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49078-01 - Course: Research Design Master’s Thesis (3 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2021 |
| Course frequency | Every semester |
| Lecturers |
Paul Burger (paul.burger@unibas.ch, Assessor)
Patricia Holm (patricia.holm@unibas.ch) Frank Christian Krysiak (frank.krysiak@unibas.ch) |
| Content | Writing a master's thesis on a sustainability relevant topic is the masterpiece of the MSD study program. Students are expected to use productively their acquired knowledge (in terms of methods and sustainability related content) for analyzing a specific topic. However, developing a research design that copes with scientific scrutiny and accuracy is by far not an easy endeavour. Questions like ‘How can I find an interesting topic?’ or ‘According to which criteria should I decide to go for a specific method?’ or - and most important – ‘Why and how do I have to link my research design to the ongoing scientific discourse?’ are waiting to be answered. This course is thought to support the students in developing in a structured, systematic and scientific manner their research proposal. Students get familiar with necessary elements of a master thesis (problem framing, introduction, background, aims, hypothesis, research questions, methods, results, discussion, reflection/contribution to the scientific debate etc. Students also learn how they can identify a valuable research topic in the field of sustainable development. Some elements are thereby generic, i.e. independent of a specific disciplinary perspective. Other elements are, to the contrary, highly dependent on the chosen disciplinary field. Still other elements are concerned with capturing intersections between the field. Against this backdrop, the class will be jointly given by the three teachers at the beginning, when it comes to unfold the generic components. Subsequently the group will split into three groups and the students will develop their research proposal along the specific requirements according to their own focus areas. |
| Learning objectives | The students - know how to prepare a research proposal for their master's thesis in a structured, systematic and scientific manner; - know to identify a valuable research topic in the field of sustainable development, to develop a related research question directed to a contribution to the scientific debate as well as designing a research approach (e.g. choice of methods) directed to answering the research question; - are able to characterize intersections between their approach and other disciplines as well as intersections to non-academic fields (such as politics, business etc.); - are familiar with formal requirements to a master's thesis (correct citation, presentation of graphs, figures, results, plagiarism etc.). |
| Comments | Mandatory course for all students of MSD 2017 ("Preparation Master's Thesis" module). Students with focus area in natural science have to list this course in the learning agreement for the "Preparation Master's Thesis" module. For details see guidelines and medium-term syllabus. Students of IJDSD may attend the course according to agreement with P. Burger. Meetings for all participants/ 08.15 to 10h on the following dates: - meeting 1: 20.09.21 (plenary); - meeting 2: 04.10.21 (in groups); - meeting 3: 25.10.21 (plenary); - meeting 4: 22.11.21 (plenary). Meetings in between in groups according to announcement of responsible professors. This course is offered by the MSD: Prof. Dr. Patricia Holm, Paul Burger (lead) and Frank Krysiak are heading the MSD teaching committee. |
| Admission requirements | Exclusively for MSD-students. |
| Course application | Course enrollment on MOnA should be completed by the beginning of the teaching period (withdrawal possible until Monday of week five). Exclusively for MSD-students. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | Online course |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
| Comments | Teaching 08.15-10.00h on the following dates: 20.09.21 (plenary); 04.10.21 (in groups); 25.10.21 (plenary); and 22.11.21 (plenary). |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 20.09.2021 | 08.15-10.00 | --, -- |
| Modules |
Module: Preparation Master's Thesis in Economics (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) Module: Preparation Master's Thesis in Social Sciences (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Regular attendance mandatory, required readings, presentation. Outline of master's thesis’ research design (submission until 22.11.21). Details according to information of lecturers. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,1 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | University of Basel |
| Offered by | Departement Umweltwissenschaften |