CIV 797 & CIV 799

GRADUATE SEMINAR & RESEARCHPPGEC UFV Guidelines

Academic Regulations, Evaluation Criteria, Milestones, and Presentation Directives.

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Department of Civil Engineering

Universidade Federal de Viçosa

Prof. Coord. José Maria Franco de Carvalho

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

PPGEC / UFV — Institutional Context & Academic Impact

CAPES Quadrennial Evaluation

Grade 6 (Excellence)

610 Total Alumni

480 M.Sc. Degrees

130 Ph.D. Degrees

Pioneering Graduate Program in Minas Gerais since 1991

GEO

Geotechnics

Founded 1991 (M.Sc.) & 2003 (Ph.D.)

IE

Spatial Information

Incorporated in 2005

SA

Sanitary & Environmental

Incorporated in 2005

EC

Construction Engineering

Incorporated in 2007

Social Impact, Innovation & Employability

Public Policies & Territory: Strategic national projects (RADIS, AMARIS, DNIT/BIM) for land titling, Amazonian family mapping, and infrastructure modernization.
SDGs & Climate Resilience: AI-based urban risk mapping, eco-efficient cement composites, and microalgae biorefineries.
Alumni Projection: 92% of Ph.D. graduates serve as faculty/researchers in public higher education institutions nationwide and abroad.

CIV 797 — SEMINAR

Course Nature & Mandatory Requirements

Course Identity

Nature & Credits

Core Objective: Produce and defend the formal research project throughout the semester.
Academic Structure: Internal protocol directly linked to a regular course (CIV 797).
Grading & Workload: Attributes 1 academic credit and a formal grade.

Required for all PPGEC graduate students during their project development phase.

Deadlines

Defense Timeline

Master's Degree (M.Sc.): Prepare and defend proposal by the end of the 2nd semester.
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.): Prepare and defend proposal by the end of the 3rd semester.

Adherence to semester deadlines directly impacts CIV 799 registration status.

Post-Defense

Mandatory Protocol

SISPPG Registration: Advisor must register the approved project in SISPPG within the 1st month of the following semester.
SIA Presentation: Mandatory presentation of the approved project in UFV's SIA event.
Integration Seminar: Present approved project in the official PPGEC Integration Seminar (SI2026).

Official Event Portals:

CIV 797 — SEMINAR

Qualitative Criteria & Scoring Distribution Rubric

Assessment Pillars

Qualitative Expectations

Scope & Rigor

Aligns with research line; written in formal paper format with clear, objective scientific structure.

Project Feasibility

Guaranteed financial resources, laboratory infrastructure, and realistic execution timeline.

Defense Performance

Technical vocabulary, quality visuals, strict time control, and thorough domain knowledge in QA session.

Evaluated by the examination committee during defense

Score Breakdown

100 Points Evaluation Rubric

1. Work Structure (Methodology & Timeline) 40 Pts

2. Project Scientific Relevance 20 Pts

3. Project Feasibility & Infrastructure 20 Pts

4. Oral Presentation & Argue Domain 20 Pts

MAXIMUM CUMULATIVE SCORE 100 PTS

WRITING GUIDE

Project Written Structure

01. BASIS

Introduction

Contextualize problem, novelty, and relevance backed by up-to-date references.

02. LITERATURE

Review & Hypotheses

Synthesize state-of-the-art literature and explicitly formulate research hypothesis(es).

03. EXECUTION

Objectives & Methods

Align general/specific objectives directly with material & experimental methods.

04. PLANNING

Planning & References

Physical and financial schedules, expected impacts, and ABNT formatted references.

ORAL DEFENSE

Defense Presentation Structure

Sequence of Slides

Brief Problem Description: Concise context (avoid long literature reviews).
Hypotheses & Objectives: Direct scientific proposition.
Methodology: Detailed step-by-step procedures.
Expected Results & Timeline: Deliverables and schedule.

ALLOCATED TIME

25 - 35

MINUTES

Format: In-person or remote presentation according to committee guidelines.

BEST PRACTICES

Visual & Technical Slide Rules

Typography & Numbers

Always insert slide numbers. Use font size $\ge 18\text{pt}$ for body text. Keep titles concise.

Color Contrast

Choose title/text colors carefully. Avoid high-contrast bright red or pure yellow text for readability.

Content Synthesis

Avoid text paragraphs — use telegraphic text. Flowcharts and figures are far better than explanatory text.

VISUAL BENCHMARK

Font Hierarchy Reference

TITLE / HEADLINE LEVEL

Font Size 28pt — Main Titles & Headers

SUBTITLE / HIGHLIGHT LEVEL

Font Size 20pt — Subtitles & Essential Bullet Points

MINIMUM PERMISSIBLE BODY LEVEL

Font Size 16pt — Secondary Information & Captions (Use $\ge 18\text{pt}$ when possible)

VISUAL METHODOLOGY

Diagrams & Flowcharts in Defense Slides

Why Flowcharts Over Plain Text?

