MASTER''''S THESIS HANDBOOK University of Helsinki, Dept. of Forest Ecology, Dept. of Forest Economics, Dept. of Forest Resource Management

MASTER'S THESIS HANDBOOK
University of Helsinki, Dept. of Forest Ecology, Dept. of Forest Economics, Dept. of
Forest Resource Management
Compiled and translated from "Ohjeita pro gradu -tutkielman kirjoittajille (Metäsekologian laitos)" and
"Tieteellisten kirjoitelmien kirjoitusohjeet (Metsäekonomian laitos)" by Meeri Pearson, 1.12.06, updated
April 2014 by Outi Orenius

Table of Contents
1
1.1
1.2

Master's Thesis
In General
Types of Theses

3
3
4

2
2.1
2.2
2.3

Structure of the Master's Thesis
Title
Abstract
Introduction
2.3.1 Background
2.3.2 Summary of Previous Research

2.3.3 Defining the Research Topic
2.3.4 Research Objectives
Material and Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusions

4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
6
6
7
7

3.8

Format
General Guidelines
Cover and Title Page
Acknowledgements
Chapter Titles and Table of Contents
Decimal Marks
Equations
Tables and Figures

3.7.1 Tables
3.7.2 Figures
Scientific Names

7
7
8
8
9
9
9
9
9
11
12

4
4.1
4.2
4.3

Citations and References
Citing References in the Text
Citing Tables and Figures in the Text
Listing References

12
12
13
13

5

Master's Thesis Process

16

2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7

1


Appendices
1
Task Plan
2
Abstract Form
3
Example of Abstract

4
Example of Table of Contents in Forest Ecology, Tropical Silviculture Thesis
5
Example of List of Symbols, Acronyms, and Abbreviations
6
Example of Table of Contents in Forest Ecology, Tropical Silviculture Thesis
7
Example of Table of Contents in Forest Ecology, Tropical Silviculture Thesis
8
Example of Table of Contents in Forest Resource Mgmt., Forest Mensuration
Thesis
9
Example of Table of Contents in Forest Economics Thesis
10
Example of Table of Contents in Forest Economics Thesis

2


1 Master's Thesis
1.1 In General
The purpose of the Master's thesis is to train the student in the following areas:
1) independent and systematic research work
2) research methods used in the concerned discipline
3) use of references
4) scientific presentation
5) written expression
The thesis is made in one's major subject. The chosen topic should deal with a
scientifically relevant problem in the concerned discipline. The goal is for the student to
learn skills, which he/she may utilize after graduation in practical professional duties or

as a researcher.
The thesis consists of the following parts:
· Title
· Abstract
· Introduction
o Background information
o Summary of previous research on the topic (theoretical framework)
o Defining the research topic
o Research objectives, research questions, hypotheses
· Material and Methods
· Results
· Discussion
· Conclusions
· References
The thesis should be written in English and of good linguistic form. Good written
expression is precise, proceeds logically, and terms and concepts are used as they are
commonly known. Grammar and spelling should comply with the rules of the English
language in the context of scientific writing. Differences in terminology and concepts
should be explained and justified; uncommon and new concepts should be defined. The
written and printed appearance of the thesis is a reflection of the student's professional
proficiency: to make a good impression, it should be done well.
Good scientific text is characterized by the student's own creative contribution. Thus, the
text should not only consist of a collection of thoughts presented earlier by others. The
student should take a critical stance towards his/her references. He/she should assess the
credibility of different sources and data, as well as determine just how similar previous
research findings have been.

3

1.2 Types of Theses
Many Master's theses are comprehensive research reports, which include research
results. They typically follow the structure Introduction - Material & Methods - Results Discussion - Conclusions - References. Master's theses may also be literature-based
research reports, which both analyze and synthesize existing literature on a particular
forest sciences related problem. The structure of such a literature review is generally
more flexible than that of a traditional research report. Thus, the above-mentioned
structure is often adapted for the purposes of a literature review type of thesis.
The Master's thesis is a printed and bounded monograph, which in addition to the primary
text includes a title page, abstract, table of contents and appendices. It may also contain
acknowledgements, lists of symbols, notations, abbreviations, acronyms, figures, tables,
and terminology. For an example, see Appendix 5.

