Objectives:

The course aims to introduce and demonstrate the tools and provide advice and guidance, for a best possible implementation of the Master's study. Thus, the course prepares the students for the transition from the Bachelor level to participation in research at the master level, including writing a master thesis.

Content:

The course introduces commonly used tools and concepts for carrying out a Master's study, including literature search using library resources, use of programming and system tools/languages (Fortran, Matlab, LaTeX, unix, citation software), tips on how to structure and write a thesis, and presentation of ethical and scientific theory. The students get an introduction to how to prepare and implement a study in meteorology, oceanography or climate dynamics, which will help them to complete their Master´s thesis. An introduction to foundational problems related to meteorology, oceanography and climate dynamics will be given. Furthermore, ethical problems in the intersection between science and society will be critically examined and discussed.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has the knowledge to plan and structure a Master's Thesis and a Dissertation
• has the knowledge of the role of an academic supervisor

Skills

The student

• is able to handle text setting systems; analysis, programming and graphics tools; and library resources
• is able to prepare a LaTeX template for the Master's Thesis
• is able to use 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
• is able to present his/her own idea for research

General competence

The student

• can the basics of Linux, with focus on the command prompt line and text editors
• can evaluate ethical and social aspects and problems regarding own research and research in related disciplines