Individual research and development work, leading to the preparation of a scientific dissertation on a topic within the field of knowledge of MECD or aiming at the integration and application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired throughout the course to solve complex engineering problems.

It can be either research or technological development and application work, involving experimental and/or simulation methods, promoting the development of initiative, decision-making, innovation, creative and critical thinking skills in an individual or group work context.

It should involve the analysis of new situations, the collection of relevant information, the development and selection or design of approach methodologies and problem-solving tools, their resolution, the synthesis exercise, the preparation of relevant dissertation subject to public presentation and discussion of results.

It can be conducted in an academic or academic and business environment. In this case, the objectives, nature, and form of supervision of the work should be subject to prior agreement between the student and the supervisors from the Faculty and the company, validated by the Course Director, ensuring the satisfaction of scientific and educational objectives of the course unit and protecting potential confidentiality issues on the part of the hosting company/institution.