Cognitive Efficiency: Visual workflows allow examiners to grasp complex experimental steps instantaneously during a short talk.
Structured Logic: Clear directional connectors demonstrate exact procedural sequence and analytical dependencies.
Design Tip: Keep block shapes uniform, minimize text density inside nodes, and use color coding to group experimental phases.

VERTICAL BRANCHING (4 EXAMPLES)

Explore Real Diagram Examples

Navigate vertically down to inspect four benchmark diagram implementations from Civil Engineering research projects.

EXAMPLE 01 / 04

Complete Cement Production and Characterization

Some Tips...

• Clear linear phase separation (Input $\rightarrow$ Process $\rightarrow$ Output).
• Highlights physical components and monitoring parameters directly.
• Minimalist color scheme avoids visual clutter during defense.

EXAMPLE 02 / 04

Sample Preparation, Test and Analysis

Some Tips...

• Groups multi-variable testing under distinct procedural nodes.
• Explicitly lists analytical metrics alongside experimental steps.
• Ensures rapid comprehension for multi-stage lab routines.

EXAMPLE 03 / 04

Ilustrative Step-by-Step Preparation Process

Some Tips...

• Segregates acute, chronic, and estrogenicity bioassays effectively.
• Integrates species names and exposure durations neatly.
• High visual contrast allows effortless reading on large displays.

EXAMPLE 04 / 04

Classic Fluxogram

Some Tips...

• Master-level research framework synthesizing all experimental branches.
• Replaces lengthy text paragraphs with an elegant system flowchart.
• Serves as the ultimate slide reference for dissertation defenses.

VISUAL DESIGN GUIDELINES

Presenting Tabular Data Effectively

Cognitive Rationale

Tables designed for academic papers serve archival completeness, whereas slides require instant cognitive comprehension.

Avoid Screen Clutter: Unfiltered raw data forces viewers to read micro-text rather than listen to the speaker.
Distance Legibility: Font sizes under 18pt are completely illegible from the back row of an auditorium.

4 RULES FOR SLIDE TABLES

• 1. Filter Aggressively: Extract only key variables tied directly to the narrative.
• 2. Simplify Units: Group metrics with clear, consistent dimensional units.
• 3. Highlight Key Metrics: Use contrasting background fills or bolding for critical findings.
• 4. Maximize Spacing: Ensure generous cell padding and high-contrast typography.

INADEQUATE APPROACH (BRANCH Y=1)

Anti-Pattern: Raw Paper Table Copy-Paste

DO NOT DO THIS

Why This Fails

• Unreadable micro-fonts (<10pt) force audience squinting.
• Excessive background noise (too many rows/columns).
• Zero visual hierarchy or focus on key metrics.
• High cognitive fatigue for the evaluator.

ADEQUATE APPROACH (BRANCH Y=2)

Best Practice: Filtered Critical Results

Optimal Conditions for Electrocoagulation (Filtered Key Metrics):

OPTIMIZED

Parameter	Al-Al	AcF-Fe	AlF-Al (Best)	AlF-Fe
COD ($mg/L$)	692	875	495	859
BOD ($mg/L$)	597	710	450	65
BOD/COD Ratio	0.87	0.81	0.91	0.77
Final pH	10.1	8.5	9.0	10.4

Why This Works

• Large fluid font sizes readable from any distance.
• Unnecessary raw data columns completely removed.
• Visual highlight (green column) draws instant focus to optimal results.
• Perfect complement to verbal explanations.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS & PROCEDURES

Key Deadlines, Scheduling & Defense Setup

2026-2 Semester Dates

• 04-December-2026: Deadline for Project Defense (End of classes).
• 22-December-2026: Last day to release final grades and concepts.
• 15-January-2027: Last day to change incomplete grade concept "I".

No AcademicoPG Procedure: The defense event is purely administered by the advisor and student.

Venue & Calendar Setup

• Authorized Venues: DEC Meeting Room, LABENGE Meeting Room, LMC Class Room, LEN 121, or other room indicated by advisor.
• Google Calendar: Schedule the event, inviting the defense board and secretaria.ppgec@ufv.br.
• Online/Hybrid Mode: Must include meeting room link in the invitation.
• IP Protection: If defense is restricted for IP protection, explicitly inform in description.

Include formal invitation text & disclaimer in the agenda description.

Mandatory Step

Evaluation & Submission

Download form from the official PPGEC webpage.
Fill in details & attribute score marks.
Collect signatures from all committee members.
Deliver directly to Course Coordinator Prof. José Maria Carvalho.

