Economics Bachelor Thesis

The course is a 15-credit advanced course in Economics within the first-cycle level.

The course can be part of the following programmes: 1) Programme in Business and Economics (S1EKA), 2) Program in Environmental Social Science (S1SMI).

Admission to the course requires a minimum of 105 approved credits in total, of which at least 45 credits must be from both introductory and intermediate levels in Economics. The approved studies in Economics must include a course in Econometrics or equivalent.

The student must also have studied advanced-level courses within the first-cycle level in Economics equivalent to 15 credits before the thesis course starts.

The overall objective of the course is to study and analyse an economic problem based on relevant scientific method, economic theory and previous research.

The main part of the work done in this course will be students working on their own, but the course also contains a number of lectures and seminars, as well as supervision.

The course is concluded by presentation and defence of the thesis at a seminar. Besides defending one´s own paper there is also the responsibility to serve as discussant for someone else's paper and to actively participate in a number of other seminars.

The thesis may be written in Swedish or English. Discussion of the thesis at the final seminar should generally be conducted in the language of the thesis.

The thesis is written together with another student. This rule is applied strictly, but exceptions can be made, if for instance an odd number of students are enrolled in the course

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to independently analyze economic problems by:

1. formulating an economic problem in a way that shows that the student has incorporated previous courses.

2. applying relevant economic theory and basic scientific methods.

3. structuring a written project work in a clear and correct language.

4. searching and critically reviewing different kinds of information.

5. orally presenting and defending the work.

6. orally giving constructive feedback on work written by other students, as well as being able to give written constructive feedback on the same work.

The tuition consists of seminars and individual guidance.

Language of instruction: English and Swedish

Learning outcomes 1-4 are assessed through a written essay. Learning outcome 5 is assessed through an oral presentation and defense of the student´s own essay. Learning outcome 6 is assessed through oral opposition on another student’s essay.

The course includes elements with mandatory attendance. A student who does not attend a mandatory session can, in order to pass the course, complete a special supplementary assignment.

An essay that does not achieve the grade Sufficient (E) can either be supplemented or assessed to be of such quality that a completely new essay must be written.

If a student, who has failed the same examined element on two occasions, wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be submitted to the department in writing and granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6, Section 22 of Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, though at most two years after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to work experience and VFU, although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

If a student has been informed that they meet the requirements to be a student at the National Sports University (RIU student), the examiner has the right to decide on adjustments during examinations, provided this is done in accordance with the Local Regulations for RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E) and Fail (F).

Course evaluation is done digitally and anonymously at the end of the course.

The survey material is compiled and the results from the course evaluation and proposals for possible improvement measures are discussed at the course committee meeting. After the course evaluation is completed, the result will be published at the course homepage.

If a change of course is done based on the course evaluation, this will be communicated at the course introduction for the upcoming student group.

Limitations: The course may not be included in the same degree as the course "Project Paper with Discussant, 15 credits", which is part of NEG300 and NE0300, as well as NEK315.