Abstract:

Final Degree Project is an obligatory subject with 12 ECTS. Students must do an original piece of work individually in which they include the knowledge and competencies they have acquired during the degree courses. The Project consists of the student undertaking an autonomous project under the direction of a tutor. Studies of scientific disciplines pose as final degree projects, development of experimental work in the laboratory, where students acquire skills in instrumental management and analytical techniques. In addition, through the development of scientific memory, they acquire competencies that emphasize scientific writing.

This eminently practical approach in the development of the final degree project involves a significant expenditure of resources. On the other hand, a theoretical model is fundamentally based on the analysis of the most relevant scientific literature in a specific aspect of scientific knowledge.

In this context, the aim of this study was the development of a theoretical model for the final project on Food Science and Technology Degree. The experience has been developed with final year students who carry out the work in both modalities. Surveys were conducted with students and tutors. The academic results obtained and the acquisition of relevant competences in both cases were analyzed to establish the conclusions of the work.

In this theoretical approach students must review pertinent research literature for theories and analytic models that are relevant to the research problem they are investigating. The selection of a theory should depend on its appropriateness, ease of application, and explanatory power. In addition, in this type of work and also in practical work, the preparation of an exhaustive bibliographic section is emphasized.

The results indicate similar academic results achieved by the students in both types of works, however, some aspects are raised to be implemented to guarantee a good development of the project. Improvements actions are focused on increasing and preparing the number of meetings with students. The students as a whole demand an active tutoring, which makes autonomous learning somewhat difficult.

In summary, this study provides certain ideas on how to propose this theoretical final project, leading to guidelines to planning and designing teaching activity in this context.

Keywords:

final degree project, theoretical project, higher education.