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M30-FORNY Master's Thesis

Credits (ECTS):30

Course responsible:Thomas Martinsen

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Course frequency:Annually.

Nominal workload:750 hours

Teaching and exam period:The master thesis is written during the fall semester and delivered according to guidelines in December, or during the spring semester and delivered according to guidelines in May.

About this course

The master thesis is an independent work written and structured according to academic standards. The student should write a scientific report on a specific subject related to Renewable energy based on a research question developed together with the supervisor(s). The work includes data processing, statistical analysis and evaluation of the results in light of relevant literature. Suggested subjects of master theses can be found on the faculty website.

Learning outcome

The course provides students with comprehensive knowledge of a specific topic and the various steps in a research process. The student obtains skills in independent problem solving, gathering and evaluating sources of information, scientific reasoning, statistical analysis as well as critical assessment of their results. After completing the course, the student is able to assess the quality of research carried out within their own and neighboring disciplines.
  • The student undertakes research which will result in a scientific report (master thesis).

  • Instructions, information on deadlines and links to suggested topics are available at the website of the Faculty «For MINAs masterstudenter».

    Information about the choice of thesis topic, the writing process, deadlines and guidelines are presented to the students during the first year.

    The student is encouraged to benefit from courses and information from the University Library and The Writing Centre at NMBU.

    Each student has the right to 40 hours of supervision from a supervisor with competence in the subject. The supervisor should be available for the student to an extent that provides the appropriate support within given timeframes. The student must sign a contract with the supervisor(s). The relationship between the supervisor and the student is formalized in this contract. The student has a responsibility to stay in touch with the supervisor throughout the process of developing the master's thesis.

  • Passed a relevant methods course, and solid knowledge within the subject of the thesis.

  • Written assignment with oral presentation and discussion of the assignment.

    The master thesis is completed with an oral examination which should be undertaken within 6 weeks from delivery of the thesis. At the examination, the student will give a presentation of the work (20 minutes), followed by questions from the external examiner and supervisor (30-60 minutes). The outcome of the oral examination (presentation/discussion/answers) can impact the final grade of the thesis. The grading follows a national system for studies in mathematics, science and technology.



  • The examination committee comprises an internal and an external examiner. The internal examiner is usually the supervisor.
  • A contract between the student and the supervisor(s), including a time plan, should be delivered to the faculty and be approved before the work with the master thesis can start.
  • Supervision is undertaken based on agreements between the student and the supervisor(s).
  • M-FORNY
  • Students enrolled in the master program in Management of natural resources, and students enrolled in other master programs at NMBU, writing a thesis with thematic focus on renewable energy and being supervised by a MINA employee.