Course syllabus - Bachelor Thesis in Economics

Objectives

The aim of Bachelor Thesis in Economics is to show that students are able to write and defend a theoretical or empirical essay of some economic topic, at their free choice, using economic theory, or statistic and mathematic methods they learned from their previous courses.

Learning outcomes

Upon the successful completion of the Bachelor Thesis, students should be able to: - train in searching of various data sources and scientific literature. - train in writing clearly, consistent and in a formal way so that their ideas are understood completely by readers with equivalent background. - explain and show how economic theory can be used to analyze an economic problem they are interested in. - be aware that complex economic problems can not be solved unless many simplified assumptions are made. - be aware of the consequences of their simplified assumptions. - defend their arguments. - critically discuss other economic articles. - learn how to co-operate with their colleagues when the Thesis is authorized by two students. The Bachelor Thesis is compulsory in Economics and is also important to those who plan to study Finance, Business or Economics at advanced level. Good theses are expected to benefit students in finding good work opportunities in the topic they were specialized in.

Course content

Students are free to choose the economic topic they are interested in and the appropriate method. The department has qualified supervisors in Microeconomics, Industrial Economics, Game Theory, Operations Research, Finance, Econometrics, Macroeconomics, Labour Economics and Economic Growth.

Tuition

The Bachelor Thesis is different from regular courses. Students are expected to work independently, under the guidance of their supervisors. There is one obligatory seminar at the start of the semester, in which we plan the allocation of students to the supervisors, and discuss other methodological and practical issues. Students are strongly recommended to have made their choice on the topic, before the first seminar. The final seminars at the end of the term are also obligatory. When the allocation of students to supervisors is done, students and supervisors agree on the Thesis plan, on the supervision and on middle seminar(s), where uncompleted drafts are discussed and corrected. At the latest three weeks before the final seminars, the Thesis must have passed the "Urkund" plagiarism test and approved by the supervisor. Students have then approximately 15 days to correct all mistakes and write the final version which will be delivered to all other students 3-4 days before the final seminars. When all students have exchanged theses with each other, the oppositions groups will be decided.

Specific requirements

Economics 75 credits with gradual progression, at least 45 credits must be finished when the course starts. At least 20 credits in economics have to be on level G1F and at least 15 credits have to be on level G2F. In addition En B. TOEFL test result, minimum score 213 (CBT), 550 (PBT) or 79 (iBT) or an IELTS test result with an overall band score of minimum 6,0 and no band score below 5,0. The English test is COMPULSORY for all applicants except citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and USA.

Examination

Written thesis, 15 credits, marks Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG)

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The written Thesis is examined at the final seminar, where the author(s) defend their work against one or two opponents who have been appointed. All authors are expected to be opponents to other theses as well and the participation of the final seminars is obligatory to all students. No Thesis will be accepted to the final seminar, unless the supervisor has given his (her) approval and the Thesis has passed the plagiarism test run by the control company Urkund, to which the thesis must have been sent. All ECTS marks apply: A, B, C, D, E, F. The final mark is weighted by 60% of the Thesis itself, by 20% of its defence and by 20% of the opposition and active participation in all seminars. Notice that the version presented during the final seminar counts. Moreover, no marks will be given, unless a final improved and corrected version has been sent to the supervisor/examinator.