10
Åbo Akademi University 2014/2015
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Seminars
Within specific study fields students can complete theses and short papers or essays individually or
in small groups. The work is presented in seminars where the topic is critically discussed with other
students and the teacher. Active participation is required.
Self-study courses
The examination of self-study courses (independent study courses) is conducted through a regular writ-
ten examination or an essay. Students should contact the person responsible for the course, after their
arrival, in order to agree on the reading, the timeline and the examination of the course. Students can
also contact the teacher to receive guidance while working on the course. Please note that self-study
courses have
no regular lectures.
Some self-study courses offer the possibility for group discussions
with the teacher in case there are more students taking the course.
Intensive courses
Some courses are offered only during a short intensive period fromone day to oneweek. The lectures are
offered intensively during the days. Examination takes place according to the instructions of the teacher.
Web-based courses
The teaching inweb-based courses takes place entirely or partially on the Internet in a virtual classroom
or on a learning platform. Discussions take place on the Internet and exercises are carried out individually
or as a group, and the examination is often in the form of an essay or a project work. The teacher assists
students during the course and gives feedback on the Internet, either individually or to the group as
a whole. As an exchange student you have access to the computer rooms at Åbo Akademi University.
Computer exercises
Computer exercises take place in a computer room, and the coursework is carried out at individual
computers with instructions from the teacher.
Teaching practise
Teaching practice in the Teacher Training School of the Vasa Campus is offered in English for interna-
tional teacher students. The 5 credit teacher training practice is offered in English for grades 1-6 and
pre-school, and also for grades 7-9. These modules provide practice in addition to theory, helping
students develop their professional skills. The training practice can be focused on subjects or areas of
interest for the student, for example music, mathematics, language training, etc. The teacher-training
school is a part of the Faculty of Education.The student documents, analyses and evaluates each prac-
tice period in a report.
Laboratory work/Independent research exercise
It is possible to undertake laboratory work within a research group or individually with the supervision
of a teacher. This must be agreed already beforehand with the department, and if pre-approved, an
outline for the work planned must be included in the student's learning agreement/study plan.
Writing a Master's thesis during the exchange
If an exchange student wishes to write a Master's thesis while on exchange at Åbo Akademi University
and receive credit for it, the thesis must follow the specific regulations concerning Master's theses at
ÅAU. The thesis will in that case be supervised by a member of the teaching staff at ÅAU, and be ap-
proved according to ÅAU regulations. Please note that writing a Master's thesis while on exchange
cannot be guaranteed to all exchange students, but has to be agreed upon individually prior to the
exchange since it depends on various aspects, including the resources available at the departments.
Currently it is possible to do the experimental work for and write a Master's Thesis (in English), and
receive credits for it within the fields of chemical engineering and biosciences, while on exchange at
ÅAU. Within other fields the possibilities aremore limited. Please note however, that thismust be agreed
with the intended supervisor and department already before the actual student exchange application
is submitted and, if pre-approved, an outline for the work planned must be included in the student's
learning agreement/study plan.
The student can receive 30 - 40 credits for the thesis (depending on the field), which must however
follow the procedures for the approval of aMaster's thesis at Åbo Akademi University, which include for
example having to pass a language check. When approved, the thesis will be listed in the transcript of
records, and it can also be graded, if required. The student will not receive a degree from Åbo Akademi
University, it is the student's home university which confers the degree.
If you are interested in this option, please check the universitywebsite to seewhich department would
