DISSERTATION

UD5641 Dissertation is a research-intensive module for MAUD students that enables conducting an independent research project during their study under the supervision of a research-active faculty member with expertise in a related domain.

The key objectives of the dissertation module are to provide an opportunity to the student to understand how to conduct scientific research and to deepen their expertise in a particular topic of interest. The module is flexible, it allows freedom in exploring own interests, and it is predominantly individual. The main deliverable is a research report to be submitted at the end of their studies. The dissertation module is conducted primarily between the student and supervisor, with sporadic contact with the coordinator, other academic staff, and other students. It is important to highlight that the dissertation is an independent study, thus, a student will undertake a higher degree of independence than usual.

The key components of this module are:

• Literature review: getting familiar with the state of the art of a relevant topic. • Conceptusalisation of research: defining a research question/topic/objective. • Exploration (performing preliminary experiments to assess the feasibility of the topic). • Designing a sound research methodology. • Conducting research/experiments. • Presentation of the work (in-class presentation and writing a report). • Understanding potential for future work and further applications.

The results of this module may serve as a foundation for further research or for publication in an external outlet, e.g. conference or journal.

The dissertation module is not a module during doctoral studies, so cutting edge research or advanced originality is not expected as it is at the PhD level, but a degree of novelty and quality at the graduate level of a research university is required. This module is also for those who are interested in pursuing PhDs to better prepare themselves. Besides the student, the dissertation includes the supervisor, co-reader, and coordinator.

Supervisor

Each dissertation must have a supervisor. The supervisor is responsible for the overall project from early discussions to the final submission, and he/she is involved in all the steps of the process. A supervisor may be a faculty member who is domain expert in a particular topic.

Co-reader

The co-reader serves as the second examiner of the dissertation (besides the supervisor) at the final stage of the module. The co-reader may not be involved in the research to ensure the objectivity of assessment. A co-reader is arranged by the coordinator, but input from the student and supervisor may be considered in certain circumstances.

Coordinator

The coordinator manages the organisation and execution of the module, and administrative matters. Students are welcome to contact the coordinator for queries before and during this module.

Most of the contact is directly between the student and supervisor (and optionally, co-supervisor) through periodic progress meetings. The schedule will be discussed between the student and supervisor. Weekly contact (if not meetings, then at least a brief status update) is encouraged, but no more than two weeks should pass between consecutive discussions.

During the semester, we will meet twice as a cohort: Introduction to the module with some tips (in the first few weeks); Midterm review (This session is to solicit feedback, check on the progress, and have an opportunity to consolidate thoughts and writing. It plays no role in the marking. The presence of the supervisor is necessary).

There is no final thesis defense. The only final deliverable is the report.