Course syllabus - Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in Product and Process Development

Objectives

The course should give an insight into how to plan, perform, and present an independent project, and give an insight in the working life of an engineer or researcher in the field of production and logistics. In the project, the student is assumed to use and integrate previously acquired knowledge, experience and skills and thereby further deepen the understanding of the field of studies. The aim of the thesis course is that the student shall develop and show knowledge and ability to, in a technical and scientific way, process a problem in the field of production and logistics. In all, the student is supposed to fulfil the requirements that the Swedish Authority of higher education has set on a degree of Master of science in engineering.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student shall be able, in a scientific manner, to: 
1. Independently plan and, using adequate methods, accomplish a project on an advanced level within given delimitations 
2. Describe the aim, purpose, and goal for the project and describe a possible continuation of the project 
3. Analyze and apply processes and tools within the field of production and logistics, for problem formulation, finding solutions, evaluate alternative solutions, and in the end apply a robust solution to the problem 
4. Apply a critical view to the technical solutions and thereby in an early stage point out the possibilities and difficulties in the project 
5. Analyze technical problems and present the "State of the art" and "State of practice" in the project domains and critically evaluate the chosen methods and solutions 
6. Draw conclusions and give recommendations for the continuing work, based on the performed studies 
7. Describe the project in a scientific report that is correct regarding structure and content, including reflections of the learning goals listed above 
8. Orally present the aim, accomplishment and result of the project 
9. Evaluate and give written and oral critique in a constructive manner on other projects on advanced level

Course content

The course consists of an independent project in which students use previously acquired knowledge and experience to solve a given problem. The problem is a research or development problem in the field of production and logistics, which shall have substantial theoretical depth that contributes to knowledge development. The work shall contain theoretical elements. It includes topic selection, problem definition, literature review, analysis, opposition, presentation and writing of the report. The thesis can be conducted either within the university, at an outside company, or as an independent project. If the thesis is performed at a company, a supervisor at the company must also be appointed. The problem underlying the work shall be thoroughly presented, and its relevance and proposed solutions shall be discussed and justified. The work shall address both relevant theory and previous research, i.e. there must be a connection to the "state-of-the-art" (and, when applicable to the "state-of-practice").

Specific requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to 180 credits, including mathematics corresponding to 15 credits. Completed courses of 75 credits, including 45 credits in product and process development from second cycle courses, and 7.5 credits in mathematics with minimum depth G1F. Completed course Scientific theory and method 7.5 credits. 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

Project (PRO1), Completion of the project and written thesis report, 27 credits, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G) (examines learning outcomes 1-7) 
Seminar (SEM1), Oral presentation of the approved thesis, 2 credits, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G) (examines learning outcome 8) 
Assignment (INL1), Oral and written opposition to another thesis, 1 credit, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G) (examines learning outcomes 9)

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

If the thesis is to be included in another exam than the Degree of Master of Science in Computer Science, 120 credits, then this has to be approved by the examiner on a case by case basis.