Detailed Description of Research proposal

MSc qualifier

1. Basic information

The research activities of UT/ITC’s  Forages research theme and Lund’s Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Sciences form the subject framework and organizational structure in which MSc students conduct their individual research. The purpose of this course is:

1. to deepen the knowledge and skills of students within the research theme, and
2. to help the student to define his or her own MSc research proposal.

A total of 5 ECTS are spent on finalizing the MSc research proposal. At the end of this course, a Thesis Admission Committee decides whether or not the student is admitted to the final phase of the MSc programme (fourth semester at full time study tempo).

The student has to make a choice of his/her envisaged MSc thesis topic during second semester (at full time study tempo) of the programme. The choice is explained, in the MSc pre-proposal. This pre-proposal has to be submitted before the start of the MSc qualifier course. After submission of the pre-proposal, a supervisor is assigned who coaches the student during the process of writing the MSc qualifier.

2. General information

The course is part of the internet based programme ‘GIS and Earth Observation for Environmental modeling and Natural resource management’ (iGEON). The course is compulsory for the double degree: Master of Science in Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente, Faculty ITC, the Netherlands and Master of Science in Geographical Information Science of Lund University, Sweden. The course is also given as a single subject course. The language of instruction is English. The course is fully based on distance learning, with all material distributed over the Internet. It is flexible in the sense that students can study full time (100%), half time (50%), or with a 25% study tempo.

3. Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is that students, having successfully completed the course, have acquired the following knowledge, understanding and skills:

• Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
• Define ways to tackle a scientific problem and structure research;
• Place his/her research project in a wider scientific and societal context;
• Structure his/her proposed scientific research to the specifications of the scientific discipline;
• Meet quality standards and excellence in research;
• Present scientific information in written English at a standard acceptable to the scientific community;
• Write an MSc research proposal and defend this to the Thesis Admission Committee.

4. Course contents

At the start of the course, the leading scientists of the partner universities will introduce the framework of the research of his/her group and elaborate on possible MSc research topics.

A supervisor will be appointed to guide each student during proposal writing. The supervisors will monitor the progress of all participating students and exchange experiences in a discussion forum. The course coordinator maintains contact with students and prospective supervisors throughout the proposal writing period.

Finalizing Research Proposal

The MSc research proposal is finalized by the student in mutual agreement with his/her supervisors. The research proposal should be a logical and ordered exposition of the envisaged research (as introduced in the research methods course), including data availability, (fieldwork) methods, a flowchart, and time planning. At the end of the course, the research proposal is presented before a Thesis Admission Committee consisting of members of both partner universities (see ITC MSc assessment regulations paragraphs 5.1 and 5.4).

When presenting the proposal, the student must also satisfy the Thesis Admission Committee that all the required data is available or, if not, that steps (including fieldwork if appropriate) will be taken to acquire these data in time.

Likewise, requirements for hardware and/or software should be specified to ensure that these can be made available as required.

Acceptance of the proposal is a prerequisite for the start of the individual research in the fourth semester.

5. Teaching and assessment

Teaching consists of:

• Lecture                                                                                   10 hours
• Group assignment (e.g. workshops,discussion forum)         20 hours
• Individual assignment (including Thesis, IFA)                       100 hours
• Overhead (e.g. QH, exam, opening)                                      14 hours

Examination is in the form of an individual MSc research proposal (written and oral presentation).

6. Grades

Students are graded for the course according to the following levels: Passed, and Failed.

In order to pass the course the student is required to have passed the MSc proposal defense, and to have participated in all compulsory course elements.

7. Entrance requirements

Successful completion of all compulsory courses and at least 30 ECTS elective courses of the MSc curriculum is required. To prepare an acceptable proposal and carry out the subsequent research work, it is necessary to have a sufficient level of knowledge in the chosen research field. Consequently, if a student wants to undertake research in which the focus differs from that of the elective courses followed in the second and third semester, he/she will have to provide satisfactory evidence that he/she has the relevant background, knowledge and skills.