MSc Thesis
Learning objectives
Upon successful completion of the MSc thesis the post-graduate students are expected to be able to:
- Understand the aim of conducting medical research
- Gain an in-depth understanding of a research topic under study
- Make use of primary or secondary data derived from national and global databases, based on the topic of their thesis
- Formulate a research question and respective hypothesis
- Design and draft the materials and methods used for conducting an epidemiological study, depending on the study type
- Search the literature, systematically collect and record existing and up-to-date data on research hypothesis
- Understand and appraise the importance of considering ethical issues and preserving information and personal data collected
- Select or design appropriate tools for data collection, in the case of compiling primary data, or comprehend the strengths and limitations of tools and data, in the case of using already collected data.
- Collect, report and analyze primary or secondary data, depending on the type of study
- Perform appropriate statistical analyses for the investigation of specific research questions
- Present and successfully summarise their study results through tables, diagrams or other graphs.
- Discuss and interpret the findings of their study, compare with existing literature and highlight its strengths and limitations
- Derive the conclusions of their study
- Present and cite appropriately the used literature
- Draft a manuscript following a comprehensive scientific publication and in accordance with ethical issues considered in scientific research and publication
- Follow the guidelines and recommendations of experienced researchers to write a scientific manuscript
- Collaborate successfully during the design and implementation of a research project
- Present their research to a scientific audience
- Respond satisfactorily to comments and questions following their presentation, concerning the design, implementation and interpretation of their study
Course content
After the successful completion of all the required courses during the first two semesters, each student undertakes a Master’s thesis with an epidemiological research subject, under the supervision of a three-member committee, with one principle supervising member (Master’s Supervisor). MSc thesis preparation requires students’ personal involvement and study, mainly under the supervisor’s guidance, but also with the assistance of the other two members, for the design, implementation, and presentation of the thesis. When completing the MSc’ s thesis, students will be able to apply and focus deeper into the principles and methodology of epidemiological research.