Learning Camp 4 – Orientation to thesis writingLaajuus (5 cr)

Learning objectives

The module is a part of professional studies in Porvoo Campus competence-based curriculum. The module advances the following competences: ability to choose a suitable thesis project, and justify relevant research approaches as well as development methods in thesis writing including critical and ethical thinking. Furthermore, Learning Camp 4 strengthens the student’s academic communication skills.

Contents

Orientation to thesis writing
Finding a thesis project
The thesis process
Research and development methods
Research, diary, portfolio theses and theses of product type
Ethics in thesis process
Presentation of research data in reporting
Thesis assessment criteria
Literature review
Categories of literature
Literature search
Critical thinking
Academic English/Finnish/Swedish
Writing process and techniques
Grammar, text style and structure

Starting level and linkage with other courses

The student has completed the first year of basic studies. The module is a part of professional studies in Porvoo Campus competence-based curriculum.

Implementation methods, demonstration and Work&Study

a) Learning in class, including assignments, project work, independent study and exam.
b) Learning by completing the online implmentation of LC4
c) Demonstration of skills and knowledge (e.g. a student who has written a thesis before). More information from responsible teachers or academic advisors.

Assessment of one´s own learning is a compulsory part of each course.

Assessment criteria - grade 1

When the implementation type of the course is CONTACT, ONLINE or BLENDED it is required that the student is present during those teaching hours that are marked in the study schedule. If you are absent more than 25 %, your grade will be lowered by one. If you are absent more than 50 %, the course is failed.

The student has some understanding of how to write a report in an academic way. The student has a vague picture of the thesis process and is able to plan the process with guidance. S/he is able to write a basic knowledge base and apply Haaga-Helia reporting instructions in a limited way. The student has some understanding of the difference between theses of research and product type and the usability of different development methods. The student understands to some extent the importance of ethics in research and development work. S/he has some insights into how a thesis is assessed.

Assessment criteria - grade 3

The student is able to write a report in an academic way. The student has a realistic picture of the thesis process and is able to plan the process independently. S/he is able to write an informative knowledge base and is able to apply Haaga-Helia reporting instructions well. The student understands the difference between a thesis of product and research type and the usability of different research and development methods. The student can discuss the importance of ethics in research and development work. S/he has a good insight into how a thesis is assessed and can to some extent apply this insight on an existing thesis.

Assessment criteria - grade 5

The student has an extensive view of the thesis process and is able to plan and start the process independently. S/he is able to write an extensive knowledge base with discourse between the sources and is able to follow Haaga-Helia reporting instructions in an excellent way. The student has a real understanding of the difference between a thesis of product and research type. S/he can assess the suitability of different research and development methods and argue for what data collection method could be applied in different projects. The student has a knowledge about the importance of ethics in in research and development work. S/he has a good insight into how a thesis is assessed and can assess an existing thesis bases on the assessment criteria.

Learning materials

Porvoo Campus thesis instructions

Books, E-books??and journal articles

Online tutorials???

Industry related reports and statistics?

Instructors’ own materials, materials produced by students