2 Structure of the Master's Thesis
2.1 Title
The title should describe the thesis topic, preferably concisely, but should be at the same
time both informative and attractive.
2.2 Abstract
The abstract is a miniature thesis, revealing the essential contents of the actual thesis. On
the basis of the abstract, the reader generally decides whether or not to read the entire
thesis. It is a description of the following items:
·
·
·
·
·

Research objectives (what was studied and why)
Research approach (was it experimental work, field inventory,
methodology research, literature review)
Methods used

Main research results
Main conclusions

The abstract does not contain citations, tables, or figures. Results which are not presented
in the actual thesis should not be included in the abstract.
The length of the abstract should not exceed one page and should be typed on a readymade form available at forms on the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry website. The
abstract should be attached at the beginning of the thesis (after the title page but before
the table of contents). See the examples in Appendices 2 and 3.

4


2.3 Introduction
The purpose of the introduction is to arouse and maintain the interest of the reader (bait,
hook and reel in, so to speak). In it one should explicitly and logically introduce the
research problem and phrase the research question(s). For clarity's sake, the structure of
the introduction is generally divided into four parts:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Background of Research
Summary of Previous Research
Defining the Research Topic
Research Objectives

2.3.1 Background
In the beginning of the introduction, the research topic is presented and the background
of the research described. It is essential to tell what particular forest science or forestry

problem area the research is concerned with, as well as explain why the chosen topic is
important, significant, and timely.
2.3.2 Summary of Previous Research
The objective is to pull together previous research findings presented in scientific
literature on the chosen topic. Such a literature review forms the theoretical basis (=
theoretical framework) of the intended research. A clear and concise summary of
previously published domestic and international literature demonstrates that the student
has adequately read up on the research topic.
2.3.3 Defining the Research Topic
By reviewing previous research findings, it is then possible to reveal the gaps in present
knowledge, which one's own research intends to fill. At this stage, one can disclose the
questions which were raised by the literature review. The research is then defined to
focus on the desired problem area. One should not tell about all prior topic-related
research findings, rather one should concentrate on those which are most relevant to one's
research objectives. It is worth "saving" a portion of previous research findings for the
Discussion.
2.3.4 Research Objectives
At the end of the introduction, the research problem and objectives are clearly defined.
Such objectives should be both ambitious but nonetheless achievable. Special attention
should be paid to formulation of research objectives, for it is one of the most vital parts of
the thesis.
In forest economics theses, the theoretical framework and research objectives are often
presented as separate chapters. See the examples in Appendices 9 and 10.

5


2.4 Material and Methods
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the methods used for collecting the necessary
data to solve the research problem. Additionally, the means (models) for sorting,

processing, and managing collected data should be described. The description of data
collection should be comprehensive enough to ensure repeatability based on the given
information. Models should be described accurately to allow their suitability to be
assessed. The chapter should answer the following questions:
·
·
·
·
·
·

What does the data consist of?
How was sampling carried out?
What was measured?
How were measurements made (and with what kind of accuracy)?
What methods and tools for data analysis were used?
How representative is the collected data?

In experimental work, research material, experimental design, and data analysis methods
(i.e. statistical models) should be described in detail. The description of the experimental
design should include answers to the following questions: What is being explained and
by which variables/factors? Which variables are constant? How have rogue variables
been measured? How has randomization been done? As far as models are concerned, one
must explain how measured and/or otherwise controlled variables have been incorporated
into the model.
In inventory-type research, the sampling population is reported, the sampling design
explained in detail and the quality and scope of the data described. It is also necessary to
determine how the sampling design has been taken into consideration when analyzing
results.
In forest economics research, data is often based on existing statistics. Thus, in this

chapter the empirical equivalents of used variables are presented, as well as potential
modifications of the original data and the study period (i.e. quarterly data 1982/11995/4). Also, the empirical analysis method used is described (time-series econometrics,
panel data econometrics, input-output models, factor analysis).
2.5 Results
In this chapter, the essential research results are presented in a logical manner. The
collected data should be condensed, presented clearly and elucidated using tables, figures,
etc. Present silvicultural, ecological, biological, econometrical etc. results rather than test
results or your statistical know-how. Analysis results and statistical parameters should,
however, be presented in great enough detail to permit the assessment of the validity and
reliability of the analyses. The research results should be based on the analyses and
measurements made in the study in question, and answer the questions posed in the
section Research Objectives. It is also wise to report negative results should such arise. In
this chapter, the student refrains from comparing his/her own results with previous

