Dissertation Planning

Code:

EIC0087

Acronym:

PDIS

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Multidisciplinary Themes

Instance: 2019/2020 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	https://moodle.up.pt/course/view.php?id=740
Responsible unit:	Department of Informatics Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Informatics and Computing Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIEIC	26	Syllabus since 2009/2010	5	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

1. CONTEXT

The curricular unit "Dissertation Planning" organizes the process and preliminary work of the dissertation of the Master in Informatics and Computing Engineering. Students complete PDIS prior to the semester in which the dissertation is held full time. The unit's effort is equivalent to 6 ECTS (1/5 full-time semester) and is dedicated to the choice and exploration of the dissertation subject, the study of the state of the art in the field of the dissertation and the development of preliminary work. After PDIS, it is expected that the work in the semester of the dissertation will be intense, well focused and with good presentation of results.

2. SPECIFIC GOALS

1. Get familiar with the processes, methodologies and practices associated with scientific research, taking as an example the research in computer science;
2. Reflect on critical thinking and its application in science;
3. Select a topic and research questions in line with the dissertation;
4. Elaborate and present the plan of a dissertation project, including the corresponding state of the art.

Learning outcomes and competences

Upon completion of this curricular unit, the student should be able to:

• Interpret a research proposal, refine and describe it;


• In a selected research topic, search and select publications in databases of scientific publications and other kinds of publication;


• Describe the process of scientific dissemination and publication of results, including the preparation of manuscripts, evaluation and registration of publications;


• Choose appropriate research methods for computer science;


• Prepare a workplan and a timetable for the master's dissertation;


• Write a state of the art for a research topic, based on bibliographic research;


• Communicate research results and present the results of the preparation of the master's dissertation.

Working method

Presencial

Program

• Methods and techniques in research projects


• Systematic methods of searching scientific information


• Design and development of publications


• Invited tutorials


• Design, preparation and presentation of the report of the dissertation project

Mandatory literature

Martha Davis; Scientific Papers and Presentations. ISBN: 0-12-206370-8
Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy,; On Being a Scientist: Responsible Conduct in Research file, National Academies Press, 2009. ISBN: ISBN: 0-309-11971-5
R. S. WAZLAWICK; Metodologia de Pesquisa para Ciência da Computação, Elsevier, 2009. ISBN: 978-85-352-3522
Justin Zobel; Writing for computer science. ISBN: 978-1-85233-802-2

Complementary Bibliography

Luís Adriano Oliveira; Dissertação e Tese em Ciência e Tecnologia Segundo Bolonha, Lidel, 2011. ISBN: 978-972-757-742-2
R. S. WAZLAWICK; Metodologia de Pesquisa para Ciência da Computação, Elsevier, 2009. ISBN: 9788535235227

Teaching methods and learning activities

The activity in classes is split into the exploration of topics related to research methods in computer engineering and the discussion and presentation of dissertation topics.

Topics covered include research methods, bibliographic search and state-of-the-art document writing, writing and organizing a master's dissertation, reporting research results.

The presentation and discussion sessions have the dissertation proposal as their theme, at the beginning of the semester, and the preliminary work done, the work plan of the dissertation and the results obtained, at the end of the semester.

The presentation sessions are public and have the participation of the advisors. The session at the end of the semester is evaluated by a jury with a format similar to that of the dissertation defense.

At the end of the semester, the students submit a report on the work done during the semester for the master's dissertation.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Prova oral	45,00
Trabalho escrito	30,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	25,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de relatório/dissertação/tese	47,00
Estudo autónomo	25,00
Frequência das aulas	30,00
Trabalho de investigação	40,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	20,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

To attend class meetings and complete the required assignments.

Calculation formula of final grade

CF = 25% At + 20% APi + 25% APf + 30% M, where:

CF: Final Grade

At: Moodle Activities

APi: Initial Presentation

APf: Final Presentation

M: Monograph

Passing requires CF >= 10/20 and M >= 10/20.

Examinations or Special Assignments

No special exams or projects.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Development and presentation of the assignments and presentations proposed in the unit.

Classification improvement

Enrollement in the next edition of the curricular unit.