OVERVIEW

The Final Examination marks the conclusion of the academic journey in the Master’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery. It consists of writing and defending a thesis on a topic aligned with the course objectives, chosen by the student in agreement with a faculty advisor. The thesis may be experimental, clinical, theoretical, or a literature review, and must demonstrate the student’s ability to critically and independently address a relevant issue in the medical profession.

Pursuant to Article 102, paragraph 1, of Ministerial Decree No. 18/2020, the final examination of single-cycle Master's degree courses belonging to class LM-41 in Medicine and Surgery serves as a State licensing exam for the medical profession, subject to successful completion of the practical evaluation internship as regulated by the Ministerial Decree of May 9, 2018, No. 58.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Final Examination aims to:

• Consolidate the competencies acquired during the degree program.
• Promote independent judgment and critical analysis.
• Develop research, synthesis, and scientific communication skills.
• Encourage in-depth exploration of clinical, biomedical, or socio-health topics.
• Prepare students for professional practice and/or further academic pursuits.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion, the student will be able to:

• Develop a research project or clinical study autonomously and rigorously.
• Critically analyze scientific sources and clinical data.
• Communicate scientific content clearly and effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Reflect on their educational and professional journey.
• Demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and awareness of the physician’s role in society.

- Experimental Thesis

Educational Objectives
To introduce students to original scientific research, promoting the ability to design and conduct a study, collect and analyze data, and interpret results critically.

Expected Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:

• Formulate research hypotheses and define a study protocol.
• Collect and analyze data using scientific methods.
• Interpret results in light of existing literature.
• Effectively communicate research findings.

- Clinical Thesis

Educational Objectives
To develop the student’s ability to analyze clinical cases, diagnostic-therapeutic protocols, or care pathways, integrating scientific evidence and clinical practice.

Expected Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:

• Critically analyze complex clinical situations.
• Integrate anamnesis, diagnostic, and therapeutic data.
• Reflect on the effectiveness and appropriateness of healthcare interventions.
• Present and discuss clinical cases in a structured manner.

- Literature Review Thesis

Educational Objectives
To develop skills in bibliographic research, synthesis of available evidence, and critical evaluation of scientific literature on a specific topic.

Expected Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:

• Conduct a systematic or narrative literature review.
• Assess the methodological quality of the studies analyzed.
• Synthesize evidence coherently and critically.
• Argue conclusions based on scientific data.

PREREQUISITES

Students must have obtained the credits related to all the courses included in the degree program.

TEACHING METHODS

The student has 18 ECTS credits available for the preparation of the thesis, to be carried out within university clinical or basic research facilities. This activity is referred to as the “Thesis Internship” and must be conducted outside the hours dedicated to official teaching activities and must not overlap with elective activities (ADE).

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liase and arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The work plan and contents are agreed upon with the Thesis Advisor and are the result of the experimental or compilative part of the thesis work.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography necessary for the completion of the thesis work.

LESSONS

LESSONS START

During the 4th, 5th, or 6th year of the program.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final examination consists of the discussion of a thesis/dissertation prepared by the candidate before an academic committee.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The committee evaluates the thesis through its discussion.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The maximum score that can be awarded is 110 points. Honors (“cum laude”) may be granted by unanimous decision of the committee to candidates who achieve a final score higher than 110/110.
The final grade is the result of various components, detailed in the Academic Regulations, Article 13.