Developing Research and Presentation Skills (GEO620)

This course is an elective which aims to help students improve their research, writing, and presentation skills in preparation for the thesis. The course is handled as a seminar with discussions.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

GEO620

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Content

NB! This is an elective course and may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled by August 20th.

Review of key topics relevant for scientific research.

  • The scientific method,
  • How to define a research project,
  • How to write scientific articles, proposals, etc,
  • How to make and present scientific/technical presentations, and
  • Best practices to conduct research.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

  • Knowledge on how to apply the scientific method, and
  • Knowledge on how to search and collect information necessary to develop a research proposal for a thesis study.

Skills:

  • Have research and knowledge skills on how to establish a problem for a thesis study,
  • Be able to conduct basic research using library and internet resources, and
  • Be able to give scientific presentations, both oral and written.

General competence:

  • Write a proposal to define a scientific problem,
  • Be able to communicate effectively in a written and oral form, and
  • Define time frames and responsibilities in the definition of professional problems that may apply to real life cases.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Must have completed at least one full semester in a master program.

Exam

Oral exam and report

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Oral exam 1/2 15 Minutes Passed / Not Passed All
Report 1/2 4 Weeks Passed / Not Passed All

Continuous evaluation.You must pass all parts to pass the course. There are no continuation opportunities on the assessment parts. Students who wish to take these sections again must do so the next time the course has regular instruction.Course communications will be via email and Canvas. It's up to the student to make sure e-mail is set up correctly with the University.

Coursework requirements

Compulsory assignments
Students must declare a research topic by October 15 in order to submit a report and give a presentation.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Lisa Jean Watson

Study Program Director:

Lisa Jean Watson

Head of Department:

Alejandro Escalona Varela

Method of work

This course uses a multi-mode teaching style. Students are expected to participate in all activities.

  • Prior to class: e-lectures and readings as organized in Canvas
  • In-class skill development workshops and discussion, including a library skills class
  • After class: applying skills activities and researching topic for reports and presentation; optional assessments for ongoing feedback

The student's participation in the different working forms in this course is strongly recommended in order to develop skills directly related to the project.

The class meets twice a week, 2 hours each meeting: 1 meeting focuses on new skills workshop, 1 meeting for follow-up. Students are expected to work on their own an additional 10 hours per week.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Master thesis seminar (MPG100_1) 5
Developing Research and Presentation Skills (IER620_1) 10

Open for

This course is open to all UiS Master's students who have an interest in improving their research, writing, and presentation skills.

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto