CP1: Introduction to scientific research: concepts and processes. Research questions. Processes: stages (Identifying the problem; Reviewing the literature; Defining objectives and hypotheses; Selecting the methodology; Collecting data; Analysing data; Conclusions and recommendations).
CP2: Techniques for summarising and analysing scientific articles. Identifying relevant sources, evaluating the literature and synthesising information. Ethics, informed consent, confidentiality and integrity in research. Data collection methods.
CP3: Structure and organisation of research papers: pre-textual elements (cover, title page, abstract, keywords, table of contents), textual elements (introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion) and post-textual elements (conclusion, references, appendices, annexes). Preparation of a structure based on topics provided by the lecturer.
CP4: Application of APA Standards in scientific writing and academic reports.

The assessment of the course aims to gauge the students' acquisition of skills in essential aspects of writing texts in an academic context. Assessment throughout the semester includes activities covering different aspects of the technical and scientific writing process, including group and individual work activities:
Group activities (70%) [students are organized into groups of 4, randomly selected].
1- Group discussions with case studies (20%):
Description: each group is given a case study to analyze, and must identify the type of text; the research problem(s), hypotheses, methodologies used and data sources. The results of their work are presented in class to their colleagues (Time/group: presentation - 3 min; debate - 5 min).
Assessment (oral): based on active participation, the quality of the analysis and the clarity of the presentation.
2 - Research exercises and application of APA standards (20%).
Description: Students carry out practical research exercises in a (thematic) context on bibliographical references, their formatting and citation according to APA Norms. Assessment (written work to be submitted on Moodle): The exercises will be corrected and assessed on the basis of accuracy and compliance with APA Standards.
3 - Project Presentation Simulations (30%):
Description: groups choose a topic and create a fictitious project following the structure of a technical report or scientific text, making a presentation of their project in class (Time/group: presentation 3 min.; debate: 5 min.). The work is then reviewed following the comments.
Assessment: (Oral component and written/digital content to be submitted on Moodle): organization, content, correct use of the structure and procedures of academic work, ability to answer questions posed by colleagues and the teacher.
Individual activities (30%):
1 - Summary of a scientific article (20%).
Description: Each student must read and summarize a scientific article.
Assessment: The summaries made in class will be assessed on their ability to identify and summarize the essential elements of the text.
2 - Participation in activities throughout the semester (10%).
Description: This component aims to assess the specific contributions of each student in the activities carried out throughout the semester. Assessment: Interventions in the classroom; relevance of the student's specific contributions to debates; collaborative relationship with colleagues. In order to be assessed throughout the semester, the student must be present at 80% of the classes and have more than 7 (seven) marks in each of the assessments. If there are doubts about participation in the activities carried out, the teacher may request an oral discussion.
Final assessment: In-person written test (100%).

Mandatory

American Psychological Association (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 7 edição APA.
Macagno, F. & Rapanta, C. (2021). Escrita académica: argumentação, lógica da escrita, ideias, estilo, artigos e papers. Pactor.
Ribeiro, A. & Rosa, A. (2024). Descobrindo o potencial do CHATGPT em sala de aula: guia para professores e alunos. Atlantic Books.

Optional

Cottrell, S. (2005). Critical thinking skills: developing effective analysis and argument. Palgrave McMillan.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. SAGE Publications.
D'Alte, P., & D'Alte, L. (2023). Para uma avaliação do ChatGPT como ferramenta auxiliar de escrita de textos académicos. Revista Bibliomar, 22 (1), 122-138. DOI: 10.18764/2526-6160v22n1.2023.6.
Duarte, N. (2008). The art and science of creating great presentations. O'Reilly Media.Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. SAGE Publications.
Hofmann, A. (2016). Scientific writing and communication: papers, proposals, and presentations. Oxford University Press.
Kuhn, Deanna (1991). The skills of argument. Cambridge University Press.
Marcos, I.(2016). Citar e referenciar: o uso ético da informação. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.2/3929
Martínez, J. (2016). Cómo buscar y usar información científica: Guía para estudiantes universitários. Santander. http://hdl.handle.net/10760/29934
OIT. (2021). Ajustar as competências e a aprendizagem ao longo da vida para o futuro do trabalho. OIT Genebra.
OIT. (2020). Guia sobre como e porquê recolher e utilizar dados sobre as relações laborais. OIT Genebra.
Rapanta, C., Garcia-Mila, M., & Gilabert, S. (2013). What is meant by argumentative competence? An integrative review of methods of analysis and assessment in education. Review of Educational Research, 83(4), 483-520.
Rodrigues, A. (2022). A Natureza da Atividade Comunicativa. LisbonPress.
Rodrigues, A. D. (2005). A Partitura invisível. Para uma abordagem interacional da linguagem. Colibri.
Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic writing for graduate students: essential tasks and skills. University of Michigan Press.
Umberto, E. (2016). Como se faz uma Tese em Ciências Humanas. Editorial Presença.

Manuais: http://www.apastyle.org/ http://www.apastyle.org/learn/tutorials/index.aspx