Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Final Degree Project
Other languages of instruction: Spanish
Teaching staff
Dr. Carlos García Forero (cgarciaf@uic.es)
Introduction
During the sixth year, is made the Final Grade Dissertation (FGD) through which students, develop autonomously and supervised by a tutor, develop a research project or research article to be publicly defended.
The aims of the FGD is to provide students with a higher level of professional competence in the planning of a research project related to medicine in different areas. Thus, should implement the acquired knowledge regarding the genesis of research and knowledge that will prepare them for obtaining the degree of doctor if needed.
These projects or research articles can be framed within the following research areas:
- Basic Sciences
- Applied sciences, clinical research
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health
- Medical Education
- Sociology of medicine, anthropology and bioethics
The kind of projects or research articles are, among others, the following:
- Basic research and laboratory work
- Clinical research, translational or applied projects
- Epidemiological or public health projects
- Research projects in medical education
- Applied social research projects in the health field
For more information see the detailed Syllabus attached in the moodle course.
Pre-course requirements
In order to perform the TFG defense, the student must have 300 passed credits in the 1st to 5th grade years.
To enroll in FGD students must have passed the following subjects related to research:
- Basic concepts in experimental research
- Biostatistics
- Introduction to Epidemiology
- Management of scientific information (IMM2)
- Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health
Objectives
FGD objectives are:
- Promoting the integration of knowledge and research skills acquired.
- Familiarize students with the development of competitive research proposals in different areas of research.
- Prepare students to develop a critical and rigorous mind in evaluating research projects.
- Provide tools for public presentation of research projects.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 01 - Recognise the essential elements of the medical profession, including ethical principles, legal responsibilities and patient-centered professional skills.
- 05 - Recognize own limitations and the need to maintain and upgrade professional skills, with particular emphasis on autonomous learning of new knowledge and skills and motivation for quality.
- 12 - Understanding the foundations for action, the indications and efficacy of therapeutic interventions, based on available scientific evidence.
- 28 - Obtaining and using epidemiological data and assess trends and risks in health related decision-making.
- 31 - Understand, critically evaluate and know how to use sources of clinical and biomedical information to obtain, organize, interpret and communicate scientific and health care information.
- 32 - Know how to use information and communication technology in clinical, therapeutic, preventive health care and research.
- 34 - Ability for critical thinking, creativity and constructive skeptisim with a focus on research within professional practice.
- 35 - Understand the importance and limitations of scientific thinking in the study, prevention and treatment of disease.
- 36 - Be able to formulate hypotheses, collect and critically evaluate information for problem solving using the scientific method.
- 37 - Acquire basic training for research.
- CB-1 - To have acquired advanced knowledge and demonstrated, within the context of highly specialised scientific and technological research, detailed comprehension based on theoretical and practical aspects and a working methodology from one or more fields of study.
- CB-2 - To know how to apply and incorporate knowledge, an understanding of it and its scientific basis and the ability to solve problems in new and loosely defined environments, including multidisciplinary contexts that include both researchers and highly specialised professionals.
- CB-3 - To know how to evaluate and select the appropriate scientific theories and precise methodologies required by their field of study to make judgements based on incomplete or limited information. Where necessary and appropriate, this includes a reflection on the ethical and social responsibility linked to the solution suggested in each case.
- CB-4 - To be able to predict and control the evolution of complex situations through the development of new and innovative working methodologies adapted to the scientific / research, technological or specific professional field, which is generally multidisciplinary, within which they undertake their activities.
- CB-5 - To transmit in a clear and unambiguous way to a specialised or non-specialised audience, the results of scientific and technological research projects and innovation from the field of the most advanced innovation, as well as the most important concepts which they are based on.
- CB-6 - To have developed sufficient autonomy to participate in research projects and scientific or technological cooperation within the student’s own thematic and interdisciplinary context. This should also include a high degree of knowledge transfer.
- CB-7 - To be able to take responsibility for their own professional development and specialisation in one or more fields of study.
