Final exam

All the procedures use Google Forms accessible with University credentials. Please log in using your institutional email n.surname#@studenti.unipi.it. For details, visit https://it.unipi.it/risorse/software/google-workspace/.

The entire procedure begins by completing a specific form, which must be signed and electronically attached to the “Start of the MSc Thesis” form. The exact template depends on where the Thesis will be carried out and on the advisor’s status. Follow the instructions at this link to download the correct form.

Important. Theses conducted outside UniPi may require specific agreements that are not finalized immediately. Experimental theses may also involve more extended safety and training procedures. Therefore, for experimental and/or international theses, initiate administrative procedures a coupole of months before the actual start to avoid delays.

Enrollment in the Degree Examination involves steps for both the University of Pisa and the Physics Department, to be completed well in advance of the session (see the Graduation Sessions table).

^(*) Important. The thesis must also be uploaded to the ETD (Electronic Theses and Dissertations) portal, as described on the UniPi “Esame di Laurea” page. You may revise the archived version (e.g., to correct minor typos) up to six days before the exam. Differently, for organizational reasons, the committee will evaluate the version submitted via the “Thesis Submission” form.

Opponents, reports, and further details. Based on the Abstract and further info received, the Committee will appoint two opponents, who are typically announced about two to three weeks before the scheduled session, along with instructions on how to proceed. The candidate will be required to arrange a meeting with both opponents, who will write reports based on this meeting and their reading of the Thesis.

A few suggestions for the preparation of your Thesis defense:

1. Duration of the oral presentatoin. Duration of the final viva, each candidate has a maximum of 30-35 minutes to illustrate her/his wotk of Thesis.
2. Number of slides. Plan on roughly one “effective” slide per minute; exceeding 40 slides is discouraged. Although you may be interrupted for questions, the presentation may not exceed 50 minutes under any circumstances.
3. Format and evaluation. The candidate must prepare the presentation so that it is understandable, at least in its introductory part, even to non-experts in the specific field. Please keep in mind that the Committee’s evaluation will be based on the three criteria indicated in the document: Rules for determining the Master’s Degree final grade.

Photographers must be accredited [see the guide “Scelta fotografi per gli esami di Laurea”]. To employ a professional photographer of your choice, email their name to segrdida@df.unipi.it within 15 days after the session opens. An “Invited Photographer” pass will be created; collect it at the Department of Physics porter’s lodge (Largo Pontecorvo 3) by presenting an ID, which will be returned when the pass is handed back.

The following table lists upcoming graduation sessions together with key deadlines and links to the forms for submitting the Degree Application, Thesis, and slides.

*The indicated date refers only to the start of the graduation session, as the Master’s Degree Examination may span multiple days depending on the number of candidates enrolled.