Course syllabus - Bachelor Thesis in Economics

Objectives

The aim of bachelor thesis in Economics is to write, present and defend a theoretical or empirical essay of some economic topic, using economic theory and methods learnt from previous courses.

Learning outcomes

After completed course the student shall be able to
- construct, search and find relevant research topics, scientific literature and relevant and accurate data sources
- identify a specific economic problem they will investigate, organize and accomplish the project within a certain time period
- use economic theory and methods to analyze their chosen problem in depth
- introduce appropriate simplifying assumptions in order to treat complex economic problems
- evaluate the consequences of their simplified assumptions and limitations
- draw general conclusions and make informed judgments
- write clearly, consistent and formally correct so that readers with an equivalent background will be able to follow the reasoning
- defend their arguments
- critically discuss economic articles
- co-operate successfully with their co-authors

Course content

The bachelor thesis is different from regular courses. Students choose the economic topic they are interested in and the appropriate method in cooperation with their supervisors. They research the topic, independently or in pairs, and present their work and their findings in a written report, which will be discussed and evaluated in a final seminar.

Tuition

About a week after the start of the course, students should have made their choice on the topic and will be allocated to their supervisors. Thereafter, students and supervisors agree on the thesis plan, on the supervision and on middle seminar(s), where uncompleted drafts are discussed and corrected.
In order to improve the quality of thesis, students are strongly recommended to follow the seminars that precede the course. In these seminars, students are informed about the time schedule, all practical issues with the thesis and how their supervisors in their research have treated various methodological issues.

Specific requirements

Economics 60 credits with gradual progression; at least 30 credits at G1N and at least 15 credits at G1F must be finished when the course starts.
In addition the course requires En B or a TOEFL test result, minimum score 575 with a TWE score of at least 4,5 (PBT) or 90 with a TWE score of at least 20 (iBT)/IELTS test result with an overall band score of minimum 6,5 and no band score below 5,5. The English test is COMPULSORY for all applicants except those with En B or citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and USA.

Examination

Thesis (UPS1), 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

No thesis will be accepted to the final seminar unless it has passed a plagiarism test and the supervisor has given his/her approval. The thesis is evaluated by two teachers and the final mark is weighted by 80% of the thesis, by 10% of its presentation and defense and by 10% of the opposition/discussion and active participation in all seminars. Notice that the version presented at the final seminar is the one that will be graded. Moreover, the thesis will not be credited unless a final improved and corrected version has been sent to the supervisor/examinator.

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.