Thesis

Code:

PRODEF026

Acronym:

TS

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Physics Engineering

Instance: 2023/2024 - A

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Engineering Physics
Course/CS Responsible:	Doctoral Program in Engineering Physics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
PRODEF	15	Syllabus since 2009/2010	1	-	144	140	3888
			2
			3

Teaching language

English

Objectives

Undertake autonomous original research within the scope of a PhD thesis.

Write the thesis manuscript and present it in the viva.

Learning outcomes and competences

a) Ability to systematically understand a scientific field of study;
b) Acquire the competencies, skills and methods of research associated with an area of Physics Engineering;
c) Ability to conceive, design, adapt and perform significant research respecting the requirements imposed by the standards of academic quality and integrity;
d) Have completed a significant body of original research that has contributed to extending the frontiers of knowledge, some of which merits national or international dissemination in international peer reviewed journals;
e) Be able to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise new and complex ideas;
f) Be able to communicate with their peers, the academic community and society at large on the area of specialization;
g) Be able to, in a knowledge based society, to promote in an academic and/or professional context, the scientific and technological progress.

Working method

Presencial

Program

The PhD work programme is individual to each early stage researcher (ESR). It was designed in the “Research Project Seminar” curricular unit during the 1st year of the PRODEF, involving the supervisor(s). It was approved by FEUP scientific council, following Porto University 3rd cycle regulations.
The PhD work programme, presents the detailed plan for the thesis, with specific milestones. It must include outcomes, e.g. in terms of papers and include time for thesis writing. The work programme should include transferable skills.
The work programme should be followed, under the supervision of the thesis supervisor(s). It can evolve with new results by the ESR or others and new oportunities. The evolution of the work programme and career development plan activities must be reported yearly in written and oral reports to the PRODEF scientific commission (cf. Teaching methodologies).

Mandatory literature

Estelle M. Phillips, Derek S. Pugh; How to get a PhD. ISBN: 978-0-335-21684-6
European Commission; The European Charter for Researchers, 2005 (Available at http://www.europa.eu.int/eracareers/europeanchart)
On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in Research, National Academies Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0309119702
Peter J. Feibelman; A PhD Is Not Enough!: A Guide to Survival in Science, Basic Books; Second Edition edition, 2011. ISBN: 978-0465022229

Comments from the literature

Specific bibliography relevant to each PhD thesis theme, including e.g. advanced monographs, information servers, patents, refereed conference proceedings and journals.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Individual and collaborative activities of the ESR under supervision, according to the PhD work programme, integrated in a FCT unit.
The ESR is expected to participate in journal clubs, seminars, schools, workshops, and conferences. The ESR work must be presented orally or in a poster in international conferences, and published in ISI proceedings/peer reviewed journals. Transferable skills activities should also be foreseen.
The yearly “Progress Report” structure is:
1. Research description
1.1 Overview of main goals; 1.2 Proposed approach; 1.3 Summary of new literature and research findings
2. Progress report
2.1 Main achievements; 2.2 Future developments; 2.3 Estimated workplan for the remaining PhD time; 2.4 Selfevaluation; 2.5 Funding; 2.6 Plans for employment
Appendix | Publications, and patents; Presentations; Meetings; Extracurricular activities
The thesis manuscript and its public presentation will be evaluated following the 3rd cycle of Porto University regulations.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Defesa pública de dissertação, de relatório de projeto ou estágio, ou de tese	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de relatório/dissertação/tese	140,00
Total:	140,00

Eligibility for exams

Not applicable

Calculation formula of final grade

The thesis manuscript and its public presentation will be evaluated following the 3rd cycle of Porto University regulations. (100%).