Project and methodology of dissertation or training

Code:

MFPE007

Acronym:

PMDE

Instance: 2025/2026 - 2S

Active?	Yes
E-learning page:	https://moodle.up.pt/
Responsible unit:	Department of Philosophy
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MFPE	0	Study plan	1	-	3	21	81

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

At the end of the UC, the student must:
1) To know and know how to use bibliography and computer resources for research;
2) To understand the ethics of scientific research;
3) To understand the nature of scientific writing and scientific communication;
4) Design an appropriate research project (dissertation or internship) and prepare the corresponding literature review.

Learning outcomes and competences

Two types of classes are foreseen. The first part of the syllabus consists of explanatory classes, with permanent interaction with students, the aim being an introduction to research work in its various aspects. The second part is devoted to the presentation and discussion of students’ projects.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Conclusão do 1º ano do Mestrado.

Program

PART I
1. Research resources available to students: bibliographic and computer resources; heuristics and selection of working materials.
2. Ethics of scientific research: plagiarism and academic responsibility.
3. Scientific writing and the presentation of research results: freedom of thought, creativity and publication guidelines.
PART II
4. Preparation of the research project: from the research topic to the formulation of problems and the design of the project; preparation of the literature review.

Mandatory literature

Baumans, M. – Davis, J.B. ; Economic methodology. Understanding economic as a science, Bloomsbury Publishing, 2010
Cappelen, H. et al. (eds.); The Oxford Handbook of Philosophical Methodology, Oxford University Press, 2016
Umberto Eco; Como se faz uma tese em ciências humanas. ISBN: 978-972-23-1351-3
Furseth, I. – Everett, W. L.; Doing Your Master′s Dissertation: From Start to Finish, Sage, 2013
Grafton, A. ; The Footnote: A Curious History, CUP, 1999
Gordon Harvey; Writing with sources. ISBN: 0-87220-434-0

Teaching methods and learning activities

Two types of classes are foreseen. The first part of the syllabus consists of explanatory classes, with permanentinteraction with students, the aim being an introduction to research work in its various aspects. The second part isdevoted to the presentation and discussion of students’ projects.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	50,00
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	1,00
Frequência das aulas	20,00
Trabalho de investigação	60,00
Total:	81,00

Eligibility for exams

Not applicable.

Calculation formula of final grade

The assessment is based, in equal proportions (50%+50%), on the oral presentation of the research project in its essential features and components and on the written presentation of a literature review project

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable.

Internship work/project

Accrodingly to the assessment regulations.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Not applicable.

Classification improvement

Accrodingly to the assessment regulations.

Observations

Not applicable.