Deadlines and administrative fulfilments

Final exam regulations

The thesis is worth 24 credits and should not take more than 4-5 months of full-time work for the student.

The thesis will be written and discussed in English, multimedia supports such as slides, videos, images, and sounds can be used.

Purpose of the thesis

The aim of the thesis is to develop an original study, which may conclude with:

• an application project,
• a theoretical result related to specific design problems,
• or a critical review of the state of the art in a specific field of study.

During the course of the thesis, the student—under the guidance of the supervisor and, if present, one or more co-supervisors—is required to explore the chosen topics in depth, demonstrating the ability to analyze, synthesize, and creatively apply the knowledge acquired during their studies.

The content of the thesis must relate to topics in bioinformatics, medical informatics, or closely related disciplines.

The thesis work consists of a written dissertation and may involve:

• the design and development of applications or systems;
• a critical analysis of contributions drawn from the scientific literature;
• original research contributions.

Methods of execution and evaluation

Each thesis can be either internal or external, depending on whether it is carried out at the University of Verona or in collaboration with another institution.

Each thesis is supervised by a thesis advisor, who may be supported by one or more co-advisors, and is evaluated by a reviewer.

The reviewer is appointed by the Academic Board at least 20 days before the thesis defense, after verifying the student's eligibility to take the Master's Degree examination.

As for legal aspects (e.g., intellectual property of the results) related to the thesis and its contents, reference should be made to the current legislation and to the University Regulations.

Advisors, Co-Advisors, and Reviewers

The Master's Thesis is presented by a thesis advisor who supports the student throughout the entire development of the work.

The role of thesis advisor can be held by:

• a tenured professor of the Master's Degree Program in Medical Bioinformatics,
• a professor from the Department of Computer Science,
• or a professor from the University belonging to the scientific-disciplinary sectors ING-INF/05 or INF/01.

One or more co-advisors may also be involved alongside the advisor. This role can also be held by:

• researchers working at research institutions outside the university,
• research fellows (assegnisti di ricerca),
• holders of post-doctoral fellowships,
• PhD students,
• technical staff from the Department,
• subject matter experts officially recognized by an Italian university with an active appointment,
• company representatives with expertise in the area addressed by the thesis.

The reviewer is appointed by the Academic Board from among the professors of the scientific-disciplinary sectors included in the curriculum of the Master's Degree in Medical Bioinformatics, who are employed at the University of Verona and have proven expertise in the specific topic covered by the thesis.

Thesis Evaluation

The criteria on which the advisor, any co-advisors, and the reviewer are required to provide an assessment are as follows:

• the depth of analysis of the work carried out, in relation to the state of the art in the relevant computer science disciplines, with emphasis on applications in the medical and biological fields;
• the scientific or technological advancement contributed by the thesis;
• the critical thinking demonstrated by the candidate;
• the experimental and/or formal development work performed by the candidate;
• the candidate’s level of autonomy in carrying out the work;
• the relevance of the methodologies employed;
• the accuracy of the work and of the written dissertation.

The reviewer is not required to provide an assessment for point 5.

Degree Grade

The final degree grade (expressed out of 110) is an integer value between 66/110 and 110/110 and is calculated by summing the following components, rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g., 93.50 becomes 94, 86.49 becomes 86):

1. the weighted average (based on ECTS credits) of the grades obtained in coursework, scaled to a 110-point system;
2. the evaluation of the thesis and the oral defense, according to the following criteria:

a) assignment of a coefficient between 0 and 1 (with one decimal place) for each of the seven criteria listed above;

b) assignment of a coefficient between 0 and 1 (with one decimal place) for the quality of the presentation;

c) sum of the coefficients assigned in points a and b.

The presence of honors (lodi) awarded in individual exams, participation in internships officially recognized by the Academic Board of Computer Science, the completion of additional (extra) exams, and graduating within the standard duration of the program may be considered by the Graduation Committee to award an additional point.

If the final sum reaches 110/110, the Committee may decide to award honors (cum laude). Honors are proposed and discussed by the Committee without the use of any automatic calculation. According to current regulations, honors are awarded only if the decision is unanimous.

External Theses

An external thesis is carried out in collaboration with an institution outside the University of Verona.

In such cases, the student must first agree on the thesis topic with a faculty advisor affiliated with the University. Additionally, at least one co-advisor from the external institution is required, who will serve as the operational contact person for the student during the course of the work.

Both the advisor and co-advisors must be indicated in the thesis assignment request.

Agreements and Insurance Coverage

The student’s stay at the external institution is covered by the insurance provisions established by the regulations in force at the University of Verona.

If the thesis activity involves a formal training period at the external institution, a specific agreement between the University and the host institution must be signed.

Results and Ownership

The results obtained during the thesis are shared among all individuals and institutions involved. In any case, the content and results of the thesis are considered public.

For all matters not strictly scientific (such as agreements and insurance), reference should be made to the resolution of the Academic Senate dated January 12, 1999, and to the applicable legislation in force.

Need to activate a thesis internship

For thesis-related internships, it is not always necessary to activate an internship through the Internship Office. For further information, please consult the dedicated document, which can be found in the 'Documents' section of the Internships and work orientation - Science e Engineering service.

For further details regarding the Final Examination, please refer carefully to the Degree Program’s Academic Regulations.