Methodology

The training involved in the Masters degree includes 60 credits divided into a teaching period (39 credits) and a research period (21 credits). All courses of the teaching period are optional, to choose from a total of 73.5 ECTS offered in 15 courses.The different courses offered (most including 1-2 weeks of intensive teaching) consist of several teaching activities:* Lectures* Practical laboratory classes* In-class practices* Computer practices * Preparation of seminars * Resolution of practical cases * Visits to research centres * Field trips For the implementation of the Masters degree Final Project, students will join a research group of the UPV / EHU or attached research organisations (NEIKER, GAIKER, AZTI, INIA), or other research centres through specific agreements, backed by a teacher of the Masters degree and the approval of the academic committee. The Masters degree Final Project involves an original research project which will run for 4-5 months and will be submitted in the form of a written report (~ 50 pages) and a public presentation which will be assessed by a committee appointed for that purpose according to pre-established common criteria.From February 2011 the centre called Plentziako Itsas-Estazioa (PIE) will be available with specific equipment for theoretical teaching and practices of the Masters degree

Assessment

Courses:Each subject will be valued separately as detailed in the files available on the website (Design):* Written examination of the course¿s theoretical content * Seminars: drafting the written work and public presentation * Practices report * Active participation (continuous evaluation).Masters degree Final Project:The following aspects shall be considered:- Student integration to the research group where their work has been performed - The level of basic training in the specific techniques used in the project of the Masters degree - The ability to plan and develop a research work and put it into practice always considering that it was done over a four-month period - Preparation of the scientific report - Public presentation and discussion of the work performed (contact with communication procedures, criticism and dissemination of scientific results) - In short, it will be valued whether students have acquired sufficient research experience enabling them to tackle the doctoral thesis or develop a professional activity as researcher in the field of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.