Methodology and Report WritingLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

After completing this course, students are able to write their final project report. They are familiar with the guidelines related to the final project. The student is familiar with methods and principles of research relevant to their professional field. They know the intellectual and ethical requirements of composing a final project report. They can identify development needs in their own field, outline a research topic and choose an appropriate research method to address the research question. They can find source material and review it critically. They know the principles of expository, research and industry-specific writing. Students are able to argue and reflect on relevant points and justify their choices.
The student is able to communicate as an expert in various research and development positions and environments, and retrieve and evaluate information critically and use it in a target-oriented way.

Content

- Guidelines for the final project report.
- Mastering, outlining and structuring research information.
- Research methods related to the professional field.
- Outlining of a research topic and research question.
- Use of source material.
- Research ethics.
- Principles of research based writing.
- Fundamentals of scientific writing
- Ethical and critical use of sources, and proper referencing

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Students have acceptable participation in class and complete the assignments to a satisfactory standard. They can choose a thesis topic related to their professional field. They are acquainted with key research methods and are able to choose a research method for their thesis. They are acquainted with structural and ethical principles of thesis writing. The student is able to acquire information from professional sources and to utilise such information in their studies and work. The student is able to act appropriately in communication situations related to expert work and research and development work.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Students actively participate in class and complete the assignments to a good standard. They are able to apply their learning well. They are able to choose a thesis topic related to the development of their professional field and define it clearly. They are familiar with key research methods and are able to choose a method suitable to their thesis topic. They are familiar with structural and ethical principles of thesis writing and are able to apply them in their research plan.
The student is able to acquire information comprehensively from professional sources and to evaluate its reliability and usability in their studies and work. The student is able to act constructively in communication situations related to expert work and research and development work.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Students actively participate in class and complete the assignments to an excellent standard. They are able to apply their learning excellently and are able to reflect on their learning process. They are able to choose a thesis topic that contributes to their professional field and define it in a precise and appropriate manner. They are familiar with key research methods in a versatile way and are able to choose a method appropriate to their thesis goals.
They master the structural and ethical principles of thesis writing and are able to apply them in an appropriate and versatile way in their research plan. The student is able to acquire information comprehensively from professional sources and to evaluate its reliability and usability in their studies and work in a critical way. The student is able to act as a group member or head of a group in communication situations related to expert work and research and development work. The student displays a willingness to develop their communication and interaction skills required of experts.