EF233X Degree Project in Space Technology, Second Cycle

• All courses required for the Degree of Bachelor and a minimum of 60 credits of courses for second-cycle studies must be fully completed. These 60 credits should include all courses in the program [1] relevant to the degree project and a course in theory of knowledge.
• A course in scientific methodology must be finally reported as completed with a passing grade.

(1) or programs, when the student is enrolled in both a program for engineering and a master program.

Before beginning work with the degree project, the student must have identified an appropriate subject or task for such a project and must have presented a project proposal to the examiner for approval. The project must be chosen, so that it is a natural progression of the knowledge and skills that have been acquired during the program of studies, and if such is the case, from the specialisation pursued by the student.

The student must write an individual plan for the degree project which specifies the problem description or task undertaken as well as the conditions for carrying out the work. The individual plan for the degree project should contain background information including a problem description and scientific questions, purpose, objective, limitations, relevance of the project [1], methods and time plan for the completion of the degree project. The plan should also include a brief self-reflection where the student gives an account of his or her knowledge and ability to complete the project [2]. The individual plan for the degree project shall be approved by the examiner.

The student carries out an in-depth preliminary study including discussion of choice of method and theoretical background as well as a literature survey which serves as part of a draft of a preliminary version of the written degree project report.

The student carries out an individual independent project, where knowledge and methods from the program of education are applied.

The student plans and carries out an oral presentation and defence of his or her degree project.

The student carries out an oral and written review of another degree project on the same level.

The student writes and presents a written degree project report, where the student clearly presents and discusses his or her conclusions from the degree project and the knowledge and reasoning that support them.

The student carries out a self-assessment of the degree project according to the model of "Assessment of the quality of degree project for Degree of Master of Science in Engineering and Degree of Master of Science".

[1] Relevance here means relevance in relation to the program of education, current research and development, in relation to the specialisation that the student is studying as well as relevance for stakeholders and society.

[2] The student should submit a draft of this part together with the initial project proposal prior to admission to the Degree Project course. A plan for completion of outstanding incomplete courses neccessary for the program of education should be included in the plan for the degree project. All courses must be completed by the time the degree project is finished, at the latest.

The aim of the degree project (1) is for the student to apply and deepen knowledge, understanding, abilities and approach within the context of the program area. The degree project should be carried out at the end of the masters program and provide a specialised study and synthesis of earlier acquired knowledge. In the degree project, both technical/scientific content and method are emphasised.

After having completed the degree project, the student shall demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to work independently as a graduate engineer, as detailed in the national goals specified in the Higher Education Ordinance for the Degree of Master of Science in Engineering, as well as for the Degree of Master of Science. These include:

• considerably advanced knowledge within the program's main field of study/specialisation, including advanced insight into current research and development work,
• specialised knowledge of method within the program's main field of study/specialisation,
• the ability to participate in research and development work and so contribute to the advancement of science
• demonstrate, with a comprehensive approach, the ability to critically, independently and creatively identify, formulate, analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information,
• the ability to plan and with adequate methods carry out advanced tasks within given parameters, as well as the ability to evaluate this work,
• the ability to create, analyse and critically evaluate various technological/architectural solutions,
• the ability to integrate knowledge critically and systematically, as well as the ability to identify the need for additional knowledge,
• the ability to identify within the framework of the degree project, the role of science and the role of the engineer in society
• the ability to identify within the framework of the specific degree project, which issues need to be adressed in order to respect relevant dimensions of sustainable development, and
• the ability, within the framework of the degree project, to assess and show awareness of ethical aspects of research and development as regards means, methods and results of the degree project
• to orally and in writing be able to clearly present and discuss one's conclusions, as well as the science and reasoning these are based on.

[1] Also referred to as independent project