Practical information

1. Practical information January 4 2008

2. Content • Dates and deadlines, the agreement • Extended abstract, web site • Supervisors role, students role, responsibility, to be critical • Network – you always know someone who knows someone • The difference between Word and LaTeX

3. Dates and deadlines I January 4 Master seminar 1 January 20 Deadline for handing in the signed agreement and extended abstract March 28 Master seminar 2 • Refresh course in handling results, statistics etc May 9 Master seminar 3 • How to make good presentations • Information about opposition, report details, handing in routines etc

4. Dates and deadlines II May 29Deadline for handing in the report to supervisor, opponent and Fronter June 5 at 7.00Deadline foruploading the opponent report and the presentation in Fronter June 5–6Master thesis presentations July 1 (June 30 at 23.59)Deadline for handing in the final thesis

5. The agreement • Deadline January 20 • Required for doing the thesis • Agreement between student and supervisor(s) • Hand in to “Studenttorget” as soon as possible and on January 20 at the latest

6. Extended abstract • Hand in by email to monica.strand@hig.no by January 20 in .txt format (no formatting) • Will be used on the departments web site

7. Web site • Present yourself and your project • Re-use what you do along the way (start with your extended abstract) • Keep it updated • Send the address to Monica and she will link to your site from the departments web site

8. Supervisors role • Guiding the master student through the project • Realistic time schedule, Research focus • Realistic perspective on the focus and feasibility of the research • Being available for discussions and questions in regular meetings • Literature, Methodologies, Results, Thesis

9. Students role and responsibilities • Keeping in contact with the supervisor(s), making appointments for meetings and feedback • Taking the initiative in raising problems or difficulties with the research • The supervisor(s) will not “baby-sit” you. You are your own boss and you have to push yourself • Submit written material in sufficient time to allow for proper comment and discussion • If you want feedback or assistance – you have to ask for it • This is your project – the supervisor will assist you and discuss with you, but not do the work for you

10. Be critical • Your supervisor(s) (and other resources) may have different opinions about your project • It is your job to (or get help to) evaluate the different information you get • Be critical to all your sources and try to reflect it in the discussions in your thesis

11. Network • Build and maintain your networks • There is always someone that knows someone • Useful during your project and when you are looking for jobs • Keep in touch with your class mates – they are your best and most useful network (now and forever ;)

12. Word or LaTeX? • Most student underestimate Word • because it is very easy to start using • but very large and complicated to master • It takes time to master LaTeX, but not more than mastering Word • With LaTeX you do not have to worry about layout – you can concentrate on content • It is easier to manage references and reading lists with LaTeX/BibTeX

13. Word or LaTeX II • If you still want to use Word – use programmes like EndNote or similar for your references • Buy a book about how to master LaTeX/MS Word

14. Questions? • Ask now! or Information security: • E-mail Slobodan (slobodanp@hig.no) Media technology: • E-mail Monica (monica.strand@hig.no) • MSN Monica (monica.strand@hig.no)