6


research findings. It is beneficial if answers to the research questions posed can be easily
found in the results.
2.6 Discussion
Here, the theoretical discussion presented in the Introduction is utilized and elaborated on
further. The student compares his/her own study results with previous research findings
presented in literature. It is absolutely essential to tell of new findings and to what extent
the results are consistent or conflicting with earlier findings. The goal is to create a
synthesis of one's own findings and previous ones.
Furthermore, the research objectives, chosen approach, and methods are critically
evaluated (the plusses and minuses!). The aim is to show which aspects of the study
succeeded well or sufficiently enough, and where there is still room for improvement.
The representativeness of data and the possibility for generalizing results should also be
examined: how well does the data represent the studied population and the phenomena to

be explained. Reservations regarding the interpretation of results are also brought
forward. Thus, the Discussion is a link to both the Research Objectives paragraph and
Material and Methods chapter.
2.7 Conclusions
The purpose of this chapter is to formulate the most important research results into clear,
concise conclusions. Furthermore, the student considers how the obtained research results
can be utilized in forest sciences and forestry, and makes recommendations concerning
how the employed research methods may be applied or developed for further studies.
Additionally, one can offer insight on what related questions were left outside the
framework of the study. This chapter is evidently linked to the beginning of the thesis, in
which the research topic and problem were described.

3 Format
3.1 General Guidelines
The pages should be numbered consecutively starting with the number one (on the first
page of the Introduction). Appendices should not be numbered in the same way, rather
the number of each appendix is placed on the top right corner of the page and they are
numbered consecutively (i.e. if there are three appendices: Appendix 1, Appendix 2,
Appendix 3). In case you wish to print your thesis, you should do it on A-4. Left margins
are min 25 mm for soft covers and 40 mm for hard covers, right, top, and bottom margins
2.5 cm. The font should be Times New Roman, size 12. Text should be one and a halfspaced (1.5). Paragraphs should be separated by a blank line. The first sentence of a
paragraph should not be indented. Enough space should be left before and after titles,
tables, figures etc. so that they can be discerned from the text. Thesis have traditionally
been printed one-sided. If you wish to act otherwise, take this into consideration with the
margins.

7


3.2 Cover and Title Page

The title page includes the title of the work (situated in the middle of the page). The
student's major subject/specialization line, followed by the name of the University,
department, month and year, and name of the student should be found on the lower
margin of the page. Please note, that the text on the title page and the cover of the thesis
are generally identical copies of each other. See the example below.

Performance of Pinus sylvestris after forest fires in Southern Sweden

......................................... Thesis submitted for a M.Sc. degree in Forest Ecology and
Management
University of Helsinki
Dept. of Forest Sciences
May 2014
Johnny Johnson

3.3 Acknowledgements
If you wish, you may include an acknowledgements page (a.k.a. foreword, preface) in
your thesis. It is typically placed after the title page and abstract before the table of
contents.

8


3.4 Chapter Titles and Table of Contents
Chapters and subchapters are numbered consecutively (i.e. 1, 1.1, 1.1.1, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 3...).
Titles of chapters should be placed at the top of the page and boldfaced. Subheadings can
be italicized (and boldfaced). Avoid using more than three heading levels. For examples
of the Table of Contents -page in theses representing different major subjects, please see
Appendices 4 and 6-10.
3.5 Decimal Marks

A period is used in the English language to delineate a decimal number (not a comma),
i.e. 5.6668 cm.
3.6 Equations
Equations are numbered consecutively on the right side of the page in parentheses. The
symbols included in the equation are explained in the key to symbols, which is generally
placed below the equation.
3.7 Tables and Figures
The purpose of these visual aids is to supplement and clarify the text, and not the other
way around. Tables and figures and their text should be made exhaustively, so that they
can be easily interpreted (without relying on the body text). Table and figure text is
written single-spaced.
3.7.1 Tables
Tables are numbered consecutively. Table titles are situated at the top of the table. If
symbols or abbreviations are presented in the table, they should be explained below the
table as footnotes. Tables should be spacious and clearly titled. Generally vertical lines
(partitions) are not used in tables. All tables should be uniform in style. One may use a
different font and font size in tables and table text than in the body text. For example:

9


Table 1. Peatland location and general characteristics
Peatlands
(Country code)
Aitoneva
(FIN)
Middlemuir Moss
(UK)
Baupte
(FB)

Le Russey
(FR)
La Chaux d’Abel
(CH)

Coordinates Altitude
m
62°12N
156
-23°18E
57°36N
110
-2°9W
49°17N
4
-1°21E
47°18N
867
-6°79E
47°10N
1040
-6°57E

