TIK4040 – Design Seminar
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The aim of the course is to guide students through the process of writing a master thesis. This demands the ability to link research question, research strategy, theory and methodology. The lectures and seminars in this course will help the students define a research question and write a thesis outline. Students will use the knowledge gained from theory and method courses.
The course has a two-part structure:
- Four-five lectures on practical advice on how to write a master's thesis.
- Group supervision seminars.
Individual supervisors will be appointed for all students, but students must apply. The web-based application form will be posted on the web page Masteroppgave i TIK og ESST.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
- Writing a thesis outline
- References and research ethics
Skills
- Define a research problem or research question
- Build a scientific argument
- Present and discuss own work
- Read and comment upon other students' work
Competences
- Independent work, critical/analytical thinking
- Use scientific methods to analyse social dimensions of knowledge and technology
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
The course is applicable for students from the ESST - Society, Science and Technology in Europe (master) and Teknologi, innovasjon og kunnskap (master).
Formal prerequisite knowledge
A Bachelor Degree in Social Sciences, Humanities or equal.
Teaching
At the beginning of the course, four to five lectures are held. These lectures focus on what is expected of a master thesis, how to write a thesis outline, and how to define a research question. There will also be short presentation of some of TIK's ongoing research projects.
The rest of the course consists of group supervision seminars. Students are expected to hand in drafts of their thesis outline before each seminar, and participate in group discussions of outlines.
Examination
The exam includes a full thesis outline (up to 8-10 pages), and in addition an individual reading list. The exam will be graded on a pass/fail scale.
Language of examination
English or Norwegian. ESST students must write their outlines in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.
See also our information about resitting an exam.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.