Minimum time for the project and master thesis work

In the Fluid Structure Interaction research group, there are specific expectations for the completion of project work and master’s theses. The project work and master’s thesis are valued at 15 ECTS and 30 ECTS credits, respectively. Consequently, it is imperative that the effort expended corresponds to the ECTS guidelines to satisfy the minimum requirements. One ECTS credit is equivalent to 25 to 30 hours of work.


The student research work is seen as 29 hours per ECTS in this research group.


For the project work, a minimum of 29 hours x 15 ECTS = 435 hours from the student are expected to carry out the assigned tasks. The project work spans over 14 weeks generally, which is equivalent to 31 hours per week.

For the Master thesis work, a minimum of 29 hours x 30 ECTS = 870 hours from the student are expected to carry out the assigned tasks. The thesis work spans over 22 weeks generally, which is equivalent to 39 hours of work per week.

Minimum time for PhD and Postdoctoral Fellows

There are specific expectations from the PhD and Postdoctoral researchers. The employment contract indicates around 37.5 hours per week. However, considering the nature of research work and involvement of self-learning of the topic related to the research work. It is clearly expected that the researchers are flexible and willing to work beyond the contractual work hours, when need arises. PhD and Postdoctoral fellows are seen as experts in the field, therefore, 37.5 work hours per week is seen as quality and efficient contribution to the project tasks. If a researcher is interested in taking additional courses (for example, Norwegian language) for own learning, the time spent for the courses is not part of the project hours. In this case, researchers must use time outside the main working hours to compensate for the project time. 

Progress reporting

Students and researchers are expected to attend progress meetings at the scheduled times and deliver progress presentations. They should take the initiative in scheduling these meetings. Additionally, students and researchers must prepare a detailed Gantt chart of activities, which should be presented in the first or second meeting. We have a template for the progress reporting, and the template is available on Microsoft Teams FSI channel.

Self-learning for students

Project and master’s thesis work are regarded as independent endeavors; therefore, students must be the primary driving force in executing activities and ensuring timely completion. While supervisors are available to assist in case of difficulties, the majority of the work must be carried out by the students.

Availability

All students, PhD and Postdoctoral Fellows have a permanent place in the laboratory. Main purpose of providing the permanent place with a dedicated computer and desk is that all spend full time in the laboratory, and carry out the research work. Working from home and other places is highly discouraged unless you are on official leave or vacation.

Other important aspects

  • Maintain well structured data in your computer supported by README file. It is difficult to create README for each working directory, however, as a minimum, README file must be included in the critical data directories. Read Fail in CFD.
  • Each student and researcher must have a project plan in a Gantt chart format. Read Fail in project work.
  • If you working on a task that requires laboratory experimetns, make sure you follow the laboratory regulations and safety guidelines.