Research Methods in Science and Technology
Dottorato di Ricerca Next Generation EU | PNRR D.M. n. 118/M4/C1/I 4.1 D.M. n. 117/M4/C2/I 3.3 D.M. n. 118/M4/C1/I 3.4

The PhD program is designed to provide students with knowledge, competences, and skills needed to undertake research in science and technology with awareness, responsibility and method. To this purpose, the degree program provides the opportunity to: deepen ethical and methodological issues, develop critical sense, apply both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, experience the development, characterization, validation and usage of formal and computational models, improve scientific and technical writing skills, and confront the international scientific community.

The first year will be dedicated to courses, exams and other teaching and research activities in Urbino, in the context of the Renaissance city, included in the UNESCO World Heritage.

Courses with exams will be taught in English, and will be structured into teaching modules of 4 ECTS each, corresponding to 8 hour of lectures + project work and study. Exams (written tests and/or papers and/or oral examinations) will be taken right after each course. An additional session of exams is offered in september. Admission to the second year will depend on students’ achievement of a satisfactory score at final exams in each teaching module.

Seminars (with no exams) will address specific topics to provide additional opportunities of either deepening their main fields of interest or widening their research horizons.

Research projects are assigned at the beginning of the second year, which is mainly devoted to research.

PhD thesis will be completed during the third year, submitted and defended at the end of the last Academic Year.

Candidates are expected to spend a semester abroad.

Training offer of the Ph.D. Programme in Research Methods in Science and Technology

Real-time class schedule

First year

In the first year students are expected to: 

• choose 4 common courses on methodological aspects, ethics, technical writing, and transversal skills for a total of 32 ECTS
• achieve compulsory area-specific courses for a total of 24 ECTS
• attend at least 4 2-hour seminars for a total fo 4 ECTS

Second year

Mainly devoted to research

• Definition of the Research Project Proposal 
• Supervised research activity
• Participation to selected Doctoral courses, Seminars or Summer Schools
• Possible research experience abroad 

Students are expected to present the results of their work at International workshops and conferences and to submit papers for publication in international journals.

In the second Year students are also expected to take a Scientific English course.for 5 ECTS

Third year

Mainly devoted to thesis preparation and publications

• Thesis development and completion
• Participation to selected Doctoral courses and Seminars
• Possible research experience abroad 

Students are expected to present the results of their work at International workshops and conferences and to submit papers for publication in international journals.

The natural occupational outcome of the program is R&D in academic institutions, research centers, public administrations and companies. The level of expertise, awareness, maturity and experience acquired during the program allows PhDs to undertake careers entailing coordination and decision making skills and responsibility.