As an alternative to a 6-credit optional exam, the student may choose to individually develop a critical and/or theoretical research essay (saggio di ricerca) in a specific discipline. The student must develop it with the guidance and supervision of a tutor, chosen by him among the Polytechnic teaching staff.
The research essay is a 6CFU optional activity and therefore, its development should be consistent with a workload of approximately 150 work hours.
The topic of the research essay is discussed and agreed between the student and the teacher/tutor. The tutor is responsible for the soundness and feasibility of the research theme and program, and it is recommended that the student choose its topic among those forwarded/suggested by the tutor.
The research essay, once completed, will be evaluated and discussed with the teacher/tutor, who will grade the essay. The grade will be then registered by the Referente del Corso di Study (degree supervisor), just as any other exam.

A basic knowledge in the discipline chosen for the essay is required.

The tutor/teacher will grade the finished essay (the range is the same as that of an exam: from 18 to 30/30). The grade will reflect the overall quality of the research, but also the student's writing skills, the complexity and originality of the topic, the competence shown in the specific discipline, the student's autonomy.