The main contents are adapted to the situation that the degree project is expected to be carried out; the in-depth subject study, application area, academic or industrial environment, national or international etc

With a high degree of initiative and independence, formulate and solve an engineering problem by using a wide range of skills. The subject for the degree project can vary, but it must contain significant technical contents and include a clear application of mechatronics. 

From KTH's established objectives for degree projects for Master's degree (120 credits) the student should be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific foundation and best practices for the chosen subject, as well as an advanced understanding of current research and development within the area and in-depth knowledge of research methodology.

2. demonstrate the ability to search, create and integrate knowledge and to identify if there is a need for additional knowledge, all with a holistic, critical and systematic work approach.

3. demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, assess and handle complex phenomena, issues and situations also with limited information

4. demonstrate the ability to plan and with adequate methods carry out qualified assignments within given time frames and to evaluate this work

5. demonstrate the ability, both orally and in writing, in dialogue with different groups, to clearly explain and discuss conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which these are based

6. demonstrate the ability to make assessments considering relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects

7. show such skill that is required to participate in research and development or to work independently in other qualified activities

Subject-specific aims:

After passing the course, the students should be able to:

- demonstrate advanced knowledge of the principles of the structure of a mechatronic system and its function

- suggest, explain and defend (industrial) design solutions for composite mechatronic products

- orally and in writing, in dialogue with others, account for and discuss one's conclusions, for mechatronic problems and solutions.  

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

P, F

• XUPP - Thesis Project, 30 credits, Grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Thesis Project ( XUPP )

The master thesis describing the thesis project should be no longer than 10000 words, and it should include the following sections (note that this supersedes the instructions in Appendix B in the master thesis handbook):

A) Abstract

An abstract that allows an "informed reader" to grasp the contents of the report. This abstract should be 100% finished at the 80%-draft of the report.

B) Introduction

Define the background of your project, the purpose of the report, specific descriptions of problems, your research questions, any limitations to the scope of your investigation, and (briefly) your chosen methodology.

C) Related Work / Theoretical Background / Theoretical Framework

It is necessary to describe the relevant, scientific background knowledge concerning the area in which you will perform your thesis work. One goal of this section is to analyse the literature reviewed and thus specify the direction of your project work. The main goal is for you to build on and expand your existing knowledge to assist you in dealing with the task at hand. This section is ideally structured as describing related work (scientific papers that perform variants of the same investigation as you do), as a theoretical background (scientific papers that deal with the same problem area as you do), or as a theoretical framework (scientific papers that you use to create a theoretical model for explaining your results).

D) Methodology

Describe the scientific methodology that you have used in your investigation, using an appropriate scientific textbook as a reference. You have been introduced to case studies and experiments in the research methodology course, but you can use other methodologies if you can motivate it. For a case study this section includes a detailed description if your chosen case(s). An experimental study can provide hypotheses here, or in Section B (whichever is most easily read). This section also includes a description of the choices you have made to support the internal validity, external validity and reliability of your investigation.

Note that methodologies can be described as being quantitative or qualitative, but these two words do not describe any specific methodology by themselves.

E) Result/Analysis

Present the results from your study. If appropriate for readability, this section can succinctly compare your empirical results with existing theory in the field and/or your hypotheses. This interpretation/analysis should then be directly related to the papers described in Section B.

F) Discussion

In this section you discuss your findings. This discussion should answer your research questions in relation to the papers described in Section B, and possibly other relevant papers. In other words, this section should put your results into perspective considering the results from other studies, the wider discussion in your problem area and/or considering the theoretical models you have used.

Note that this can include an evaluation of your results to highlight e.g., performance improvements of a solution you have investigated, but that this is not enough on its own – all improvements must be put into perspective considering relevant aspects of the discussion in associated papers.

This section can also include a “limitations” subsection, which describes limitations to your findings - such as when it is not appropriate to trust them.

This section should also include a discussion of your results and investigation in relation to ethical, social or sustainability issues.

G) Conclusions and Future Work

Describe the conclusions of your work and give recommendations on how to proceed with the work.

H) Appendices

Important, but complementary material/results can be placed in appendices. This includes details of any implementation (practical work stages, etc.), large data sets, etc.

KTH's established criteria for a pass in a degree project course for Master's degree (120 credits) are:

The literature study is well executed. Current research and development relevant to the work is presented in a clear manner. The selected method is well justified, based on science or proven experience and evaluated against other methods. Relevant knowledge from previous courses is adequately used.

The thesis task is handled autonomously and systematically, based on critical analysis and synthesis of relevant literature. The work demonstrates a holistic view. Appropriate databases and search tools are used. The need for further knowledge is discussed.

Relevant complex phenomena, issues and situations are identified in the degree project. The work clearly shows that these are well managed and analysed, even if available information is limited. Adequate judgements related to the research questions and results are implemented.

The project plan developed during early phases of the degree project has been followed. An advanced project is carried out within the agreed time and with the methodology agreed upon. Any changes to the plan or the work have been agreed, between student and supervisor. Resources and limitations in the study are clearly presented.

The report is well organized and written in a well formulated and coherent language. The discussion on the conclusions is well motivated. The citations are relevant, phrased in the student's own wording, and well integrated. The oral presentation and the review, as well as the communication during the work, demonstrate the ability to present and sensitively discuss the work and its conclusions with different parties, such as employers, supervisors, teachers, researchers and students.

The degree project demonstrates judgement abilities, for example to explain, justify, criticize and recommend. Relevant topic-specific assessments based on science or proven experience have been made in the degree project. The degree project reflects on social and ethical aspects, unless this is shown to be irrelevant.

The student familiarizes him/herself with the task and demonstrates the ability to be a part of the working environment where the study was performed. The student demonstrates an ability to test, evaluate and also reject ideas and solutions in the discussions on the task. The student shows initiative and is open for supervision and criticism. The degree project is carried out largely independently.

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.