Dissertation Planning

Code:

EIC0087

Acronym:

PDIS

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Multidisciplinary Themes

Instance: 2014/2015 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	https://moodle.fe.up.pt/1213/user/profile.php
E-learning page:	https://moodle.fe.up.pt/
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	15	Syllabus since 2009/2010	5	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

O1. To learn about the processes, methodologies, and best practices associated to scientific research, with a particular focus on informatics engineering;

O2. To develop a scientific criticism spirit;

O3. To acquire the capability to elaborate a plan for the MSc dissertation project, including the state-of-the-art, in a theme to be selected;

Learning outcomes and competences

C1. Given a research topic, the student will be able to search and select relevant publications in the databases of scientific publications;

C2. Students will understand the processes of dissemination of scientific results, including the publication of results;

C3. Students will be able to understand the research methods in computer science and informatics engineering;

C3. Students will be able to define a work plan in the context of the MSc dissertation;

C4. Given a research topic, students will be able to conclude a related work chapter;

C5. Students will be able to communicate research results and to present their MSc work;

Working method

Presencial

Program

P1. Methods and techniques suitable for research projects;

P2. Systematic methods for researching scientific information;

P3. Conception and development of work to be published;

P4. Invited Tutorials;

P5. Conception, elaboration, and presentation of a technical report about a dissertation project in a theme to be selected;

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

Part of the classes are dedicated to the exposition of the topics related to research methods in computer science and informatics engineering, to the communication of scientific results, to the writing and organization of the MSc dissertation,  to the presentation of results and of the work done, to the role  of the advisor, and to the work plan.

 

In the beginning of the semeste, the students do an infoliteracy certificate and a number of activities using the Moodle platform.

 

During the semestre, the students make two presentations about their dissertation work. These presentations are public and include three professors as members of the evaluation committee. These presentations intend to expose students to environments close to the MSc defence.

 

In the end of the semestre, the students must submit a report about the work done for the MSc dissertation during the semester. This report includes the problem definitions, motivation, a chapter about the related work, possible solutions for the problem, and the work plan.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

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

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de relatório/dissertação/tese	32,00
Estudo autónomo	64,00
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Trabalho de investigação	24,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

To attend classes and to perform the activities and work proposed.

Calculation formula of final grade

CF = 25% At + 15% APi + 30% APf + 30% M, where:

CF: Final Grade

At: Moodle Activities

APi: Initial Presentation

APf: Final Presentation

M: Technical Report

if CF >= 10 valores e M >= 10 valores

Examinations or Special Assignments

N.A.

 

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Conclusion of the work and presentations proposed in the UC.

Classification improvement

Conclusion of the work about an alternative topic and presentations to be assigned.