By the end of the course unit, the student will be able to define and delimit a relevant research question related to the practice of general medicine; implement a research approach that is consistent with the research question and select an appropriate methodology; search for, select and critically appraise relevant scientific literature; collect and analyse data or information using an appropriate methodology and in compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements; interpret and discuss the results obtained in relation to the scientific literature; identify the limitations of their work and critically reflect on the approach adopted; present the different stages and results of their work in a structured and rigorous manner; write a scientific paper that meets the academic requirements of the Master’s thesis; conduct their project with increasing autonomy, making appropriate use of the resources and guidance available to them.
The aim of this course unit is to enable the student to progressively and independently carry out a research project related to general practice as part of their Master’s thesis. It allows the student to apply previously acquired methodological skills and develop a rigorous approach to collecting, analysing and interpreting the data or information required for the research project. The course unit also aims to develop the student’s critical analysis, synthesis and scientific writing skills, as well as a reflective approach enabling them to critically consider both their practice and the research question under investigation. Throughout this process, the student is supported by their thesis supervisor, with additional guidance from their mentor.
Individual completion of a Master’s thesis related to general practice, based on a research question defined by the student. Depending on the nature of the project, the work includes searching for and critically appraising the scientific literature, defining and implementing an appropriate methodology, collecting and analysing data or information, interpreting and discussing the results, and writing the final thesis. The specific content of the Master’s thesis depends on the research question and methodological approach chosen by the student. The work must be carried out in accordance with the interuniversity guidelines available on MGTFE.
The student carries out their work independently under the supervision of their thesis supervisor, with additional support from their mentor. The thesis supervisor provides scientific and methodological guidance for the Master’s thesis and supports the student throughout the different stages of its completion. In addition to this supervision, two of the meetings scheduled with the mentor during the academic year are specifically dedicated to monitoring progress on the Master’s thesis. These meetings provide an opportunity to review the progress of the work, identify any difficulties encountered, and support the student in moving forward with the project. The student remains responsible for the management and progress of their Master’s thesis and progressively develops greater autonomy in completing it.
The Master’s thesis is defended orally before a jury composed of three members proposed by the heads of the departments or academic centres of General Practice of the universities of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (UCLouvain, ULB, ULiège and UNamur). The written thesis and its oral defence are assessed according to the procedures and criteria defined within the interuniversity framework and available on MGTFE. The Master’s thesis must be submitted within the specified deadline and comply with the guidelines provided on MGTFE. Late submission will result in a grade of 0/20 and postponement of the oral defence to the following examination session. Failure to comply with the guidelines may result in a penalty. The first examination session is held in May/June and the second in August/September. The assessment procedures are identical for both sessions. Attendance at the meetings with the mentor scheduled as part of the supervision of the Master’s thesis is one of the requirements of the course unit. Failure to comply with the requirements relating to these meetings may result in a penalty.
| Training | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Master in General Medicine | 3 | 5 | Yes |