Research Proposal Guidelines – Master’s Degree in Medical Sciences

General Information

The Master’s thesis serves as a framework for students to apply the research methods they have learned, including planning, execution, and data analysis, while employing scientific and quantitative thinking. The goal is for the thesis to be of a quality and scope suitable for publication in a scientific journal. The primary objective of the thesis is to train students in scientific reasoning and independent research.

Research Proposal Submission Deadline

• Students must submit their research proposal by the end of their second semester.
• If a student is unable to meet this deadline, they must submit a formal request for an extension to the Student Committee. This request must be justified and accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the supervisor, indicating the estimated time required to complete the proposal.
• The maximum extension allowed is until the end of the first semester of the second academic year.
• Students who do not submit a research proposal or request an extension may be subject to termination of studies.
• Students planning to transition to the direct PhD track are exempt from submitting a research proposal for the Master’s program.

Submission Procedure

• Students must submit their research proposal via email to: noacb@tauex.tau.ac.il.
• A printed copy is not required.
• The proposal may be submitted in either Hebrew or English.

Proposal Format

• The proposal must be written in English or Hebrew.
• The document should not exceed three pages, using 1.5 line spacing and font size 12 (A4 format).
• If preliminary results exist, they may be included as an appendix (up to three additional pages).
• The proposal must be submitted via email along with the Supervisor Approval Form.
• Final approval of the proposal will be granted by the Chair of the Master’s Committee or an appointed representative.

Proposal Structure:

1. Student’s name and ID number.
2. Supervisor(s) name(s).
3. Research title in Hebrew and English.
4. Research topic and objectives.
5. Research methodology – methods, tools, and study design.
6. Student’s role in the research.
7. (Optional) Preliminary results as an appendix (maximum three pages).
8. Bibliography.
9. If the research involves human participants, an approval from the University’s Helsinki Committee or a relevant hospital committee is required.
10. If the research involves animal experiments, approval from the University Animal Ethics Committee must be attached, along with proof of participation in a laboratory animal research principles course.
11. Laboratory Safety Form, signed by both the student and the supervisor.

Responsibilities of the Student and Supervisor

• Students must ensure that their supervisor has approved the research proposal before submission to the Master’s Student Committee.
• The supervisor must submit the Supervisor Approval Form alongside the research proposal.
• The supervisor must also provide a list of experts (in both English and Hebrew) to assist the committee in selecting reviewers.

Evaluation Criteria for the Research Proposal

The Thesis Committee will evaluate the research proposal based on the following criteria:

1. The presence of a well-defined research question or hypothesis.
2. The student’s ability to apply diverse research methodologies.
3. The extent of the student’s independent contribution to the research.
4. The scientific and experimental training provided to the student to prepare them for independent research.
5. Detailed methods for data analysis and statistical evaluations.
6. If the research includes observational or interventional population studies, the student must complete the following mandatory courses:
   • Introduction to Epidemiology (0158.1011) – 2 credits
   • Biostatistics (0158.1110) – 3 credits + practical sessions
   • Research Methods in Epidemiology (0158.1013) – 3 credits
7. If a proposal is rejected, the committee may allow the student to submit a revised version, terminate their studies, or take other necessary actions.

For any questions or additional clarifications, students are encouraged to contact the Master’s program administration.