Key words
Electronics, Research, Project, Design
Objectives
The master thesis is considered to be the final bridge between education and the job as an engineer. All competences that were acquired during the years of education, have to be applied in the master thesis with the aim of conceiving, developing, implementing and validating an original solution to a complex problem. The subject of the master thesis bears close resemblance to the problems that a junior engineer or researcher gets to solve in his/her job, either in the industry or in the academic world.
The following aspects are certainly dealt with in each master thesis electronics-ICT:
- understanding and analysing a complex and scientific engineering problem;
- independence, creativity and personal initiative;
- cross-disciplinary aspects;
- attention for the academic orientation and the broader context of the subject;
- attention for quality and robustness;
- skills concerning innovation and research;
- a link with the current scientific and technological development in the world of electronics or ICT.
The master thesis can be preceded on a voluntary basis by an internship on the job. The internship usually takes place during a self-chosen part of the vacation period before the start of the master year.
Topics
- The student chooses the subject at the beginning of the academic year after consulting a supervisor.
- The following aspects can be dealt with: study on the basis of scientific publications, research, scientific-technological preliminary study, scientific-technological design and possibly a realisation.
- The master thesis accounts for 21 credits and is an important part of the master year. The assignment can be very diverse. Preferably, the master thesis fits in the research lines of the department, the faculty or the association. It can also be of social value or it can be of use for the industry. As for master theses that are scientifically oriented, the supervisor is also responsible for their scientific values as well as their links with the current research topics. As for master theses that are oriented at engineering, the emphasis lies on the exploration of technology, product innovation, design methodology, efficient implementation and quality. This means that not only the solution of one particular problem is looked at, but also the engineering process itself has to be investigated in a sufficiently broad context and with sufficient depth.
- Reporting efficiently about the realised work is exercised as well. This is done by reporting to the supervisor on a weekly basis. Moreover, a preliminary defence is organised where the supervisor gives feedback on possible shortcomings and will run through the further schedule. The student learns to make a poster by means of which he/she will explain the subject in a short and clear way.
- Sufficient copies of the dissertation that are printed recto-verso are handed in at least three weeks before the oral defence. For each master thesis, a separate reading committee will be put together.
- Extra attention is paid to the quality of the book and the electronic version. The book has to reach an academic level. During the course of the academic year, the student has to fill in a document containing all data of the master thesis. Apart from the identification data, also a list of Dutch and English key words and a Dutch and English abstract have to be drawn up. At least two weeks before the master thesis is definitively handed in, the student has to present a sample copy to the supervisor.
- The project is defended orally in a final presentation that is open to the public. At this occasion, the jury asks critical questions. Additionally, the results have to be supported by a proof-of-concept (e.g. a demonstration of the software that was written or of the realised hardware).
Prerequisites
The final objectives that were achieved in the compulsory courses of the academic bachelor in industrial sciences: electronics-ICT or those of the professional bachelor, completed by the appropriate follow-up study programme that gives access to the master of industrial sciences: electronics-ICT.
Final Objectives
To be able to think, judge and act in a creative and scientific manner (AC1)
To be able to collect and process relevant scientific and technological information in an adequate manner (AC2)
To be able to solve complex problems in an adequate manner (AC3)
To be able to communicate in an adequate manner about one’s personal research and solutions to problems, both with laymen and colleagues (AC4)
To be able to judge with the necessary critical self-reflection and to act in an uncertain context (AC5)
To be able to work together in multidisciplinary surroundings (AWC4)
To be able to independently conduct research tasks at the level of a junior researcher (AIC4)
Materials used
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- All course material of the study programmes bachelor and master in industrial sciences: electronics-ICT
- Specialist literature related to the chosen subject
- Extra documentation (e.g. Guidelines for a master thesis) via the electronic learning platform Dokeos
- The student is coached in order to be able to independently look up and assimilate the rest of the necessary study material in a structured way.
Study costs
Copying of the book (50 euro)
Printing of the poster (20 euro)
Transport for seminars, trainings to/from the company or university
Study guidance
Individual guidance and/or coaching by internal and/or external supervisors who follow up and coordinate the master thesis. The supervisors are always available for more explanation or clarification via the appropriate channels (e-mail or personal appointment). It is advisable that the student reports to the supervisors on a regular basis (to be mutually arranged).
Teaching Methods
Self study
Project work
Assessment
The assessment of the master thesis is the result of a permanent evaluation of the daily work and the marking of the final product. Supervisors, readers and members of the jury assess the result, taking into account the following aspects: permanent evaluation, scientific value, presentation during the open house day, oral presentation and a demonstration of the realised final product. The marks are attributed as follows:
- The value of the master thesis as a product accounts for 50% of the total assessment. These marks are split up into 30% for the value of the written book, 10% for the quality of the work and 10% for originality and independence. These marks are awarded by the supervisors and the members of the reading committee.
- The oral presentation and the defence of the master thesis account for 30% of the total assessment. 20% is accounted for by the presentation itself (together with the answers on the questions of the jury) and 10% on a proof-of-concept (e.g. a working demonstration of the written software and/or realised hardware). These marks are awarded by the supervisors, members of the reading committee and attendees from the academic staff.
- A last part marks the efforts and motivation in the course of the academic year. Here, 20% of the marks can be earned. These marks are exclusively awarded by the supervisors.
Lecturer(s)
Members of the department Electronics-ICT
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