Master's Thesis in Meteorology and Oceanography

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

This course offers the student formal training in implementing independent research within a specialized research area, using experimental, and/or theoretical, numerical, and other suitable methods. Through this study, the student's ability for critical thinking, and skills in using the scientific method will be developed, as well as written and oral communication abilities. Students are encouraged to actively develop their thesis theme in a dialogue with the supervisor(s). Alternatively, the theme for the master¿s thesis can be chosen from a list proposed for each study specialisation, or from relevant external institutions.

Learning Outcomes

The student will have following learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills and general

competence by the end of this course:

 

Knowledge

The student

  • demonstrates a solid general understanding of meteorology and/or oceanography, in particular within the chosen specialisation
  • demonstrates a detailed understanding of current scientific literature relevant for the student's master's project
  • knows how to contribute new knowledge to the field of meteorology and/or oceanographyby means of the scientific method
  • knows the ethical standards relevant for scientific research work

 

Skills

The student

  • is able to plan and conduct experimental, theoretical, or numerical work under supervision and in accordance with ethical guidelines for research
  • is able to acquire scientific data, to obtain own results from data analysis, and to document the performed work
  • is able to critically evaluate own experimental, theoretical and numerical results, also in the context of other's scientific work

 

General competence

The student

  • develops ways of critical, scientific thinking
  • can reflect on the impact of their own work on the work of others
  • is able to communicate results obtained from own research both orally and in writing to a scientific and a wider audience
Required Previous Knowledge
Student at the master's programme in Meteorology and Oceanography.
Access to the Course
Access to the course requires admission to the master's programme in Meteorology and Oceanography at the Geophysical Institute at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Teaching and learning methods
Students perform guided/supervised scientific research work on the selected theme, documented in a written Master's thesis. Students participate in regular master seminar meetings where they present progress reports to other students.
Forms of Assessment

The master's programme is finalized by an oral master's degree examination after the thesis has been submitted and approved. This exam consists of a public presentation of about 30 minutes, where the student gives an overview of the thesis. Examiner, supervisor(s) and internal examiner(s) should normally be present at the public presentation.

A non-public oral examination/ conversation about the thesis should follow the presentation. The thesis should have a tentative grade based on an evaluation form filled in by the examiners before the presentation. The presentation, along with the oral examination/ conversation, may adjust the grading of the thesis. Only the final grade is made known to the student, and is shown on their grade transcript.

 

The thesis must be submitted no later than one month prior to the 4. semester.

Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Assessment Semester
There will be ordinary assessment each semester.
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated by the students in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the department.