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49078-01 - Course: Research Design Master’s Thesis (3 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2025 |
| Course frequency | Every semester |
| Lecturers |
Janina Grabs (janina.grabs@unibas.ch)
Frank Christian Krysiak (frank.krysiak@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | Writing a master's thesis related to a topic of sustainability 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 their research proposal in a structured, systematic and scientific manner. 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. 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 class will be 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 how 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 with non-academic fields (such as politics, business etc.); - are familiar with formal requirements for 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 (template available on the website MSD/downloads MSD 2017). For details see guidelines and medium-term syllabus. Schedule: - Plenary sessions for all participants: Friday, 2:15 to 4 pm on the following dates: 21.02.2025 AND 25.04.2025. - Individual group meetings in between upon agreements. Groups meet with their faculty representative professor: either Prof. Dr. A. Morán Ordóñez, Prof. Dr. J. Grabs or Prof. Dr. F. Krysiak. The lecture is offered by the MSD. Prof. Dr. Alejandra Morán Ordóñez (as of 01.02.2025), Prof. Dr. Janina Grabs and Prof. Dr. Frank Krysiak (lead of this lecture) are members of the MSD teaching committee. |
| Admission requirements | Exclusively for MSD-students. Students of the IJDSD may attend the course according to the agreement with MSD responsible contact person. No other students admitted. |
| Course application | Course enrollment on online services should be completed by the beginning of the teaching period (withdrawal possible until Monday of teaching week five). |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
| Comments | Plenary meetings for all participants on Friday, 2:15 to 4 pm on the following dates: 21.02.2025 AND 25.04.2025. Individual group meetings in between upon agreements. |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 21.02.2025 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Friday 25.04.2025 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| 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 | Compulsory attendance in presence, required readings, presentation. Outline of master's thesis’ research design 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 |