Course syllabus - Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) in Computer Science with Specialization in Software Engineering

Objectives

The course shall provide insight into how to independently plan, carry out and present a project in the field of software engineering. During the work, the student is expected to apply and integrate previously acquired knowledge, experiences and skills. The work must have solid theoretical depth.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student shall be able to:

- independently plan and carry out an advanced project within given constraints

- identify and use appropriate methods for carrying out the work and verifying solutions

- describe the purpose, reason, and goal of the work and account for a possible continuation of the project

- apply a critical approach and thereby be able to identify opportunities and difficulties of the project at an early stage

- account for the "state-of-the-art" (and "state-of-practice" if applicable) in the field of the thesis and evaluate the selected method and/or solution based on this

- describe the different parts of the project in a scientific report with appropriate content and layout (and thereby show that the above learning outcomes have been achieved)

- orally describe the purpose, execution, and results of the project for both experts and non-experts

- evaluate other theses within the subject and provide constructive criticism, both orally and in writing

Course content

The course consists of planning, executing, and presenting a project within the field of software engineering. The topic and scope of the work is selected/decided in consultation with the supervisor and examiner before the start of the project. The thesis can be conducted either within the university, at an outside company, or as an independent project. If the work is done at an external company, a supervisor at the company must also be appointed. The thesis shall contain a part dealing with basic theory, i.e. there must be a connection to "state-of-the-art" and possibly "state-of-practice".

Tuition

The thesis project is conducted under supervision. A project plan shall be formulated in cooperation with the supervisor(s) and monitored throughout the project.

Specific requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 credits, including at least 90 credits in computer science.
Completed second cycle courses of at least 7.5 credits within the Software Engineering specialization of the main field of study, completed course Research Methods in Computer Science 7.5 credits, and additionally completed courses of at least 15 credits at G1F level or higher.

In addition Swedish course B/Swedish course 3 and English course A/English course 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course B/Swedish course 3.

Examination

Written assignment (INL1), Oral and written opposition to another thesis, 1 credit, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G)
​Project (PRO1), Completion of the project and written thesis report,11 credits, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G)
Seminar (SEM2), Active participation in seminar and oral presentation of the completed thesis work, 3 credits, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G)

Grades are assigned by the examiner as an assessment of the overall work, including the content of the report, oral presentation, opposition, independence and attitude during the work (supported by inputs from the supervisor).

When the thesis work is done in pair, the examiner ensures that that the work of each student meets the requirements for an individual thesis work. If the workload between two students is different, different grades can be given.

Students whose work is not completed within 12 months are liable to fail the course. When necessary, the decision is made in consultation between the examiner, supervisor and possibly the head of the division.

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, Fail

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course completely overlaps  with CDT503 Thesis advanced level, Computer Science, 15 credits and also 15 credits with DVA415 Thesis advanced level, Computer Science, 30 credits, DVA424 Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) in Computer Science with specialization in Software Engineering, 30 credits, DVA429 Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) in Computer Science, 30 credits and DVA430 Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) in Computer Science, 30 credits.

If the thesis is to be included in another exam than the Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) in Computer Science with specialization in Software Engineering, 15 credits, then this has to be approved by the examiner on a case by case basis.