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Prerequisites
Language of instruction
Duration
Identical coursesResearch Project Planning (B-KUL-I0U41A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Somers Ben (coordinator) | N. Aims
Students will learn how to define and set up a thesis research project. Guided by their promoter, they will conduct a thorough literature study of their thesis research topic, formulate a problem statement, define research objectives, and design a research methodology. Based on this, they will submit a 5 to 10 pages written report and also present their thesis research proposal at the end of the semester.
The aim is that students learn to:
- Synthesize and critically reflect on the scientific literature relevant for their thesis research project;
- Design their research methods and plan their research activities, and
- Present their research proposal to their peers, both in written and oral form.
- maintain/acquire awareness of the plagiarism and GenAI use policy of KU Leuven and the faculty.
Previous knowledge
Knowledge in agro- and ecosystems engineering obtained through the courses of the first and second semester of the first stage of the Master of Agro- and eCosystems Engineering.
Identical courses
This course is identical to the following courses:
I0J27A : Onderzoeksproject Planning
Is included in these courses of study
- Master of Bioscience Engineering: Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering (Leuven) (Major Subject: Agricultural and Resource Economics) 120 ects.
- Master of Bioscience Engineering: Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering (Leuven) (Major Subject: Forest, Nature and Landscape Systems) 120 ects.
- Master of Bioscience Engineering: Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering (Leuven) (Major Subject: Plant Production Systems) 120 ects.
- Master of Bioscience Engineering: Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering (Leuven) (Major Subject: Soil and Water Systems) 120 ects.
Activities
5 ects. Research Project Planning (B-KUL-I0U42a)
Content
The promoter/supervisor explains what is expected in terms of self-study by the student, i.e. definition of hypothesis, goal of thesis, choice of research methods, work plan, etc. He/she will also explain how to organize and implement a literature study. The student regularly meets with the supervisor/promoter to discuss progress and receive feedback.
The students will maintain/acquire awareness of plagiarism and GenAI by using the Toledo tutorial "Information literacy KU Leuven libraries (Science and Technology)" (NL/EN) and testing it. The test is not compulsory.
Course material
Instructions on how to write the dissertation are available through the promoter. Search tools like Web of Science or Google Scholar can be used to find literature.
Format: more information
The promoter/supervisor explains what is expected in terms of self-study by the student, i.e. definition of hypothesis, goal of thesis, choice of research methods, work plan, etc. He/she will also explain how to organize and implement a literature study. The student regularly meets with the supervisor/promoter to discuss progress and receive feedback.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Research Project Planning (B-KUL-I2U41a)
Explanation
The grading scale of this course unit is pass/fail.
The evaluation is based on a written report and an oral presentation as follows:
Written report: During the semester the student prepares a report of 5 to 10 pages with the following structure/content:
• Title of the research
• Problem statement based on a (preliminary) literature review
• Objective of the research
• Research methodology
The student brings the report, signed by the promoter(s) for approval, to the oral examination session
Oral presentation: Presentation of the planned research (10 minutes) at the end of the semester
The evaluators are: Promoter (approval of the written report), and the lecturers of the course (evaluation of the oral presentation)
This OLA is evaluated as pass/fail:
• Pass: the student is allowed to start the actual Thesis Research Project
• Fail: the student has to repeat the presentation before he/she is allowed to start the Thesis Research Project