Mean annual T°C Precipitation Water table depth Bulk density pH
(January, July)
mm yr-1
(annual range) cm (g L-1)
3.8 (-3.3, 19.7)
694
9.4±14.5(-32/36) 141±30

4.1±

Cellulose § C:N† N (%)† S (%)†
(‰)
44.7±16.4 55±2 1.5±0.4 0.227±0.045

12.0 (1.4, 20.5)

1109*

-14±14 (-51/-6)

147±87

4.3±1.1 65.8±35.2

54±5 1.5±0.2 0.395±0.037

10.3 (4.5, 16.0)

890

-58±7 (-95/-15)

121±32

5.5±0.4 14.8± 3.1

21±2 2.4±0.2 0.500±0.053

6.6 (-1.4, 15.2)

1417

-11±7 (-26/0)

119±40

±

47.6±26.1

27±4 2.0±0.4 0.028±0.047

4.1 (-4.4, 13.5)

1463

-16±7 (-41/-4)

101±53

4.9±0.6 45.1±26.0

22±6 2.3±0.6 0.074±0.045

§ Cellulose in peat was identified after H2SO4 pre-treatment, hydrolysis and quantification by gas chromatography (Comont et al 2006).
† Total organic element in peat, performed by combustion at 1100°C with a CNS-2000 LECO apparatus, on dried and crushed samples (Comont et al. 2006).

10

3.7.2 Figures
Figures (including diagrams, photographs, and illustrations) should be explicit and
symbols and text easily distinguishable. Unnecessary special effects should be avoided
i.e. three-dimensionality, horizontal lines, frames, shading. Figures can be grouped into a
set, which is comprised of numerous, related figures.
Figures are numbered consecutively. Figure titles are placed below the figure. One may
use a different font and font size in figures and figure text than in the body text. For
example:

C microbial pool
c

3000

µg C DP

-1

3000
bc

b

2000

2000

y = -3.441x 2 + 227.0x - 815.2

R2 = 0.880

1000

0

1000

a

a

a

a

a

0

N microbial pool

c

600

600

400

400

bc

ab
ab

200

200
y = -0.524x 2 + 36.0x - 133.3
R2 = 0.769

0

a

a

a

a

a

vV
a
Sp
C
aD

e

oC
a

Sp
E

v

Plant community

Ea
P

Regeneration age (years)

50

Sp
E

40

aB
p
Ea
B
p
Ev

Bp

30

C

20

Sp
B

10

p

0

0

Bp

µg N g DP -1

bc

Fig. 2. C and N microbial dynamics over the chronosequence (n=7, P<0.05) of regenerating cutover
peatlands (left) and plant communities (right), for detailed abbreviations, see Table 3. Histograms with
different letters are statistically different (non parametric multiple test comparison at P<0.05).

11

3.8 Scientific Names
When using scientific nomenclature, refer to the most recent, reliable sources. Scientific
names (latin names of species) are italicized, except in the Reference list. The scientific
names of the most common species are not generally mentioned.

4 Citations and References
4.1 Citing References in the Text
In the thesis, it should become evident which thoughts and ideas are the student's own
production and which ones are based on previous research findings. If text is not cited, it
is assumed to be the intellectual product of the student.
Attempt should be made to use original works, publications, research reports etc.,
because the writer's original message may become blurred when using second-hand
sources. However, if the original work cannot be found or finding it requires undue effort,
cite such sources as described in Item 1 below under "list of examples".
Normally the citation is placed at the end of the sentence before the period. In principle, a
paragraph should not be written based entirely on one source; it is the same as copying
earlier text and ignoring the student's own creative contribution. However, if it is deemed
absolutely necessary, a paragraph based on one citation should be cited by placing the
citation after the period of the last sentence of the paragraph. If several different
paragraphs refer to the same source, the citation is made by starting the paragraph series
with an explanatory clause i.e. "If not otherwise mentioned, the information in the
following paragraphs is from Johnson (1985)."
Personal communication may also be cited. Personal communication can be personal
interviews, letters, memos, emails, non archived messages from discussion groups and
bulletin boards, telephone conversations etc. When citing a personal communication try
to provide as exact a date as possible and include initials with surname. The cited sources
should also be listed under References. For example:
D. B. Duck (personal communication, April 1, 2002) estimates that ...

