Course contents *

The Master programme is concluded by a degree project in which the student be expected to demonstrate ability to independently solve an engineering assignment by using a broad spectrum of skills.

The subject for the degree project can vary but it should relate to technology or technical development and have a clear contribution to product development or innovation.

Provided that the degree project satisfies the requirements above and provided that qualified supervision is available during the degree project, the student can choose to carry out the degree project either at an academic department or in industry.

Intended learning outcomes *

From KTH's established objectives for degree projects for Master's degree (120 credits) the student should be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific foundation and best practices for the chosen subject, as well as an advanced understanding of current research and development within the area and in-depth knowledge of research methodology.

2. demonstrate the ability to search, create and integrate knowledge and to identify if there is a need for additional knowledge, all with a holistic, critical and systematic work approach.

3. demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, assess and handle complex phenomena, issues and situations also with limited information

4. demonstrate the ability to plan and with adequate methods carry out qualified assignments within given time frames and to evaluate this work

5. demonstrate the ability, both orally and in writing, in dialogue with different groups, to clearly explain and discuss conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which these are based

6. demonstrate the ability to make assessments considering relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects

7. show such skill that is required to participate in research and development or to work independently in other qualified activities

Course Disposition

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Specific prerequisites *

Requirements established by the Master's programme, for starting a degree project. These requirements are found in the programme syllabus.

Recommended prerequisites

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Equipment

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Literature

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Grading scale *

P, F

Examination *

• XUPP - Thesis Project, 30.0 credits, Grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Four compulsory components are included in the degree project, the following:

1. Presence at at least two presentations of other master degree projects, before review/opposition and final presentation. Attendance at final presentations of degree projects, completed by students of other master programmes, may be included.

2. Be present and review at a planning seminar where problem definitions are discussed, together with method choices and the definition of the theoretical framework.

3. Review and be opponent at the presentation of another master degree project.

4. Carry out and submit an approved master degree project at a public seminar.

The Degree Project and the critical review should be carried out by one or two students.

Degree projects are equal to scientific reports, and are public documents. A cornerstone at scientific work is that the material is made public, and thus exposed to review by other researchers. Hence, it is inappropriate if parts of the contents of the degree project are confidential. This should be clarified with your project provider at an early stage to avoid surprises at the end.

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Participation in compulsory components should be listed on the form for compulsory components. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the form is filled out in an appropriate manner.

Other requirements for final grade *

KTH's established criteria for a pass in a degree project course for Master's degree (120 credits) are:

The literature study is well executed. Current research and development relevant to the work is presented in a clear manner. The selected method is well justified, based on science or proven experience and evaluated against other methods. Relevant knowledge from previous courses is adequately used.

The thesis task is handled autonomously and systematically, based on critical analysis and synthesis of relevant literature. The work demonstrates a holistic view. Appropriate databases and search tools are used. The need for further knowledge is discussed.

Relevant complex phenomena, issues and situations are identified in the degree project. The work clearly shows that these are well managed and analysed, even if available information is limited. Adequate judgements related to the research questions and results are implemented.

The project plan was followed. An advanced project is carried out within the agreed time and with the methodology agreed upon. Any changes to the plan or the have been agreed, between student and supervisor. Resources and limitations in the study are clearly presented.

The report is well organized and written in a well formulated and coherent language. The discussion on the conclusions is well motivated. The citations are relevant, phrased in the student's own wording, and well integrated. The oral presentation and the review, as well as the communication during the work, demonstrate the ability to present and sensitively discuss the work and its conclusions with different parties, such as employers, supervisors, teachers, researchers and students.

The degree project demonstrates judgement abilities, for example to explain, justify, criticize and recommend. Relevant topic-specific assessments based on science or proven experience have been made in the degree project. The degree project reflects on social and ethical aspects, unless this is shown to be irrelevant.

The student familiarizes him/herself with the task and demonstrates the ability to be a part of the working environment where the study was performed. The student demonstrates an ability to test, evaluate and also reject ideas and solutions in the discussions on the task. The student shows initiative and is open for supervision and criticism. The degree project is carried out largely independently.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

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Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

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Examiner

Sofia Ritzén

Course web

Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.

Offered by

ITM/Machine Design

Main field of study *

Mechanical Engineering

Education cycle *

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Ethical approach *

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.