Research Methodology

Code:

CA4003

Acronym:

CA4003

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Agrarian Sciences

Instance: 2014/2015 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	http://webpages.icav.up.pt/pessoas/mccunha/
Responsible unit:	Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Consumer Sciences and Nutrition

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:CCN	15	Plano de estudos do Mestrado em Ciências do Consumo e Nutrição - 2013_2014	1	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The course provides students with the necessary background knowledge on basic steps of scientific research to enable them to: i) identify and evaluate a research topic and question, ii) formulate and test the hypothesis to answer the question and iii) then protect and communicate the findings.

Understand the multidisciplinary nature of the problems related to food consumption and nutrition;

A range of modules underpins the development of research projects and introduces appropriated instruments for research planning in consumer sciences and nutrition.

 

 

 

Learning outcomes and competences

After attending the course, students should:
- Understand the methods for reducing uncertainty in research decisions
 
- Use specific tools to optimize the different stages of the research process.

- Implement the scientific method taking into consideration ethical aspects.

- Be able to conceptualize the design and components of research projects

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

n.a.

Program

1- Basics concepts on the research and research methodology.

2- The basics steps of scientific research

3- Research as a decisions system.

4- General process of writing, presenting and publishing of scientific works.

5- Products for communicating science.

6- Research digital platform for scientific information. Software tool for publishing and managing bibliographies

7- Conceptualization, design and evaluation of research projects.

8- Basic concepts of bioethics and intellectual propriety.

Mandatory literature

Serrano, P.; REdação e apresentação de trabalhos científicos, Relógio d´' Água, 1996. ISBN: 972-708-300-5
Day, R. e Gastel, B.; How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 6ª edição, 2006. ISBN: 0-313-33040-9
Morais, R; Idea Puzzle framework: a simple way to plan and review research, 2012

Complementary Bibliography

Punch, K. ; Developing Effective Research Proposals, Sage, 2nd
Mills, A., Durepos, G., Wiebe, E.; Encyclopedia of Case Study Research, SAGE Publications, 2010

Teaching methods and learning activities

- Presentation and discussion of the themes

- Case studies and exercises (computer and internet)

- Guide students in planning a research project

Software

EndNote
Idea_puzzle

keywords

Social sciences > Educational sciences > Research methodology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	70,00
Participação presencial	0,00
Trabalho escrito	20,00
Trabalho laboratorial	10,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

- Attending a minimum of 75% of the classes in the course (FCUP rules:https://sigarra.up.pt/up/LEGISLACAO_GERAL.ver_legislacao?p_nr=4025)

- Participating in group projects.

Calculation formula of final grade

Course evaluation is based on three components:

1.EXERCISE: Software tool for publishing and managing bibliography and citations (TP1)

2.CASE STUDY: using research digital platforms for scientific information in consumer sciences and nutrition (TP2).

3.PROJECT: Planning a research proposal in consumer sciences and nutrition (TP3).

 

The final grade (FG) is calculated by the formula:

 

FG = [(Exercise) x 10% + (Case Study) x 20% + (Project) x 70%

 

Final rating must be >=10 and all components must be >= 8

 

 

 

Classification improvement

The improvement of the final grade are global (Exercise, Case study and Project).

Observations

Parts of this course are attended by students of consumer sciences and nutrition doctoral programme.