Methodology

The FYP subject does not include class teaching. That is why the virtual classroom enabled through the Virtual Campus is the space for the exchange of information between the coordination team, the tutor figure and the students, as well as the space where the different evidence requested throughout the course. It is essential, therefore, that students consult the virtual classroom periodically, as well as the e-mail address associated with it, to ensure that they receive all the information necessary to monitor it properly.

Students will be able to select the topic of their FYP from those offered in strict order of their grade point average, within the time period established at the beginning of the course.

The teaching/learning methodology is divided into supervision sessions, autonomous work and evaluation activities. The supervised activity includes two different types of tutorials that can be done in group or individually: compulsory tutorials and extension tutorials. Up to 8 compulsory tutorial sessions are required, at 4 different moments. Students may also request up to 8 hours of extension tutorials which will be agreed upon with the tutor. The first mandatory tutorial (it is recommended that it be in a group) must be done in person. Compulsory tutorials are face-to-face. The first mandatory tutoring is recommended to be group. Students in mobility programs can take virtually any tutorial.

The development of the FYP is a continuous process with 3 different phases: an initial one in which the project is defined (with an approximate workload of 25 hours), a development phase (with an approximately workload of 75 hours) and a closing phase that includes the presentation of the final report (with an approximate workload of 50 hours).

The FYP process will begin with a plenary session where the general aspects of the elaboration of the TFG will be explained.

The process requires:

• A 1st. Compulsory tutorial on Topics and Objectives, before November3st., convened by the tutor figure once the subject assignments have been definitively published. During this tutorial, the rest of the compulsory tutorials will be scheduled by mutual agreement - which should not exceed 16 hours of dedication - and the extension tutorials - which should not exceed 8 hours.
• A 2nd. Compulsory tutorial on the approach of the project before the 1st delivery.
• A 3rd. compulsory tutoring on Development before the 2nd delivery.
• A 4th. and last compulsory tutorial on Methodology and Results before the last delivery (Final report of the FYP).

During this process, students must submit the 3 evaluation evidences (which are detailed in the Evaluation section) on the established dates. All deliveries will be made through the enabled virtual space.

ORIENTATION AND FYP TYPES 

There are two different types of FYP: the professional option and the research option (which can be basic research on a topic or in-depth research on a theoretical concept). Regardless of the option chosen, the format of the FYP can be agreed on by tutor and student (report format or research article format).

Whichever format is chosen, the FYP must be written in CATALAN.

The FYP must include a references section and citations within the text according to APA rules. APA rules can be consulted at: https://ddd.uab.cat/pub/recdoc/2016/145881/citrefapa_a2016.pdf  

A) Professional Option

An intervention/innovation project in a given context. This option allows for four types of FP:

• Intervention FYP. A proposal for educational or socioeducational action in a specific context. This can be materialised in a) a diagnostic study, b) the design and implementation of a project in the professional field, c) the evaluation of an existing project (it is necessary that the project is being implemented).
• Creation and innovation FYP. A proposal aimed at designing, creating or developing educational and/or socioeducational products or services in a specific context.
• Entrepreneurial FYP. Developing a proposal for entrepreneurship (traditional or social) in the educational or socioeducational field.
• Service-learning FYP. A project with real application in an institution, requiring close collaboration with that institution. (More information at: Més que un TFG!). This option only supports annual FYPs (excluding February call).

In the case of FYPs which are based in the same school or institution where work placements are being carried out, students will be able to draw on the analysis of the context and other data gathered as part of their placement; but in NO CASE may they copy the content from one assignment to another. That is, the placement report and the FYP must be completely different or will be considere  as self-plagiarism, leading to failing the FYP.

B) Research Option

• Empirical research FP. An analytical project including a theoretical framework, a working hypothesis or objectives and an empirical section with results, discussion and conclusions. This modality should include basic research methodologies and techniques (search for, selection and use of tools to capture information, aswell as for analysis and interpretation).
• Systematic research review FP. A theoretical project that involves a theoretical, critical or comparative analysis as a basis for the in-depth presentation and argumentation of a topic. This modality should include a broad literature review on the subject matter and an explicit discussion in relation to the theoreticalframework and state-of-the-art.

STRUCTURE OF THE FINAL PROJECT (third submission)

Regardless of the FP option chosen, the third submission, which corresponds to the final version of the FP, can be presented in two different formats:

1) REPORT FORMAT

This format must meet the following requirements:

• Max. length of 70,000 characters (including spaces). This does not include the references or annexes.
• The cover page must include:

               -Autonomous University of Barcelona

               -Name of the author

               -FYP title

               -Date and sitting of the submission

               -Degree

               -Tutor’s name and Department.

After the cover page, you must include the index of the FYP including page numbers. In addition, an abstract in Catalan, Spanish and English must be included.

2) SCIENTIFIC ARTICLE FORMAT

Students choosing to present the FYP in this format must emulate the structure and presentation of an article published in a scientific or professional journal. The following are generic guidelines:

- The maximum length is 30,000 characters (including spaces).

- 7-8 line abstract in Catalan and translation into English.

- A list of 5-8 keywords.

- Reference list and in-text citations following APA format.

- Structure: introduction, context, theoretical framework, methodology or proposal plan, results, discussion, conclusions/final assessment.

- Schemes, tables, charts, photos and/or audio-visual recordings may be included at the end of the article.

- The cover page mustinclude:

• Autonomous University of Barcelona
• Name of the author
• FYP title
• Date and sitting of the submission
• Deegree
• Tutor’s name and Department.

In the event that the tutor figure saw this as feasible, students may be encouraged to publish the article in a journal. The tutor figure should therefore help students in adapting the article to the criteria of rigor and presentation of the chosen journal. The intellectual property of the TFG will belong to the author of the work. In the event that it is disclosed, the consent of both the author and the guardian figure will be required, who must be listed as a co-author in the second term.

Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.