Fall 2021 - EASC 810 G100

MSc Thesis Proposal

Class Number: 1361

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    Enrollment in MSc program.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Candidates must make an oral presentation of the written research proposal to an open audience including the supervisory committee, followed by a closed discussion between the student and committee. This allows the committee to assess the suitability of the project and the ability of the student to undertake the proposed research. The proposal presentation usually takes place prior to the end of the second term of enrollment. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

COURSE DETAILS:

EASC 810: MSc Thesis Proposal

PURPOSE: The presentation of the MSc thesis proposal provides a structured opportunity for the student and Supervisory Committee to discuss and agree upon the proposed research, ideally in advance of significant research progress. It serves as an opportunity for the committee to assess the suitability of the project and the preparation of the student to undertake the proposed research. It also serves a training role in requiring the student to articulate, both orally and in writing, the scientific objectives of the research and a plan for meeting them.

PROCEDURE:

The M.Sc. candidate is required to submit to the Supervisory Committee a written thesis proposal, which should include:

  • background, scientific context and motivation for the proposed research
  • specific research objectives
  • research methodology
  • results of any preliminary work
  • expected outcomes and significance of the proposed research
  • proposed research timetable and, if appropriate, an estimated budget

The thesis proposal will be presented in an oral colloquium, chaired by the Senior Supervisor, by the end of the second semester. The colloquium begins with a 20 minute open oral presentation by the candidate that should include an outline of the research objectives and how these objectives will be met. Following a brief period where questions from the audience are entertained, the candidate and Supervisory Committee will have a closed meeting to discuss the proposal, including the scientific objectives, the proposed research methodology and the ability of the student to carry out the proposed research. The colloquium will usually serve as the first Supervisory Committee meeting for MSc students.

ASSESSMENT: The outcome of EASC 810 is assessed as satisfactory/unsatisfactory, as agreed upon by the Supervisory Committee. The committee must approve the written thesis proposal, either as presented at the colloquium, or upon revision afterward.

 
TIMING: The thesis proposal should take place prior to the end of the second semester of enrolment.

  1. Student and Supervisor: Agree upon a date. Confirm availability of Supervisory Committee members.

 

  1. Student and/or Supervisor: Request a room booking through the Graduate Secretary.

 

  1. Student: Provide the Supervisory Committee with a copy of the thesis proposal two weeks prior to the colloquium date. Notify the Graduate Secretary of the title of the thesis proposal.

 

  1. Graduate Secretary: When the date, time and room booking have been confirmed, send an email including the student name, thesis proposal title, colloquium date, time and location, and names of committee members to:

         easc-grads       (EASC graduate students)
         easc-talks         (seminar & talks – open list, anyone can subscribe)
         earth-science   (EASC faculty & staff)

 

  1. Student: At least three days before the colloquium, deliver a copy of the thesis proposal to the Graduate Secretary for display in the EASC General Office.

 

    6. Graduate Secretary: Upon delivery of the thesis proposal at least three days prior to the colloquium:
      -Create a poster for front door
     - Send a reminder email to: easc-grads (EASC graduate students); easc-talks (seminar & talks – open list, anyone can subscribe); earth-science (EASC      faculty & staff)
  1. Supervisor: Once the Supervisory Committee has approved the thesis proposal, either at or after the colloquium, sign the Acceptance of Thesis Proposal Form and attach the finalized copy of the thesis proposal. The finalized copy should reflect any revisions that were suggested as a result of the colloquium, and represents an agreement between the student and Supervisory Committee as to the intended objectives, scope, methodology, expected outcomes and timeline of the proposed research. The proposal may be updated, if necessary, by mutual agreement through committee meetings and progress reports.

 

  1. Graduate Secretary: Retain the hard copy of the thesis proposal displayed in the EASC General Office as a resource for other students. Place a copy of the thesis proposal and the original Acceptance of Thesis Proposal Form in the student’s departmental file. If the outcome of the colloquium is satisfactory, ensure that the student receives credit for completion of EASC 810.  

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

N/A

REQUIRED READING:

N/A

RECOMMENDED READING:

N/A

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.