B. S Wilson, (personal communication, March 25, 2003) believes that University of
Auckland students will find exceptional careers.
or ( L. Golder, personal communication, July 27, 2002).....
When citing electronic sources, one should pay special attention to the quality and
reliability of the sources. Such material should be assessed in the same way as traditional
material.
For references in the text, the name-year system is used:

12


"Allen (1994) has shown..." or "It has been shown (Allen 1994)..."
Allen and Jones (1990)
Allen et al. (1996)
(Allen 1988, Smith 1991, Jones 1994)*
(Handbook of forest... 1991)**
* When reference is made to several publications, arrange them in chronological order.
** Where a publication has no known author or editor, the first 2-3 words of the title are quoted
(followed by three dots), together with the year of publication. The term "Anonymous" must not be
used.

Below is a list of examples:
1. If you refer to a source quoted in another source you cite both in the text:-e.g. A study by Smith
(1960 cited in Jones 1994) showed that...Population growth puts immense stress on natural resources
in developing countries (Jackson 1999 cited in Jefferson 2000).
2. If there are two authors the surnames of both should be given:-e.g. Matthews and Jones (1997)
have proposed that…
3. If there are more than two authors the surname of the first author only should be given, followed
by et al.:-e.g. Office costs amount to 20% of total costs in most business (Wilson et al. 1997)
4. If the author’s name occurs naturally in the sentence the year is given in parentheses:-e.g. In a

popular study Harvey (1992) argued that we have to teach good practices…e.g. As Harvey (1992,
p.21) said, “good practices must be taught” and so we…
5. If the name does not occur naturally in the sentence, both name and year are given in parentheses:e.g. A more recent study (Stevens 1998) has shown the way theory and practical work interact. e.g.
Theory rises out of practice, and once validated, returns to direct or explain the practice (Stevens
1998).
6. If a number of publications produced by the same author(s) during the same year are cited in the
text, they are distinguished from each other with the letters a,b,c, etc.: (Lähde 1990a), (Lähde 1990b)
7. When citing a specific passage in a book/monograph, the citation should include page numbers i.e.
(Kakkuri et al. 1974, p. 57); this does not apply to research articles!

4.2 Citing Tables and Figures in the Text
All tables, etc. should be referred to in the text. The reference is placed in parentheses at
the end of the sentence before the period i.e. "The mean annual increment exceeds
removal via cuttings in Finland (Figure 1)". When reference is made to a table, etc. within
the sentence, no parentheses are used i.e. "The values in Table 1 describe...".
4.3 Listing References
References are listed after Conclusions (but before Appendices). They are placed in
alphabetical order according to the author's (or authors') last name. Publications by the
same author are placed in chronological order, beginning with the oldest. Publications
made by the author alone precede those in which his/her name is listed as the first co-

13


author. Publications with more than two co-authors follow those with only one or two
authors. In addition, note the following:
– If a publication has no obvious author or editor, the publication is listed in alphabetical
order of its own title.
– The standard number, ISBN in books, or STRN in reports, should be given for sources
of low circulation at the end of the reference.

– No italics are used in the reference list.
Please consult the examples below:
Order of References
Smith, C. 1996. Aspen. Timber 77(4): 369–384.
Smith, C. 1997. Silver birch. Timber 78(1): 17–23.
Smith, C. & Allen, A. 1995. Scots pine. Forest Management 15(1): 5–9.
Smith, C. & Harris, B. 1993. Scots pine. Forest Management 13(2): 105–119.
Smith, C., Harris, B. & Allen, A. 1990. Sawn goods. Timber 71(2): 131–140.
Smith, C., Allen, A. & Harris, B. 1995. Sawn goods revisited. Timber 76(3): 231–240.
Article in a Journal
Deleuze, C. & Houllier, F. 1997. A transport model for tree ring width. Silva Fennica 31(3): 239–250.
Article in a Book
Wilcove, D.S., McLellan, C.H. & Dobson, A.P. 1986. Habitat fragmentation in the temperate zone. In:
Soulé, M.E. (ed.). Conservation biology: the science of scarcity and diversity. Sinauer, Sunderland,
Massachusetts. p. 237–256.
Monograph (= Book)
Ilvessalo-Pfäffli, M-S. 1995. Fiber atlas: identification of papermaking fibers. Springer Series in Wood
Sciences. Springer-Verlag, Berlin-Heidelberg-New York. 400 p.
References to Internet Sources
Author's /Editor's surname, initials OR name of event/site. Year. Title of document (if applicable)
[online/internet site]. (Edition, if applicable). Place of publication, Publisher (if ascertainable). Available
at/from: URL [Cited/Accessed Date]. i.e.
Johannesburg summit 2002. 2003. [Internet site]. United Nations, Division for Sustainable Development.
Available at: . [Cited 5 Feb 2003].
Holland, M. 2004. Guide to citing Internet sources [online]. Poole, Bournemouth University. Available
from: [Accessed 4
November 2004].
Newspaper Article
Author’s surname, initials (or newspaper title). Year of publication. Title of article. Title of newspaper, Day
and month (or issue and year), Page number/s and column number (if applicable). For example:

