The course combines lectures, theory-oriented guided activities, supervised activities carried out both individually and in groups, and a set of autonomous learning activities aimed at achieving the module’s objectives. Each of the thematic blocks into which the course content is structured is taught by faculty members who are specialists in the corresponding subject area.

Students will be organized into groups, each of which will work on a specific research case. Throughout the course, the groups will undertake various practical activities designed to apply the knowledge acquired during the teaching sessions to their respective cases. The outcomes of these activities, developed through both individual and collaborative autonomous work, should culminate in the formulation of a research project that may constitute the basis for the Master’s Thesis (Master’s Final Project).

The detailed schedule, including the content of the different sessions, will be presented on the day the course is introduced and will also be available on the course Virtual Campus. There, students will find the teaching materials deemed appropriate by the faculty, as well as all the information necessary for the proper follow-up of the course. Should there be a change in the teaching modality due to force majeure, in accordance with the decisions of the competent authorities, the teaching staff will inform students of any changes affecting the course schedule and teaching methodologies.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Each unit of the course, both in continuous and single assessment, will be evaluated by the specialist lecturer responsible for it.

To pass the course, in both continuous and single assessment modes, students must pass the assessment activities of the three units. The final grade will be the weighted average of the three marks (Unit 1 – 50%; Unit 2 – 25%; Unit 3 – 25%).

Resit assessment

Students will be entitled to resit the course if they have been assessed on a set of activities accounting for at least two-thirds (2/3) of the total course grade.

The resit will consist of repeating the failed activity or activities.

Single assessment

Students opting for single assessment must complete the following activities:

1. Preparation of a research project: theoretical and methodological framework (Unit 1) (50%).
2. Theoretical exam (Unit 2) (25%).
3. Bibliographic search exercise (Unit 3) (25%).

Students concerned will be informed in advance of the place, date and submission deadline for the project, as well as the date of the theoretical exam and the bibliographic search exercise.

The resit for single assessment will consist of repeating the failed activity or activities.

Students who have not completed at least 50% of the assessment activities of the course will be considered NOT ASSESSED (NO EVALUABLE) and this will appear in the final grade.

For students in the second examination period, no synthesis test is scheduled.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in this course is permitted exclusively as a support tool, such as for bibliographic or information searches, text proofreading or translation, support in applying certain research methodologies, and other uses that may be introduced during the course and duly indicated by the teaching staff.

Students must clearly identify which parts have been generated using such technologies, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how they have influenced the process and the final outcome of the activity. Lack of transparency in the use of AI in an assessed activity will be considered academic misconduct and may result in partial or total grade penalties, or more severe sanctions in serious cases.

PLAGIARISM

If a student engages in any irregularity that may lead to a significant alteration of the grade of an assessed activity, that activity will be graded 0, regardless of any disciplinary procedure that may be initiated. If multiple irregularities occur within the same course, the final course grade will be 0.

IRREGULARITIES

Any irregularity in an assessment activity (academic fraud, plagiarism, or improper use of AI unless expressly authorised in the course guide) that may significantly affect the grade will result in a 0 for that activity. If the course guide requires a minimum grade in that activity to pass the course, or if multiple irregularities occur, the final course grade will be 0. A disciplinary procedure may also be initiated against the student involved.

Any student suspected of submitting work generated by AI, produced by others, or copied, or containing AI-generated content without proper acknowledgement or outside permitted conditions, may be required to provide drafts or other materials demonstrating original authorship. They may also be asked to explain or defend their work orally. The teaching staff may use AI detection systems or other verification methods deemed appropriate. If irregularities are confirmed after review, the work may be graded 0 and additional disciplinary measures may be applied.