Research Methodology

Code:

CA4003

Acronym:

CA4003

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Agrarian Sciences

Instance: 2020/2021 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	https://www.fc.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	18	Plano de estudos do Mestrado em Ciências do Consumo e Nutrição - 2013_2014	1	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The course provides students with the necessary background knowledge on basic steps of scientific research to enable them to develop research in consumer science and nutrition:

- To enable students to use scientific research tools and scientific databases related with consumer science and nutrition;

- To develop curiosity and critical analysis of issues related consumer science and nutrition;

- To develop the ability to identify, evaluate and formulate hypotheses for solving problems in the area of food consumption and nutrition;

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

- To be able to interpret research data on the master's field;

- To design and conducting different products for science communication;

- To develop and detail a research project.

 

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 and the valorization of the results

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: planning, implementation, communication and valorization.

3- Research as a decisions system.

4- General process of writing, presenting, publishing and analisys 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

Theoretical classes are mainly based on Power Point presentations. Some of the topics are taught in the form of Seminars presented by specialists in the field.

- Presentation and discussion of the themes

- Case studies and exercises (computer and internet)

- Guide students in planning a research project

Software

EndNote

keywords

Social sciences > Educational sciences > Research methodology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	3,00
Prova oral	15,00
Trabalho escrito	32,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	50,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	5,00
Elaboração de projeto	30,00
Estudo autónomo	40,00
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Trabalho de investigação	33,00
Trabalho escrito	12,00
Total:	162,00

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)

- Delivery and acceptance of practical assignments within the deadline. - The students with practical work approval in previous years will be admitted to the final exam, without having to carry out the practical work again.

- Students exempt from attendance are not dispensed from taking the practical works that require a presential component.

Calculation formula of final grade

Course evaluation is based on four 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.ANALISYS: Critical analysis of scientific paper (TP3). 

4.PROJECT: Planning a research proposal in consumer sciences and nutrition (DP).

 

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

 

FG = [(TP1) x 10% + (TP2) x 20% + TP3 x 20% + (DP) x 50%

 

Final rating must be >=10 and all components must be >= 8.
If some of the evaluation component (TP1, TP2 or TP3) can not be carried out, their specific weight in the evaluation algorithm will be added to the DP test.

 

Distributed evaluation without final exam.

The "resource" examination is global, including all the partial proves: TP1, TP2, TP3 or DP, which should be different from those presented during the semester; it is not possible to use partial tests carried out in other moments of evaluation.

 

Examinations or Special Assignments

The "special" examinations is global, including all the partial proves: TP1, TP2, TP3 or DP, which should be different from those presented during the semester; it is not possible to use partial tests carried out in other moments of evaluation.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

The "special evaluation" will have to be based on works (TP1, TP2, TP3) or DP different from those presented in the UC frequency.

Classification improvement

The improvement of the final grade is global (Exercise, Case study, Analysis and Project). The improvement will have to be based on works (TP1, TP2, TP3) or DP different from those presented in the UC frequency.

Observations

- selected papers will be provided depending on the subjects taught and a course specific practical manual.