5 ECTS Montpellier, Kourou Year 2 Semester 3 Compulsory Integrative/inter/transdisciplinary, Environmental sciences, Humanities, Tool 11
Content
This module prepares students to the design, planning and implementation of a research project in general. The academic training is applied to the building of the student’s individual thesis project (module Thesis). Such preparation is all the more important since thesis projects are generally conducted at third-party legal entities, and since they include fieldwork, preferably in the tropics.
This module requires students to prepare and defend an individual plan (thesis project plan) for the research that the student will undertake during the thesis fieldwork/internship and dissertation phases. The thesis project plan must incorporate:
- a literature review
- a clear statement of hypotheses or questions to be addressed
- an outline of the methods to be used
- output expectations
- a risk analysis
- a realistic timetable, and
- elements of logistical organization.
The review is expected to contain a critical appraisal of the assembled material.
The thesis project plan is developed under the joint supervision of the placement supervisor (at hosting entity) and of the academic supervisor at AgroParisTech. See more explanations of the role of each supervisor in the Thesis module webpage.
The thesis/internship project is formally approved by the academic supervisor following the thesis project plan defence.
Learning outcomes
Students should be able to
- collect, critically evaluate, synthesise and report on information on an agreed topic to an agreed standard
- generate hypotheses or questions that can be tested in a scientific experiment or other form of investigation
- build a realistic timetable and identify valuable scientific and operational outputs of a research project.
Teaching and learning methods
At AgroParisTech-Kourou (September-December), about 25 hours of personal work are scheduled to help students produce their thesis project plan, with access to the AgroParisTech videoconference room and documentation center.
At AgroParisTech-Montpellier (January-February) about 15 hours mixing lectures, practical work, staff tutorship, and consultation are provided to help students finalize their thesis project plan and coaching sessions (1-2 hours per student) are organized to help them finalize their oral defences.
Type of assessment
- Individual
- Defence, Written assignment
The thesis project plan is evaluated by one or two academics (including the academic thesis supervisor). The oral defence is evaluated by a board of academics and external experts, including at least the placement supervisor and the academic supervisor.
Institution(s)
- Location: Montpellier, Kourou
- ECTS granting: AgroParisTech
- Organisation: AgroParisTech
Coordinator(s)
All AgroParisTech academic staff in Montpellier and Kourou
