This course introduces commonly used tools and concepts for carrying out a Master¿s study, including literature search, using library resources and programming tools (Fortran, Matlab, LaTeX, referencing software), ethics and scientific theory, and tips on how to structure and write a thesis. The course will prepare the students for the transition from lower degree studies to participation in research on the master level. Students are given an introduction to how to plan and carry out their scientific studies on meteorology and oceanography and skills which will help them to complete their Master´s thesis. An introduction to foundational problems as well as ethics in the context of geophysics, including the relation between science and society is given.

The course is open for students planning to write their Master´s thesis in Meteorology, Ooceanography, Climate dynamics or in Energy at Geophysical Institute at the University of Bergen.

After completing the course GEOF301 the student will be able to:

- know how to plan and structure a Master's Thesis and a Dissertation

- handle text setting systems; analysis, programming and graphics tools; and library resources

- know the role of an academic supervisor

- know some basics of LaTeX including the structure of a document, the definition of figures and tables, the expression of mathematical equations and the definition of references within the text and to literature

- has already prepared a LaTeX template for the Master¿s Thesis

- know the basics of Linux, with focus on the command prompt line and text editors

- know the basics of fortran 77/90 (input/output, data types, loops, control structures, etc.)

- evaluate ethical and social aspects and problems regarding own research and research in related disciplines