Independent. 1992. Picking up the bills. Independent, 4 June, p.28a.
Muurinen, H. 2006. Traipsing through Old-Growth Forests of Komi. University Magazine 12/2006. p. 2628.
Kurki, E. 2003. Metsäalan perustutkinnot eivät vedä nuoria. Metsälehti 16/2003. p. 4-5.

14


No Author / Anonymous
Please note, that such references are placed in alphabetical order in the reference list as normally.
Finnish Statistical Yearbook of Forestry 2000. 2000. Finnish Forest Research Institute. Gummerus Printing
Press Inc. Jyväskylä. p. 217-230.
CD-ROMs and DVDs
This section refers to CD-ROMs which are works in their own right and not
bibliographic databases.
Author's surname, initials. Year. Title [type of medium CD-ROM].
(Edition). Place of publication, Publisher (if ascertainable). Available from:
Supplier/Database identifier or number (optional) [Accessed Date] (optional).
e.g.
Hawking, S.W. 1994. A brief history of time: an interactive adventure. [CDROM].
Crunch Media.
Conference Paper
Contributing author’s surname, initials. Year of publication. Title of
contribution. Followed by In: Surname, initials of editor of proceedings (if
applicable) followed by ed. in parentheses ( ). Title of conference proceedings including date and
place of conference. Place of publication: Publisher, Page numbers of
contribution. e.g.
Silver, K. 1991. Electronic mail: the new way to communicate. In: Raitt, D.I.
(ed.). 9th international online information meeting, 3-5 December 1990 London.
Oxford: Learned Information, 323-330.
Saastamoinen, O. 1987. Multiple use and Forest 2000 programme. Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of

the Scandinavian Society of Forest Economics, Porvoo, Finland, May 1987.
Map
Originator’s surname, initials (may be cartographer, surveyor,
compiler, editor, copier, maker, engraver, etc.). Year of publication. Title, Scale.
(should be given normally as a ratio) Place of publication: Publisher. e.g.
Mason, J. 1832. Map of the countries lying between Spain and India,
1:8,000,000. London: Ordnance Survey.
Unpublished Sources
Spud, I. H. 1999. Contrastive analysis: A comparison of Pig Latin and English. Unpublished manuscript.
Nala, A. 1998. Teaching vocabulary: Evidence from research in Pig Latin Unpublished manuscript,
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT.
Roosevelt, F. 1997. Childhood acquisition of Pig Latin by native speakers of English . Manuscript submitted
for publication.
Personal Communication
Surname, initials. Year. Personal communication, date. Title, profession, where employed, country. For
example:
Sarkkola, S. 2006. Personal communication, 16.3.2006. Doctor of Forestry, Researcher, Dept. of Forest
Ecology, Univ. of Helsinki, Finland.

15


5 Master's Thesis Process
Making your Master's thesis is a challenging but fruitful process. Here is the process in a
nutshell (see also Appendix 1):
1. Choosing a subject area that interests you and will be able to dedicate an entire year
(and some...) to
2. Appointment of supervisors and getting acquainted
3. Thesis supervision agreement
4. Making your research plan

