Study Guide

Objective

After completing this course, the students will be able to
• choose and define a relevant topic and a specific development task and research question for their Master's thesis
• find and evaluate sources and information relevant for their Master's thesis
• construct a relevant theoretical framework for their Master's thesis
• choose appropriate methods for the reseach and development activities of their thesis project
• consider ethical aspects and GDPR in their research and development work
• write a research and development plan for their thesis, following the practices and rules of academic research writing

Content

• Professional, theoretical and research contexts for the Master's thesis
• Information seeking and evaluation for the needs of the Master's thesis
• The role of methodological and theoretical frameworks in a Master's thesis
• The role of research methods in supporting development work for a thesis
• Ethical considerations and GDPR in research and development work
• Academich research writing and communication at various phases of the thesis process

Materials

Info Skills Online Course:
- Information and Research Guides and subject guide Arts and Culture
https://libguides.turkuamk.fi/informationandresearchguides

Other relevant learning materials will be instructed on itslearning course platforms.

Teaching methods

- Reading materials
- Individual and group assignments
- Group discussions and presentations in online sessions
- Info skills online course

Student workload

1) Reading 3 Master’s thesis works of Turku UAS students and writing a short summary on them
2) Group presentation of a chosen methodological/theoretical approach & an individual text on one approach
3) Mindmap of the theoretical concepts, research methods and materials, academic and professional contexts etc. of one’s thesis project.
4) Concept note for the thesis project
5) Mini essay on ethical considerations and GDPR in one's own thesis project

Content scheduling

Info Skills online course, 1 ECTS, introductory meeting on Tue 29.8. at 15:00-16:00, deadline for all assignments 30.11.2023 (a separate itslearning course)
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Thu 31.8. at 16–18 Introduction to the Development work methods and design course & the Master’s thesis requirements & process in Turku UAS (Vesa & Pirita)

Wed 13.9. at 16–18 Role of theory in research and in the thesis (Vesa)

Wed 4.10. at 16–18 18 Role of research methods in RDI projects and in the thesis (Pirita)

Wed 25.10. at 16–18 Presentations on theoretical/methodological frameworks

Wed 1.11./8.11. at 16–18 Seminar (half of the group on one day) – discussing preliminary plans (concept notes) for the thesis project

Wed 22.11. at 16–18 Research ethics and integrity and GDPR in research (Vesa)

Wed 29.11. at 16–18 Thesis as a text – academic writing; Instructions for writing the researh & development plan (Pirita)

Further information

Development work methods and design consists of preparatory work for the development work and/or research conducted in the thesis project.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment is based on the learning assignments.