Merged Intra-Semester Workshop

The workshop is designed to guide students in structuring an effective scientific research project and writing their master's thesis, fundamental skills for their academic and professional journey within the MERGED program.
This course aims to:
· Provide students with the methodological and practical competencies necessary to conceive, plan, and draft a scientifically rigorous thesis that aligns with the MERGED program's learning objectives.
· Develop the ability to formulate a robust and feasible research project (the "thesis synopsis"), which will serve as the foundation for their subsequent thesis work and meet program expectations.
· Foster critical interaction and discussion among students and with faculty members, promoting a collaborative environment that enriches the learning process and the quality of thesis projects.

Workshop Structure and Competency Development
The workshop is structured into progressive modules, each following a standard format: a brief Introduction, followed by Overview and Study sections. Students are expected to carefully read the Introduction and Overview before focusing on the Study section, which contains the prescribed learning materials.
· Module 1: Workshop Introduction and Synopsis Preparation (Knowledge and Understanding)
o This initial module aims to familiarize students with the workshop structure and the expectations for preparing their draft thesis synopsis. Students will gain a clear understanding of the workshop's objectives and the key steps to begin their thesis project.
· Modules 2-5: Thesis Synopsis Development (Applying Knowledge and Understanding)
o In these central modules, students will actively engage in creating a robust and feasible thesis synopsis. Activities include defining the research question, conducting a literature review, selecting methodologies, and planning project milestones.
o Students will learn to translate theoretical knowledge into a concrete action plan, acquiring practical skills in scientific research design. Emphasis will be placed on the feasibility and scientific soundness of the proposal.

Contribution to MERGED Degree Program Objectives
This workshop significantly contributes to the MERGED degree program's objectives by preparing students to independently and consciously undertake their thesis work, which represents the culmination of their studies. The competencies acquired are directly transferable to the expected professional profiles, which require research, critical analysis, and scientific communication skills. The commitment required to produce a quality synopsis directly correlates with the success of the subsequent thesis work, as demonstrated by prior experience.

Activities and Assessment
· Regular Discussions: Active engagement in discussions with fellow students and faculty is crucial for developing critical and judgment skills. The exchange of ideas and mutual feedback will enable students to refine their proposals and critically evaluate others' work.
· Team Collaboration: While not explicitly framed as "team work" for the individual thesis synopsis writing, the nature of the discussions and peer interaction will foster the development of essential collaborative skills in a scientific context.
· Quality of the Final Draft Thesis Synopsis: Assessment will be based on the quality of the final draft thesis synopsis, reflecting the student's ability to apply acquired knowledge and develop a coherent and well-structured research project.
· In-Class Contributions: Active and meaningful participation in class discussions will be an indicator of the student's ability to communicate what they have learned, argue their ideas, and contribute to scientific debate.
· Final Assessment: The workshop features a "Pass/Fail" final assessment, reflecting the importance of successfully completing this preparatory phase for thesis work.

Dublin Descriptor 1: Knowledge and Understanding
Upon successful completion of this workshop, students will have a comprehensive understanding of:
· The fundamental structure and components of a scientific research project and master's thesis, including the purpose and content of a thesis synopsis.
· Appropriate terminology, key concepts, established models, and relevant theories pertinent to their chosen research area within the MERGED program.
· The process of scientific inquiry, from problem identification to hypothesis formulation and methodological planning.
· The MERGED workshop structure and expectations for preparing a high-quality draft thesis synopsis.

Dublin Descriptor 2: Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Upon completion of this workshop, students will be able to:
· Formulate a strong, feasible, and scientifically sound thesis synopsis, clearly defining their research question, objectives, and proposed methodology.
· Critically interpret and synthesize relevant scientific literature, identifying gaps in knowledge and correctly incorporating existing research into their project proposal.
· Apply appropriate research methodologies to their specific thesis topic, demonstrating an understanding of experimental design or data collection strategies.
· Develop initial project plans for their thesis work, considering the scientific contents and aiming for originality in their ideas.
· Manage their work effectively to complete tasks and produce a quality thesis synopsis within the available timeframes.

Dublin Descriptor 3: Making Judgements
Students will develop critical thinking and judgment skills through:
· Critically analyzing and discussing issues and problems related to their own thesis proposals and those of their peers, evaluating their scientific validity, feasibility, and potential impact.
· Engaging in regular discussions with fellow students and participating faculty members, providing constructive feedback and defending their own research ideas based on logical and coherent arguments.
· Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of different research approaches and methodologies, making informed decisions about the most appropriate strategies for their thesis.
· Evaluating the scientific content and originality of ideas within their own and others' thesis synopses.
· Refining their judgment on what constitutes a robust, well-defined, and achievable research project within the given academic context.

Dublin Descriptor 4: Communication Skills
Students will enhance their communication skills by:
· Presenting their draft thesis synopsis to peers and faculty, demonstrating the ability to logically and coherently analyze and present their arguments.
· Organizing their contributions in a systematic and well-structured manner, both in written and oral formats.
· Using clear, concise, and appropriate language to articulate complex scientific concepts and research proposals.
· Actively participating in class discussions, effectively conveying their ideas, providing constructive criticism, and engaging in scientific debate.
· Demonstrating correct use of references in their written work, adhering to academic integrity standards.
· Effectively communicating the scientific contents and originality of their ideas to a specialized audience.