LEARNING OUTCOMES
The purpose of the course is to prepare an initial research plan and to proceed in the research and writing task for a Master's thesis. The course supports abilities of searching and critiquing relevant literature, designing a research methodology and time plan, and writing the thesis. After the course, the student
- knows about different types of master's theses and has a general understanding of the workload and schedule
- has formulated research questions for her/his individual topic and chosen appropriate materials and methods to answer them
- has basic knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods
- has basic skills for information retrieval for her/his subject
- knows how to cite publications in her/his text, to use referencing software, and to write a list of references
- has written a personal research plan for her/his master's work, including the abstract and the content plan, and is able to present and discuss the topic
Credits: 5
Schedule: 17.10.2023 - 06.05.2024
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Dominic Stead, Milos Mladenovic
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
The course consists of introductory lectures, independent work, and individual seminar presentation(s). Every student will have an individual supervisor and an instructor.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
The following teaching methods are used during the course:
- lectures, including guest lectures on research methods and information retrieval
- student homework
- student presentations and mutual feedback discussions
- individual feedback for draft versions
- an individual seminar presentation
- an individual opponent task
Active participation of the students is essential.
The course incorporates visiting lectures on the following topics:
- qualitative research and theme interview
- statistical and geographic information methods
- information retrieval
Detailed study material is provided for the use of bibliography, the structure of the research plan and the master's thesis, and other relevant topics.
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
The workload will be presented in the course syllabus.
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
Detailed study material is provided for the use of bibliography, the structure of the research plan and the master s thesis, and other relevant topics.
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
3 Good Health and Well-being
7 Affordable and Clean Energy
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10 Reduced Inequality
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 Responsible Production and Consumption
13 Climate Action
15 Life on Land
16 Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language : English
Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Autumn II - Spring V
2023-2024 Autumn II - Spring VEnrollment :
Registration for courses will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi). Students in the Masters's Programme in Spatial Planning and Transportation Engineering are prioritized.