Bachelor Thesis in Urban Planning and Societal Safety (BYSBAC)

Content

The bachelor thesis can come in many different forms. Some assignments include planning and design work, whilst other assignments are more theoretical. An assignment could include a comprehensive study of a topic based on multiple literature sources; or it could consist of a more comprehensive, independent discussion, or an assignment where one has to solve a specific problem, hypothesis, or develop and/or conceptually design a place.

In general, the thesis must contain a clearly defined problem and solution. It should be well structured and articulated. Arguments for and against a given statement must be logically presented with supportive evidence.

The students must propose the topic for the assignment, and are responsible for planning the project, including finding methods for collecting information and searching for relevant literature. The supervisor acts as an advisor in the process.

The presentations should be read by a fellow student with the same background without having to use additional information material to understand the thesis. Reproduction from textbooks etc. on general theory and knowledge should be limited. A reference list must be prepared. More information about the bachelor's thesis at the Faculty of Science and Technology can be found here: Writing assignments at the Faculty of Science and Technology | University of Stavanger (uis.no).

Learning outcome

A candidate who has completed and passed the bachelor thesis will have acquired the following learning outcomes:

• Is able to work independently
• Is able to describe the problem clearly using the terms and expressions of the academic field
• Has experience with literature review and scientific reporting
• Can apply relevant theoretical models or studies supported by scientific research
• Is aware of and can justify the use of relevant methodological tools and techniques
• Can investigate the problem statement and is able to connect the conclusion to the problem statement
• Is able to critically reflect on their own work
• Can perform an impact analysis of the final product of their thesis. Important factors to consider are environmental, health and societal impacts, with ethics considerations as the guiding principle.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Refer to Regulations for the Bachelor's and Master's thesis (Thesis writing at the Faculty of Science and Technology | University of Stavanger (uis.no)) for requirements for passed credits to take a bachelor's thesis.

Exam

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Tegg Westbrook

Head of Department:

Tore Markeset

Method of work

The bachelor’s thesis should be relevant to the study programme. The student can choose in a list of proposed projects given by the academic staff at the department, or he/she can propose his/her own project and get help to formulate it together with one of the staff. The project can be performed individually or in cooperation with one or two other students. It is important both to the student and the course coordinator / supervisor that a good cooperation routine is established during the execution of the project. This may e.g. take the form of regular meetings in which the student will present and discuss his/her work as it develops. Preferably the student should have written something that can form the basis of the conversation/discussion with the course coordinator / supervisor. It is an advantage to start writing the thesis at the earliest possible stage.

Open for

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course coordinator, the student representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature