Abstract:

Typically, Master of Science (MSc) students undertake their theses at companies or universities, choosing a topic which is interesting to both the student and organization. One possibility is to undertake a thesis, set in a scientific research project. The aim of this paper is to present the process of integrating MSc student theses with our existing research projects in the area of electromagnetic fields and health. Since 2004, we have integrated ten MSc theses into our research projects. In Finland, a thesis generally spans a six month working period. Typically, thesis planning starts with a research plan and identifies possible funding sources for the project. For students, it is important to find tasks that are possible to complete within 6 months. Generally the MSc thesis project comprises 4 parts: 1) a literature research, 2) different measurements or experiments 3) analysis of results and 4) reportage. In research projects, it is important that any student work supports the project and allows for high quality research and the production of new data. To facilitate this, we develop a linear connection between individual student works. As an example; a student compiled their thesis around the development of a human-shaped phantom to test pacemakers and defibrillators. The following student conducted experiments with the phantom under 400 kV power lines. A third student did further experiments under power lines and also at 400 kV substations whilst a fourth did experiments in a high voltage laboratory and calculated experimental situation. Typically, earlier students can teach the newer students and detailed planning takes place before experiments, e.g. ensuring correct measurement diaries are kept, or that any meters are calibrated and students can use these meters correctly. Senior researchers typically participate in the experiments and all experiments are photographed. All results are analysed with an aim to finding solutions to possible problems. These results are always planned for publication in articles or conference papers and this helps to ensure all experiments are conducted to the highest standards. Students can write articles which stem from their results, but typically they write only their theses and the scientific papers are written by senior researchers. The project work however is only part of the student’s overall MSc study programme, so it is important that he or she is afforded learning opportunities during the process. By example, we teach students skills to undertake, analyze and report their experiments correctly. Additionally, they learn how to conduct scientific projects. Contextually however, the MSc work is only a part of the overall project, and as such it is sometimes difficult to integrate both the learning process and the sponsors' hopes. In our final paper we cite example cases and show how we have integrated students in projects and in-turn try to develop the teaching process as part of our research projects.

Keywords:

Master of Science, research, university students.