Course syllabus - Thesis for the Degree of Bachelor in Computer Science with Specialization in Intelligent Systems

Objectives

During this course the student will be trained how to plan, carry out and present a project in artificial intelligence.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to: 

1. independently plan and carry out a project work within given time frames,
2. identify and use adequate methods to carry out the work and verify solutions, 
3. describe the purpose, goal and problem formulation of the work and account for any continuation of the project, 
4. account for "state-of-practice" and scientific background in the field of the degree project, 
5. describe the different parts of the degree project in a technical / scientific report in a substantively and structurally correct way (and thus show that the above-mentioned learning objectives have been achieved), 
6. orally report to both experts and others on the purpose, implementation and results of the degree project  and also
7. Carry out an ethical and gender equality analysis of data and the AI system in the project.

Course content

The course consists of an independent project where the student uses previously acquired knowledge and experience to investigate and solve a problem. The problem contains both practical and theoretical elements and is either a research problem or a development problem within the area of intelligent systems. The work includes elements such as subject choice, problem formulation, literature study, development, presentation, and report writing. The work must be reported in a written report and presented orally at an open seminar. The degree project is carried out within the university or at an external company. The work can be done individually or together with another student. If the degree project is carried out at an external company, a supervisor must also be appointed at the company.

Specific requirements

Completed courses of at least 90 credits in computer science with successive specialization within the main area which includes 60 credits within the specialization, of which at least 15 credits at G2F level and at least 22.5 credits in mathematics. In addition, information-knowledge-science-ethics  7.5 credits or equivalent is needed.

Examination

Project (PRO1), An assignment that is presented with a report and a demonstration of the project, 12 credits, examines the learning outcomes 1-5 and 7, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G).  
Seminar (SEM1), Active participation in a seminar and oral presentation of completed degree project, 3 credits, examines the learning outcome 6, grades 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 contributes to fulfill the degree requirement of at least 75 credits in the main area of computer science with the focus of intelligent systems for technology bachelor's degree in computer science with the focus of intelligent systems.

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.