

• Can analyze relevant academic, professional and research ethical problems.
• Can apply the knowledge and skills within computer science in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects.
• Can communicate extensive independent work and master the domain language and some terminology of the academic field of computer science.
• Can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions in the field of computer science, both with specialists and the general public.
• Can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes.

As the topic of the master thesis is unique for each task, some of the "Learning outcomes, skills and attitudes" points mentioned above may not necessarily be completely fulfilled. Thus, the learning outcome is somewhat dependent on the topic of the master thesis.

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Project run by the students under guidance by one or more supervisors.

Teaching and Examination Language: The master thesis can be written in Norwegian or English. This point must be clarified when the project begins.