Master Dissertation in Digital Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
Objectives
The Dissertation course unit marks the final stage of the academic journey leading to the Master’s degree in Advanced Digital Manufacturing Engineering.
Its primary objective is to ensure that students develop an in-depth understanding of the field, demonstrating the ability to integrate and apply the skills acquired in relevant technical and scientific contexts.
The dissertation, of a scientific nature, may focus on applied research or experimental development, carried out in a laboratory or industrial setting, addressing topics that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in Advanced Digital Manufacturing Engineering.
The work undertaken should demonstrate the achievement of these objectives, reflecting the student''''s ability to conduct research, solve complex problems, and present well-founded solutions. The dissertation defence aims to assess students'''' ability to clearly and rigorously communicate their conclusions, as well as the knowledge and reasoning underpinning them, both orally and in writing.
General characterization
Code
12859
Credits
30.0
Responsible teacher
José Manuel Cardoso Xavier
Hours
Weekly - Available soon
Total - 250
Teaching language
Português
Prerequisites
To undertake the Dissertation in the Master’s in Advanced Digital Manufacturing Engineering, students must meet the following requirements:
1. Completion of mandatory ECTS credits
Students must have successfully completed all required course units or obtained special permission from the master’s programme coordinator.
2. Definition and approval of the dissertation topic
The dissertation topic must be approved by the Scientific Committee of the Master’s programme and align with the course objectives and the field of Advanced Digital Manufacturing.
3. Supervision
The research work must be supervised by a PhD professor or researcher in the field. In specific cases, supervision may be conducted by a recognised expert approved by the DEMI Council.
4. Planning and methodology
Students must prepare a detailed work plan, including objectives, methodology, and a timeline, which must be approved by the supervisor.
5. Execution of research or experimental development
Students must demonstrate autonomy in conducting research or experimental development, ensuring the application of appropriate scientific methodologies.
6. Dissertation writing
The dissertation must be structured according to the scientific and formatting standards defined by DEMI, including a literature review, methodology, analysis of results, and conclusions.
7. Public defence
The dissertation will be evaluated by a jury consisting of three to five members, including at least one supervisor and two members not directly involved in the student’s supervision. The defence will be public, and the grading will be on a scale from 0 to 20, with a minimum score of 10 required for approval.
Bibliography
There are several areas within Digital Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electrotechnical and Computers Engineering in which the student might focus his thesis development. Therefore, the bibliography will be different in accordance with the research issue.
Teaching method
The development of the Dissertation in the Master’s in Advanced Digital Manufacturing Engineering is based on a supervised methodology, providing students with specialised guidance while fostering progressive autonomy. The teaching methods include:
1. Personalised supervision
Each student is supervised by a PhD professor, researcher, or a recognised expert, ensuring appropriate technical and scientific support throughout the project.
2. Research-based and experimental development learning
Students conduct an original scientific or technological project, applying research methodologies and experimental development in a laboratory or industrial setting.
3. Regular meetings with the supervisor
Periodic sessions to monitor progress, review results, and adjust methodological approaches as needed.
4. Support in literature review and scientific methodologies
Students receive guidance in researching and critically analysing relevant scientific literature, as well as in applying appropriate scientific and experimental methodologies.
5. Progress reports and structured planning
Students are required to submit progress reports throughout the dissertation development, ensuring proper planning and alignment with the defined objectives.
6. Development of scientific writing and communication skills
Support in structuring the dissertation to ensure the effective communication of results through scientific writing and oral presentations.
Public dissertation defence
Students present and publicly discuss their research findings before a jury, enhancing their argumentation, critical analysis, and technical communication skills.
Evaluation method
The assessment of the Dissertation course in the Master’s in Advanced Digital Manufacturing Engineering is based on the scientific and technical quality of the work, as well as the student’s ability to communicate their findings. The assessment process includes:
1. Continuous supervision assessment
Progress evaluation through regular meetings with the supervisor, ensuring methodological adequacy and research development.
2. Progress reports
Submission of interim reports demonstrating research progress, data analysis, and experimental development.
3. Quality of the written dissertation
The final document is assessed based on structure, scientific depth, methodological coherence, critical analysis, and originality of results.
4. Public defence
Presentation and discussion of results before a jury composed of three to five members, including at least one supervisor and two external evaluators.
5. Final grading
Awarded on a scale from 0 to 20, with a minimum score of 10 required for approval. The evaluation considers the dissertation quality, oral defence, and the student’s mastery of the subject.
Subject matter
The program is focused on dissertation development, whose objectives are established by the supervisor in articulation with MEFDA’s Scientific Commission. The work development follows the conventional approach, encompassing the following stages:
Problem / Challenge Identification
Bibliographic research
Work development, either scientific or technological project oriented
Writing up of the Dissertation document
Validation of results
Presentation and Public discussion