ELE 3788 Bachelor Thesis
ELE 3788 Bachelor Thesis
The bachelor thesis is a major independent project, where students are required to formulate a problem statement within BI's subject areas and take full responsibility for conducting a research or investigative project. The thesis is written individually or in groups of up to three students.
All bachelor theses must contain at least the following:
- introduction: background and motivation for the thesis, problem formulation with limitations, and information about the structure of the thesis.
- literature review: the theoretical foundation of the thesis.
- methodology chapter: explaining in detail how data has been collected, analyzed, and interpreted.
- presentation of data findings.
- analysis of data findings.
- discussion of analysis results.
- Conclusion: answering the research problems and recommendations for further reseach
Any deviations from this structure must be approved by the supervisor. Certain types of theses may contain additional chapters.
The students are expected to
- understand how to conduct independent investigative work within a specified timeframe.
- comprehend what is required to meet scientific standards for methodology, form, and content.
- acquire knowledge within the subject area of the task, supported by relevant literature.
The students are expected to:
- formulate a clear research question that is well grounded in theory
- describe the phenomenon to be studied
- identify and select theories and methods that are relevant to the assignment
- apply central theories and methods to conduct analyses
- find, evaluate, and critically interpret relevant information for the research question
- draw credible and valid conclusions
- produce an assignment that is well-written, well-structured, and has a logical framework
- reference correctly and consistently
The students should
- develop the ability for critical reflection - be able to assess a research question from various perspectives and critically engage with their own research process
- be familiar with ethical guidelines for research - be able to handle confidentiality and the use of others' and possibly their own previous work
Students choose their own topic and research question. The research question must be approved by the supervisor. The course is conducted for all students through a combination of common lectures, teaching sessions, and individual guidance in smaller groups.
The common teaching includes:
- general scientific principles for investigations
- qualitative and critical interpretive methods, including text analysis, source criticism, participatory observation, and interviews
- quantitative methods
- methodological triangulation
- literature and information searching
- evaluation, use, and citation of sources
- effective strategies for planning, writing, and revising texts
- assessment of the text's structure, logic, readability, use of concepts, etc.
Teaching and guidance in smaller groups are organized by each supervisor:
- All students are entitled to a minimum of 3 individual guidance sessions.
- Additionally, the supervisor may organize seminars, workshops, and/or discipline-based teaching.
- If the supervisor does not conduct seminars, workshops, or discipline-based teaching, the students are entitled to 5 individual guidance sessions.
The learning activities are a combination of individual work/group work, common teaching, and guidance/teaching in smaller groups. To achieve satisfactory learning outcomes from the course, students must participate in all learning activities.
The following deadlines and timeframes for learning activities and administrative activities apply:
- April: Open for course registration (students who apply early, will be assigned a supervisor during May / June and can begin their work early).
- May–June: Supervisors will contact registered students.
- July 30: Final opportunity for course registration.
- August–October: Common teaching.
- August–November: Guidance and possibly teaching in smaller groups (these activities should be completed by November 30).
- December: Deadline for submission of the assignment.
Higher Education Entrance Qualification
Disclaimer
Deviations in teaching and exams may occur if external conditions or unforeseen events call for this.
| Assessments |
|---|
Exam category: Submission Form of assessment: Submission PDF Exam/hand-in semester: First Semester Weight: 100 Grouping: Group (1 - 3) Duration: 1 Semester(s) Exam code: ELE 37881 Grading scale: ECTS Resit: Examination when next scheduled course |
| Activity | Duration | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Teaching | 22 Hour(s) | |
Feedback activities and counselling | 3 Hour(s) | |
Seminar groups | 8 Hour(s) | |
Group work / Assignments | 340 Hour(s) | |
Prepare for teaching | 27 Hour(s) |
A course of 1 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 26-30 hours. Therefore a course of 15 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of at least 400 hours.
