Curricular Unit:			Code:
Methodology of the Master Dissertation			1126MTDS
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
2	Master	Computer Systems Engineering (Mobile Computation)	3 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
Winter Semester		Portuguese/English	39
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
This module aims to define the subject for the Masters Dissertation Project and to write a corresponding proposal. The objectives include: provide students with fundamental knowledge about the scientific method, ensure students know how to define and plan a Masters Dissertation project and provide the required methods for bibliographic research and to structure a proper Dissertation. At the end of the module a student will be able to: - Know how to define subjects for Masters Dissertations. - Know how to define a Masters Dissertation Project. - Understand the criteria of scientific validity. - Know how to develop a plan for a Masters Dissertation Project. - Identify and analyze common restrictions. - Be able to organize the writing of a Masters Dissertation. - Know and identify the various types of bibliographic sources. - Be able to conduct research and find relevant information online. - Be able to sistematically organize the information gathered about a specific subject.
Syllabus:
1. What is a Masters Dissertation. 1.1 Requirements and structure of a Masters Dissertation. 1.2 General Plan of a Masters Dissertation. 2. The Masters Dissertation Project. 2.1 The initial proposal of a Masters Dissertation. 2.2 Timelines, resources and costs. 2.3 Work planning. 2.4 Criteria for scientific validity. 3. Bibliography and techniques for research. 3.1 Types of bibliographies. 3.2 Bibliographic sources. 3.3 Bibliographic management tools. 4. Writing the Masters Dissertation Proposal. 4.1 Style manuals. 4.2 Scientific writing. 4.3 From the Proposal to the full Dissertation.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
The syllabus covers the essential and consistent areas of knowledge required to achieve the objectives set out, as the main topics included in the program, such as: What is a Masters Dissertation, The Masters Dissertation Project, Criteria for scientific validity, Bibliography and techniques for research and Writing the Masters Dissertation Proposal cover the main aspects of study that enable students to understand the criteria for the scientific validity of their research work, know how to define a work plan and be able to organize the writing of the Masters Dissertation, including the proper structure of such a document and how to systematically organize the information gathered in the bibliography during the process of research.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
The methodology of teaching and learning is expository, interrogative and demonstrative. Drawing on problem solving and study geared to allow the interpretation of fundamental research methods and their practical application for defining a research project and a Masters Dissertation Proposal. The assessment includes: • The initial Masters Dissertation Proposal (15%); • The intermediate Masters Dissertation Proposal (25%); • The final Masters Dissertation Proposal (60%).
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The proposed methodologies are consistent with the objectives set for the course since they rely on the interpretation of the theory and practical application of the research methodologies studied, establishing a parallel between the theory and the practice applied to real problems of defining research subjects or topics for Masters Dissertations and the development of real proposals for research Masters Dissertations Projects in the context of Computer Systems Engineering.
Reading:
[1] Larry Christensen, R. Johnson, Lisa Turner. (2013). Research Methods, Design, and Analysis. 12th ed. Prentice Hall. [2] Kenneth Bordens, Bruce Abbott. (2017). Research Design and Methods: A Process Approach. 10th ed. McGraw-Hill.
Lecturer (* Responsible):
Nuno Magalhães Ribeiro (nribeiro@ufp.edu.pt)