Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia

Scientific Research Methods and Techniques

Code

8927

Academic unit

Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia

Department

Departamento de Engenharia Electrotécnica

Credits

6.0

Teacher in charge

Luís Manuel Camarinha de Matos

Weekly hours

4

Teaching language

Português

Objectives

Provide competences on topics such as:

  • Introduction to the scientific method and base concepts.
  • Scientific results validation and dissemination methods.
  • Technical writing and communication techniques.
  • Thesis structure and preparation.
  • Scientific ethical principles.
  • Intellectual property and rights.
  • Research in collaboration.
  • Research management.
  • Roadmapping techniques.
  • Preparation of research proposals.

Subject matter

Unit 1:  INTRODUCTION

  Objectives for a PhD, base concepts, types of research, relationship with supervisor

Unit 2: SCIENTIFIC METHOD

  Overview of research methods, steps of the scientific method, engineering research

Unit 3: LITERATURE REVISION

  Information sources, information search, special sources, synthesis and critics

Unit 4: PUBLICATION OF RESULTS

  Writing scientific papers, publication channels, evaluation procedures, citations

Unit 5: THESIS ORGANIZATION AND VALIDATION

  Structure, research question, thesis contribution, validation of results

Unit 6: RESEARCH IN COLLABORATION

  Types of projects and partnerships, requirements, collaboration spirit and constraints

Unit 7: PROJECT PROPOSAL PREPARATION

  General structure of a proposal, typical example

Unit 8: RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGEMENT

  Management structure, management principles, tools, risks, reporting

Unit 9: ASSESSMENT OF RESEARCH RESULTS

  Phases of research and outcomes, research performance indicators

Unit 10: RESEARCH ETHICS

  Ethical issues and behavior, responsible conduct, scientific practices and violation

Unit 11: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

  Concepts, types, protection mechanisms, rights identification, rights transfer

Unit 12: ROADMAPPING AND FUTURE PLANNING (1)

  Future planning objectives and approaches, concept of roadmapping

Unit 13: ROADMAPPING AND FUTURE PLANNING (2)

  Roadmapping methodology

Unit 14: PROJECT PROPOSAL PREPARATION - EXAMPLES

  Examples in different programs – H2020, ESA

Unit 15: PANEL – PROPOSALS NEGOTIATION EXERCISE

Bibliography

Course handouts.

Evaluation method

Individual mini-quizes + group work

Courses