Send to: josemaria.carvalho@ufv.br Access Forms & Documents Webpage

CIV 799 — RESEARCH

Research Phase, Concomitant Enrollment & Bond Maintenance

Subject Transition

Research Execution

No traditional classroom load: Student duties consist purely of carrying out approved research activities under advisor supervision.

Evaluated semi-annually as Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (N).
No credit hours generated; does not impact overall GPA coefficient.

Marks transition from coursework phase into active thesis/dissertation development.

Program Link Safety

Preventing Dismissal

CIV 799 serves as the formal academic link maintaining active student enrollment status within PPGEC.

Mandatory Study Plan Action:

At least CIV 799 MUST be added to the Study Plan during course registration every single semester to avoid official program dismissal (desligamento).

Mandatory from 2nd sem (MSc) & 3rd sem (PhD) onwards.

Co-requisites & Milestones

Concomitant Registration

Because CIV 799 represents active research continuity, it is structurally linked with key academic milestones and must be enrolled concomitantly with:

CIV 797: Research Seminar
Qualification Examination: Doctoral Requirement

Ensures synchronized registration across research, seminars, and examination boards.

CIV 799 — RESEARCH EVALUATION

Evaluation Criteria, Grading & Compulsory 'N' Rules

Grading Workflow

Advisor Evaluation Form

Grading link is sent exclusively to the research advisor via official Google Form.
The advisor submits the semester concept along with institutional reporting data for PPGEC annual statistics.

Course Coordinator: Prof. José Maria Franco de Carvalho

Co-requisite Linkage

Milestone Dependencies

CIV 799 evaluation is directly dependent on deadline compliance and concept release in linked academic milestones:

Automatic Grade Propagation:

An Unsatisfactory (N) grade or missed deadline in CIV 797 or the Qualification Examination automatically results in an "N" grade in CIV 799 for that semester.

Strict enforcement regarding limits for launching scores and concepts.

Automated Enforcement

Compulsory Failure Rule

Regular program duration is monitored automatically

Compulsory "N" Grade Trigger:

An "N" (Non-Satisfactory) is compulsory if, by the end of the semester, the final defense has not occurred and the total enrollment time exceeds:

• 24 Months for Master's Degree
• 48 Months for Doctorate Degree

Timeframe limits are non-negotiable under program regulations.

DOCTORAL MILESTONE

Qualification Exam Regulations & Workflow

Academic Timeline

Deadline & Regulation

Must be included in the Study Plan and completed up to the 6th academic semester (not measured in 36 months!).
Strictly linked to the academic semester progress, following UFV Post-Graduate Regulations.

Failure to include or pass within the 6th semester impacts CIV 799 status.

Formal Protocol

AcademicoPG & Calendar

Follows the exact same procedure as the Final Defense:

• System Workflow: Committee registration and scheduling via AcademicoPG.
• Approval Chain: Validation by Advisor $\rightarrow$ Coordinator $\rightarrow$ PPGEC Board.
• Google Calendar: Create event inviting board members and secretaria.ppgec@ufv.br (include room location or link for hybrid/online).

View PPGEC Public Agenda

Mandatory Delivery

Coordinator Submission

Advisor or student must email the following to josemaria.carvalho@ufv.br:

Proof of scientific paper submission
Similarity/plagiarism report of manuscript
Defense details: Title, Date, Time, Room/Google Meet link

Publicizing via Official Channels:

LinkedIn Instagram

FINAL DEFENSE & QUALIFICATION

Board Composition & Defense Requirements

Prerequisites

Language & Publications

Language Options: Manuscripts may be written and defended in English, Portuguese, or Spanish.
M.Sc. Defense: Proof of at least 1 scientific article submitted.
Ph.D. Defense: Proof of 2nd distinct submitted article + similarity report.
AcademicoPG Final Manuscript Upload: Submission of the final version of the Dissertation/Thesis must be processed through the AcademicoPG system when scheduling the defense. (Note: This system upload procedure does NOT apply to Qualification Exams).

All submission receipts must be attached prior to final scheduling.

Committee Rules

Examining Board Setup

• M.Sc. Defense: Minimum 3 members (at least 1 external to PPGEC).
• Ph.D. Qualification & Defense: Shared board requirements — minimum 5 members (at least 1 external to PPGEC and 1 external to UFV). More members may be included if necessary.
• Substitute Members (Suplentes): Mandatory indication of 2 substitute members, with at least 1 external to UFV.

Ensures full committee coverage in case of unexpected absences.

Institutional Value

CAPES Best Practice

Rationale behind External Members:

Including external committee members (both to PPGEC and UFV) fosters inter-institutional collaboration, enhances academic rigor, and directly aligns with the CAPES evaluation criteria for graduate program excellence.

Key metric for PPGEC's high-level academic assessment.

THANK YOU