TRAN-611: Thesis Development Studio

As a Master of Science program, great importance is placed on a student's Thesis Project. In our department we make a clear distinction about the two components of the required Thesis: 1. The Thesis Project: The response to the Thesis "question" through research and the systematic development of an idea or concept 2. The Thesis Report: The scholarly documentation of the Thesis Project process to include a full archive of references, research, methodologies, discussions, prototypes, validation processes and retrospective reflections The Thesis Project (idea) will be graded as part of the curricular requirements of the program. The Thesis Report must be approved by the Thesis Advisors and the department head within five years of the start date of enrollment in the program, at which point the degree diploma will be posted and bestowed. So, completing all the curricular requirements does not trigger the degree to be awarded. Approval of the Thesis Report is what qualifies a student to be awarded their degree. In TRAN-601, Thesis Preparation, students are guided towards determining a Thesis topic of their choice and then to a specific Thesis question to which the Thesis Project will respond. Having clarity about what the Thesis Project will address, as well as a detailed plan for executing the research and concept development, will be a pre-requisite for commencing with TRAN-611 Thesis Development. It is expected that Thesis Development will be the focus of students' activity during the term, hence the 6 Units of Credit assigned to the course - the remaining 6 Units being electives. Students will be assigned appropriate Thesis Advisors as their primary mentors, with whom they will have regular, weekly meetings to review progress and get feedback. Students will be encouraged to engage with other faculty members, from within or other departments and expected to identify external subject experts who can also offer insights and advice. Primarily, during this term, students will be expected to execute their major research, explore ideas that are informed by the research and develop appropriate prototypes (physical, digital, procedural) that can help prove their Thesis Concept. At the end of the term's Thesis work, Thesis Advisors will determine whether a student has progressed their Thesis Project sufficiently to enable them to complete their Thesis Project in the following term. If not, students will be required to make good on missing progress before enrolling in TRAN-612, the final phase of their Thesis Validation.