5. Data collection
6. Data analysis
7. Writing your thesis
8. Submission and evaluation
9. Getting your thesis printed (if a paper copy is needed. Check with your professor!)
10. Maturity essay
In step 1, you should consider what particular aspect of your studies interests you.
If you don't know or have difficulty deciding, you are encouraged to discuss with staff,
other students or professionals to find out what tickles your intellectual being. Once you
have decided on your general area of interest, contact the responsible professor (of the
discipline) of the department to discuss your ideas and plans further. Sometimes thesis
opportunities are advertised in the department (bulletin board, e-mail), and these are
typically initiated by firms, research institutes etc. Sometimes it is possible to get
involved in an on-going project at the department. In any case, ask the responsible
professor. You may also suggest your very own thesis topic, although it is generally
harder to get financial backing, but not impossible, however.
Step 2: With your professor you will discuss your plans further, and a supervisor (in
addition to your own professor) within your own department or from the outside (i.e. the
Finnish Forest Research Institute) will be appointed. The supervisor appointed by the
professor is often the one who is guiding your thesis work in practice (i.e. data
collection). Once the necessary supervisor(s) have been appointed, you are ready to make
your research plan under their supervision and by using their feedback.
Step 3: It’s highly recommendable that the student and his/her instructor sign a thesis
supervision agreement. The form can be found at the faculty’s web site.

Step 4: The research plan is an important step. It is worth devoting enough time to make
a good research plan, in order to save time and effort and avoid problems later on. A well
articulated research plan is the freeway to rather painless data collection. The structure of
the research plan resembles that of the actual thesis, so it is worth keeping in mind to save
time. The research plan should include the following points:

1. Introduction

16


·

Background and Previous Research
o scientific and practical
o domestic and international
· Defining the Research Topic
o time
o place
o What phenomena will be studied?
· Research Objectives
o What questions are you trying to answer?
o What is the purpose of the study?
o hypotheses
2. Theoretical Framework (if not included in the introduction)
· essential concepts
· theory/model
3. Material and Methods
· How will data be collected?
· How will data be sorted, processed, and analyzed?
· Implementation of study:
· timetable
· resources
· support persons
· other factors, elements
4. Predicted and/or Preliminary Results

5. References
Remember to answer the following three questions in your research plan:
o WHY?
o WHAT?
o HOW?
Step 5: Once your research plan is accepted by your supervisors, you are ready to collect
your data. Data may be collected at different times of the year and for different lengths of
time depending on the major, thesis topic, and the location(s) where data is being
collected. Often data is collected during the summer months. Be precise, careful, and
conscientious!
Step 6: Upon finishing data collection, one must process data and analyze the results.
This involves interpreting the collected data, formulating models, making statistical
analyses etc. Data is put into visual form: tables, figures etc. which will later be used in
the actual thesis to reflect relevant findings.
Step 7: In principle, one can and should start writing his/her thesis before data analysis.
The rough draft of the Introduction and Material and Methods can already be written
beforehand, and it is truly recommended! In any case, remember to keep track of your
sources from the very beginning! Once data has been analyzed, it is possible to elaborate
17


on the results and consider the implications in order to formulate conclusions. Writing
your thesis IS a process; it requires many rough drafts, corrections, revisions, regular
feedback from supervisors, rewriting, sometimes distance, and plenty of patience and
perseverance. Please keep in mind that the longer the process drags on, the harder it gets
and the more time and effort it wastes: a two month break can mean considerable time
refreshing oneself with collected data. However, short breaks (a week or so) are useful,
for they can shed new light on your work and give you a new perspective (and new
brilliant ideas!). Be active in contacting your supervisors. Don't always wait for them to
contact you.

Step 8: As of August 1st 2014, the thesis are submitted electronically at E-thesis. Students
must use the service to submit the final version of their Master’s thesis for assessment.
Once submitted, the thesis cannot be amended or revised unless the student withdraws it
from assessment. Before depositing the Master´s thesis via e-thesis student must
contact the professor in charge in advance.
The digital thesis process -system allows the students to submit electronic Master’s thesis
for examination, assessment, Urkund and with the permission of the student, publication
on the net. The electronical system is a part of the E-Thesis Service which is used in the
University Library.
All second-cycle theses are inspected by Urkund when they are submitted for
examination as of 1 August 2014. Urkund is a part of the digital thesis process in which
students return their theses via E-thesis.
Before the final submittal the student must convert thesis into pdf-file. Please familiarize
yourself with the procedure in advance. After converting the text into a suitable file mode
you can deposit your Thesis via E-thesis. Proceed to E-thesis.
At this point, the evaluation process begins. Grading of your thesis is based on the
opinions of two examiners, both of which are Doctors. Typically, one is your professor
and the other an outsider (someone who is familiar with the topic but has not been
involved in your work and is not from the department) appointed by your professor. Your
professor is in charge of handling this matter; the student does not have to do anything
but wait for the grade. It normally takes at least a month or so. The examiners assess the
quality of the following areas: formulation of research questions, research approach,
introduction and literature review, material and methods, the combining of theory and
empirics, results and their presentation, discussion and conclusions, clarity and
finalization, maturity of work. Each of the above mentioned areas is graded by each
examiner on the following scale: 1, 1+, 2-, 2, 2+, 3-, 3, where 1 is the lowest acceptable
grade, and 3 is the best possible grade. See faculty’s forms for assessing the thesis.
Together the examiners propose the final grade to be given based on their individual
reviews. Notification is then sent to the student and the faculty council, who then
formally ratifies the thesis at their next meeting. The student has the right to object to the

