Statistics, Independent Project, Second Cycle, 15 credits

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student shall, through the thesis work together with the defense of the thesis and opposition on a different thesis at the thesis seminar show

• Increased understanding of a scientific and methodical work process,
• Increased knowledge in statistical methods and their application,
• Increased ability to critically review scientific papers,
• Increased ability to independently identify, formulate and carry out a study where an empirical question is analyzed with statistical methods or a theoretical statistical issue is investigated,
• Increased ability to independently identify appropriate approaches and analysis methods and, when required, develop and adapt these to new situations,
• Increased ability to give reasons for and explain the choice of analysis method,
• Increased ability to communicate scientific ideas and results in written and oral form,
• Increased ability to critically review and discuss other students’ theses.

Content

• Lectures related to the thesis writing process.
• Mandatory start-up seminar where the students orally present their chosen topic, the specific issues or questions that will be addressed, the chosen approach and their plan for the thesis work. A written report should be submitted no later than the day before the seminar.
• Mandatory halftime seminar where the students orally report on the progress of their work, which statistical methods have been used, which data and the results that have been obtained so far. A written report should be submitted no later than two days before the seminar.
• Thesis writing.
• Thesis seminar with opposition and defense. The thesis should be made available to the opponents in good time before the seminar according to the instructions for the seminar.

Examinations and grades

Examination, 15 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a passing grade is required on all course components. The final grade for the entire course is a function of the grades of the course components. Detailed information on the requirements for different grade levels is given at the course start.

Modes of assessment

Examination, 15 credits (Code: A001)
Independent project: Written thesis, defense of the thesis, opposition on a different thesis.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

First-cycle courses of 90 credits in statistics, including an independent project of 15 credits, alternatively 30 credits are for studies in statistics and 60 credits for mathematics, alternatively first-cycle courses of 60 credits in statistics including 7.5 credits of Statistical theory and 7.5 credits of Regression analysis/Econometrics. In addition 15 credits in statistics at second-cycle where the courses Statistics, Probability Theory, second cycle, 5 credits and Statistics, Inference Theory, second cycle, 5 credits are included. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The thesis is written individually.
The thesis is written in English if nothing else is announced at the start of the course.
The students have the opportunity to revise the thesis after the thesis seminar. The final version of the thesis should be submitted to the examiner no later than two weeks after the thesis seminar.
Students who fail the opposition or defense parts of the examination can be reexamined. The reexamination should be conducted no later than the next regular thesis seminar.
Students who fail the thesis part can submit a revised thesis for reexamination no later than two months after they received the grade. No further reexaminations or revisions are permitted.
An extra thesis seminar will be arranged two to three months after regular seminar for theses that are not submitted in time for the regular thesis seminar. Reexamination of defense and opposition will be held in connection with the extra thesis seminar.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

The readings required to complete the thesis work.

Additions and Comments

The literature depends on the thesis topic.