- CTP-3 - To develop critical thinking and reasoning as well as self-assessment skills.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Once the FGD is completed, students must demonstrate, understand and apply knowledge of a particular area of study, supported by the literature and scientific developments. They must also demonstrate the ability to gather and interpret relevant data within that area, and communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to an audience and have the skills to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy. [1]
They must also recognize the ethical issues related to plagiarism, confidentiality of information and intellectual property, as well as contribute to the progress of medical research with an attitude incorporated into clinical practice. [2]
Specifically, the expected learning RESULTS are to:
- Define the selected topic and identifies the key descriptors
- Review the most relevant databases
- Select appropriate bibliographical references for the construction of the theoretical framework
- Locate, screen and synthesize reliable and updated information.
- Write the theoretical framework based on the information collected
- Place the work in the context of the theoretical framework
- Compose an integrated set of questions / objectives
- Word the questions / objectives to guide the development of the research
- Arrange the different phases of the field work
- Discuse in written form the steps of the research protocol
- Develop a concrete schedule
- Detect the necessary resources in terms of the objectives of the study
- Deliver the work following the guidelines for authors in scientific papers
- Presents in clear, structured and understandable way
- Justify the most relevant contributions of the work
- Use appropriate resources in the oral presentation
- Manage time presentation effectively
- Express with conviction and property
- Successfully defend the approach to the questions raised
[1] General skills as Order 1393
[2] Skills AQU's degree in Medicine
Syllabus
- Introduction: Main reasons for conducting medical research
- Kinds of research and applications
- Background and rationale of the subject
- Objectives, study question, hypothesis
- Methodology (depending on the study design)
- Source of the information, study design
- Description of variables or aspects to study
- Plan analysis
- Schedule or scheduling of activities
- Budget (heading approximate)
- Impact or expected results of the research
- Ethical implications of medical research
- Sections and presentation of the research
The topics chosen should be assigned within the subject area of specialty, subject line and established.
The tutor/mentor will be assigned to each student based on the chosen topic and type of research. Tutors help students in relevant issues that may be the subject of a research project in which students can apply the skills acquired previously.
The mentor will also guide and monitor the process and progress of the student in the completion of the work.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
We will conduct lectures, project learning and tutorials (in group and individual).
The deliverables will deal on the following aspects:
|
Number |
Kind |
Task |
|
1* |
Individual |
Choosing and justifying a research topic |
|
2 |
Individual |
Background: Literature search, study question and objectives |
|
3 |
Individual |
Methodology I: Desing and Analysis |
|
4 |
Individual |
Methodology II: Analysis plan, ethics, limitations and results |
|
5 |
Group |
Presentation reharsing and general overview |
*Non-contact activity
Additional tutorial sessions could be appointed if needed, according to consideration by the mentor and coordination
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
In order to asses t, the areas of evaluation will be:
- Conduct a literature and documentary search on the topic
- Carry out a proper and critical assessment of the information obtained and its sources
- Prepare questions / goals that guide the work operationally
- Plan the development of the work
- Deliver and present the proposal: Learn to organize, interpret and communicate information in written and oral form
The evaluation system will involve assessment of the following:
- Evaluation process (monitoring of tutorials) 40% of the final grade
- Presentation of the written report: 30%
- Oral presentation and defense: 20%
- Peer-review: 10%
- Extraordinary contribution (publications, English, attitude, etc..): Extraordinary contributions will be considered for honors
DEADLINES AND CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES
- Activity 1 (Proposed Theme): SEPTEMBER 26
- Activity 2 (Introduction): November 14, 2022 (Preactivity); December 12, 2022 (Definitive activity)
- Activity 3 (Methodology I): February 13, 2023(Preactivity); March 10, 2023 (Definitive activity)
- Activity 4 (Methodology II): March 17, April 2023 (Preactivitat); April 10, 2023 (Definitive Activitat)3
- Activity 5 (Defense Test): 28-04-2023
- TFG memory deposit: 26 April 2023
- Oral presentations: 11-17 May 2023
- Delivery of grades 2 June 2023
- Review period: 15 June2023