• To know the rules to apply the scientific method and the dynamics of working in a research laboratory.
• To learn the techniques necessary to perform experimental work.
• Understanding the importance of planning and organizing the work and the rigor in the presentation of results.
• Understanding the importance of teamwork and cooperation among researchers.
• Being able to formulate goals for work, plan the work, conduct experiments, presented the results and draw conclusions.
• Being able to discuss and defend publicly the results of the research project undertaken in the Masters.

Specific Competences

1. Being able to plan and carry out experiments independently and seek the necessary information.
2. Being able to properly use laboratory apparatus and software tools for data processing, statistical analysis and presentation of results as graphs, tables, diagrams and image composition.
3. Being able to interact and collaborate with other members of the research team, contributing their knowledge and ideas.

General Competences

1. Knowing how to choose and apply different methodologies to analyze molecular biochemistry, cellular, genetic and phenotypic for the diagnosis and study of disease.
2. Knowing how to plan and execute a research project. following the scientific method and appropriate technology with a high degree of initiative and commitment.
3. Capacity for teamwork, leadership and decision making.
4. Critical and creative thinking skills to their own work and that of other researchers.
5. Ability to prepare, process and interpret the results rigorously and applying appropriate technologies
6. Learn oriented research in areas of interest and translational medical (diagnosis and therapy)
7. Being able to present scientific reports and scientific papers may be considered for publication in international journals

Basic Skills

1. Possess knowledge and understanding to provide a basis or opportunity to be original in developing and / or applying ideas, often in a research context
2. Applying the knowledge and have the ability to solve problems in new or unfamiliar contexts broader (or multidisciplinary) related to their field of study
3. Being able to integrate knowledge and handle the complexity of formulating judgments based on information that remains incomplete or limited include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments
4. Knowing how to communicate the conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning the latest specialized and non-specialized audiences in a clear and unambiguous
5. Possessing learning skills to enable them to continue their education in a way that will be largely self-directed or autonomous

Transversal Competences

1. Having a correct oral and written expression
2. Mastering a foreign language
3. Mastering ICT
4. Respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women for the promotion of human rights and the values ??of a culture of peace and democratic values
    

The student and the supervisor will design the research project to be developed by the student during the period of the master. Based on a hypothesis they will define the main goals of the project and plannify the experimental work.

The student will join the research group and learn the skills needed to develop his project, perform the experiments, analyze the results and draw conclusions.

At the end of the experimental period, the student will prepare a written report of the work done and he will publicly present  his work to a committee composed of three master’s professors.

The process of teaching and learning will take place through the following activities:

• Tutoring with supervisor
• Preparation of a project
• Practical laboratory work
• Computer user training
• Teamwork
• Individual written work
• Oral communication

1. TFM characteristics

The Final Master’s Degree Project (TFM) consists on the execution of an original research project by using all the knowledge and competences acquired during the Master syudies. The TFM may be carried out as part of the habitual research activity of a group therefore the subject can be related to any of the Master’s subjects. The student work will be of 28 ECTS.

The TFM will be evaluated by the elaboration of a written memory of the work and a public defense in front of a Committee.

2. TFM memory

The TFM memory must be written on a scientific report format with the following structure:

• Abstract (maximum 500 words)
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Materials and methods
• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusions
• Bibliography

The memory will have a length of ??30-50 pages with font size 12 and spacing of 1.5.

On the cover it should be given the following information:

• Title of the TFM
• Author and Director/s (or director/s and tutor, if applicable)
• Affiliations
• Seen-ahead from the director of the TFM [Director / s Name and signature / s]
• Place and date

Students must deposit 3 printed and bound copies to the Master Degree Coordinator within the established deadlines (before  July 15^th 2014 on  the first deadline, or before October 10th on second term).They must also deposit a copy in electronic format into the folder “Espai Compartit” in the Virtual Space of “Treball Final de Màster” (14708-1314)

3. Deadlines

Registration: The registration application must be submitted to the Master Degree Coordinator before the 7th of February 2014.

Deposit and defense: There are two deadlines for the oral defense of TFM. Students must notify the coordinator before June 27th, 2014 in which term they want to defend the TFM.

Students who choose to defend within the second period, must submit a letter requesting the postponement of the TFM to the coordinator.

1st term: before July 25^th 2014.

The TFM deposit must be done to the the Master Degree Coordinator before 12:00h of July 15th 2014. Any work submitted after this date will be postponed to the next term.

2nd term: before October 24^th 2014 (upon request)

The TFM deposit must be done to the Master Degree Coordinator before 12:00h of 1 October 10^th 2014. Any work submitted after this date will be postponed to the next academic course.

The date, time and place of defense will be determined by the evaluation committee and will be made public at least seven days before the date fixed for the defense.

Presentation and defense of the TFM

The oral and public defense will be of 15-20 minutes and discussion with the evaluation committee will be about 10-15 min. The total time for the defense of the TFM can not exceed 30 minutes.

Composition of the Evaluation Committee

The committee that will evaluate the TFM will be composed of 3 professors of the Master.

1. Two professors appointed by the Academic Committee of the Master who will act as Chairman and Vocal-1
2. The Master’s coordinator will act as Vocal-2 of the committee.

The Academic Committee will decide the evaluator alternates.

The project director will be asked to fill-in an assessment report of the student which will be sent to the Master Degree Coordinator and will be distributed to the members of the evaluation committee. This report will be taken into account in the final evaluation.

Qualification of the TFM.

Each member of the committee will grade the student, considering the assessment report from the Director, the written scientific report, the oral presentation and the discussion with the committee
The rating will be hidden by ballot, and three ballots shall be deposited in an envelope which will be sealed.

After the TFM session, the Academic Committee will open the envelopes and a final score will be granted based on the dierctor and committee members grades.