Learning outcomes
MSc Thesis is an original research project and it includes the experimental laboratory research or the meta-analysis of primary experimental or bibliographic data using bioinformatics tools and/or data mining from electronic databases. The postgraduate students have to answer key scientific questions of the field, applying modern research methodologies and investigation of the scientific bibliography under the guidance of an academic supervisor. The postgraduate students conduct their research following the established rules of ethics in Scientific Research according to the regulation of the postgraduate program. Upon completion of the research part, the postgraduate students have to write their Thesis and present the results to a three-member Examining Committee in a procedure open to the public. During the process, the postgraduates become familiar and practice the analysis and synthesis of ideas and in scientific writing. Preparation of the oral presentation exercises the students in the abstract and critical presentation of a complex and multidimensional scientific topic, cultivating their communication skills.
The skills of finding, reviewing and critically evaluating the scientific literature in relation to a specific question and then the comprehensible writing and oral presentation of the question are also the aim of the six-month assignments prepared by the students in the 1st and 2nd semesters of their studies and constitute part of the Thesis’s practice and scoring.
Outline of course content
The project of the Thesis is determined on a case-by-case basis by the academic supervisors.
The projects must have an original research character and it can be performed with:
- Laboratory research with a physical presence in the laboratories of a) the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology of the University of Thessaly, b) other academic and research bodies belonging to the teachers of the PMS, and c) research and development departments of private bodies and companies
- Meta-analysis of primary experimental or literature data using bioinformatics tools and/or data mining from electronic databases
In addition, in the 1st and 2nd semesters of studies, the postgraduates are assigned bibliographic assignments the topics of which are determined by teaching tutors. At the end of each semester, the students hand in a written report and present their work orally on a predetermined date.