proposed grade before the matter is handled in the faculty council. The grading needs to
reach the Faculty office at least 1,5 weeks before the meeting. In general it takes approx.

18


2-4 weeks to review a thesis, but you need to discuss the timetable with your professor
well in advance before submitting your thesis. This gives him/her enough time to search
for the other examiner.
Step 9: The Science library no longer stores hard copies of thesis, but at the moment it’s
unclear whether the Department needs to file one hard copy. More information should be
available in November 2014. Traditionally students have delivered hard copies to the
thesis examiners, but as the theses are now electronically evaluated, this can be discussed
with the instructor. You might want to make a copy at least for yourself and maybe for
your parents to show off.
Once your supervisors have given their approval, you may take your work to the
University printing press to be printed. There it will be bound in soft or hard cover (your
choice!), size A4. Dark green has typically been used for thesis of the Department of
Forest Sciences. Your thesis is bound using staples or glue, and thereafter the binding is
taped.
Typically students have their thesis printed at the University printing press (Unigrafia) in
Viikki. If your Finnish is good, you can use their online service. In general there is much
more information (such as price calculator) in Finnish…
You can take/send your work to the printing press in one of the following formats:
·
·
·

ready printouts (for scanning)
ready printouts (all 2-4 copies)

electronic file (PDF) by email or on a memory stick/CD

The Unigrafia in Viikki normally binds your thesis usually on the same day. Hard covers
can take up to 5 business days. There’s no need to make an appointment for binding your
thesis.
When submitting printouts oneself, the estimated cost of a typical thesis bound in a soft
cover is 13,23-17,34 €, hardcover 23 €, text on the back of the over 5,25 €/piece. Unless
you deliver printouts for all copies, your printouts will be scanned. Please make sure that
they are as finalized as you wish them to be before taking them to the printing press.
Please check beforehand that the shades and patterns used in figures, pictures etc. are
suitable for scanning/printing purposes. In other words, if you intend to have all your
figures in black and white, it is wise to use patterns to depict bars etc. It is possible to
have colored figures, diagrams, etc. scanned at an extra cost. Please note, that you are
responsible for paying for the printing and binding of your thesis yourself.

Step 10: Finally, the so-called icing on the cake of the Master's thesis process is the
maturity essay (or examination). The purpose of the maturity essay is to test the student's
1) ability to express himself scientifically in English, 2) knowledge and specialization in
the thesis topic, and 3) to make sure the student has, in fact, done his/her thesis
independently. In practice, the student asks his/her professor to send the maturity test

19


questions to the MScFB coordinator, who then uploads the exam on the examination
aquarium. Once the exam is online, the coordinator informs the student so that s/he can
register for the exam and take it at his/her earliest convenience. The professor poses
several questions related to the student's thesis topic, which the student must answer in
writing (typed). No notes may be used, and no preparation is necessary assuming you
have made your thesis conscientiously and honestly. Once the maturity essay has been

written, the MScFB coordinator sends the text to the student’s professor and to the
language center. Two language consultants will check the language and a minimum grade
of B2 needs to be obtained in order for the test to pass. It takes two weeks + two mailing
days to have the test language checked. Please take this into consideration when timing
your graduation. Once the corrections arrive from the language center, the MScFB
coordinator emails the original word doc and scanned corrections to the student. The
maturity test is considered completed only after the student has made the suggested
corrections (use track changes!) and sent the corrected version to the professor and
MScFB coordinator.
Once you have completed the maturity essay and the corrections, the essay has been
accepted by your professor, your Master's thesis evaluated by two examiners and the
faculty council approved your work, your thesis is formally and officially accepted and
you receive your 40 credits (typically the day after the faculty council meeting).
Congratulations, you survived!
TIP: You can find instructions for graduating at the MScFB web site.

20


Appendix 1

21


Appendix 2

22


Appendix 3 ( to be updated)

23


Appendix 4

24


Appendix 4

25