A Guide to Writing Your Thesis

Dr. Leonard M. LyeAssociate Dean (Graduate Studies)Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, MUN

What is a thesis?

A manuscript demanded of an advanced-degree candidate; its purpose is to prove that the candidate is capable of doing original research and writing about it.

The term “dissertation” is essentially equivalent but should be reserved for a manuscript submitted for a doctorate.

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How do I get started?Start it today! Be familiar with SGS policies on Theses and Reportshttp://www.mun.ca/sgs/go/guid_policies/guidelines_intro.php

Look at some theses in your area (I have the database of all theses ever completed in MUN Eng)Start a binder Write the title page – you need this for inspiration.

You can change your title later!

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What do I write first?Write the Abstract or Summary first. ◦ If you can write the abstract, you know what should

be/will be in your thesis◦ It is short (1 page for Masters, 2 pages for PhDs).◦ Usually non-technicalConferences/granting agencies etc always ask for an abstract first, paper or details later. Abstract then what?Organize your ideas logicallyIf you can write the abstract and introduction, half the battle is won.

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How to Prepare the AbstractThe Abstract should:◦ State the principal objectives and scope of the thesis◦ Describe the methods employed◦ Summarize the results◦ State the principal conclusions

Most or all the Abstract should be written in the past tense, because it refers to work done.The Abstract should never give any information or conclusion that is not stated in the thesis. The Abstract should contain no references to the literature, tables, or figures.

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How to Write the Introduction

Suggested rules for a good Introduction are as follows:◦ Present first, with all clarity, nature and scope of

problem investigated◦ Briefly review the pertinent literature to orient reader◦ State method of investigation, and reasons for choice of

methods◦ State principal results of investigation◦ State principal conclusions suggested by results

In a thesis, an outline of how chapters are connected is also very useful to orient the reader.

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Don’t omit any of these Title (and title page) – keep it short and meaningfulAbstract - for the librarian and busy examiners (1 page for MEng, 2 pages for PhD)

Table of Contents - shows right things are thereAcknowledgements – don’t leave out anyone who has helped you especially funding agencies.Introduction – says “I am going to look at the following things and why”.Review of previous work – shows you know the fieldApproach and plan of attack – how you handle the problem and why it is done a certain way. What methodology was used?Description of the work – details, so that others can follow what you didCritical analysis of results – shows you know the limitations and that you understand your resultsConclusions – repetition of intro, but with reference to the detailsFuture work – show you know what’s missingReferences – cover the field and don’t miss out key referencesAppendices – nitty gritty details that would clutter your eloquent manuscript

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Steps in Writing

Get the outline correct (Table of contents)Flesh out ideas in point formWork your points into a paragraph level Write in proper sentencesEdit, Edit, EditLeave it for a few daysRe-read, edit, edit, edit. Read it aloud word by word and line by line.Get someone else to read it, edit, edit, edit.

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Example: OutlinePage

8.1 Flood Control Alternatives 100

8.2 Alternative 1: Construction of Dam 104

8.2.1 Geotechnical Assessment 105

8.2.2 Construction Detail 106

8.2.3 Diversion Channel 106

8.2.4 Cost Estimates 107

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Ideas in point form

8.1 Flood Control Alternatives– Describe flooding problems along East River; the flood of 1987 and

damages; increased runoff from upstream development; ice jams at Highway 31 bridge; previous channel improvements; current alternatives limited to Dam/ Diversion or Rechannelization

8.2 Alternative 1: Construction of a Dam– Describe the Dam/Diversion facility; where it is to be located; how it

would function in floods; in droughts (additional benefits); recreation potential.

– 8.2.1 Geotechnical Assessment– Poor soils therefore need key trench and grouting; volume of

excavation; where to dispose of soil; sources of stone and gravel; need for diversion channel lining; bedrock excavation.

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Points to paragraph level8.1 Flood Control Alternatives

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• Flooding along East River has occurred since 1931. Over the years, settlement has crowded the river to the point where annual flooding is serious. Eighteen serious floods since 1931 but no loss of life.

• 1987 flood worst on record. Flows peaked at 18.3 cms at 0345 on May 27. One hundred and twenty seven houses were inundated, with many residents homeless for three weeks as a result. Damages reached 1.5 million. Highway 31 bridge was seriously damaged. Also Roadway erosion for 1500 metres. No warning could be given since river peaks in 1½ hours.

• Many residents concerned about runoff increases due to upstream flooding. Urban development in basin was 5% in 1931, but is now 38%. Flows and response time have been dramatically altered. Some detention work installed but mainly ineffective. No runoff controls in place and new developments proceeding.

• Ice Jams at Highway 31 also contribute to problem. Approach angle is too large therefore ice jams against north bank. Ice a factor in 50% of floods. Township uses cranes to push ice through. Only real solution to enlarge/re-align bridge.

• Channel improved in 1954 and 1968 but mainly cleaning and straightening. No real capacity increase. Refer to reports of 54 and 68 for flows and levels.

• Present situation allows for only two basic alternatives. Dam upstream of village and divert flow around to below Highway 31. Feasible to do plus recreation benefit. Or can channelize river significantly more capacity. Need to replace Highway 31 in this case. Diking not attractive because no space, too long, too high. Therefore discuss two alternatives.

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Tip: Say everything thrice (3 times) • In the thesis as a whole:

– What the results will say (Introduction)– Details of the work (Body)– What the thesis said (Conclusion)

• Within each Chapter/section:– What this section says (Signposting)– The details (Body)– What this section said (Summary)

• Within each paragraph:– Each paragraph describes a single idea– The first sentence introduces the idea (linking with the previous one)– The last sentence concludes the idea (linking to the next one)

• It’s not repetition, it’s linking and rationale.– If you do it right, the reader won’t notice any repetition

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ReferencesKeep a database of complete references◦ Use a consistent citation style

Author (Year) is preferred

◦ Use a tool RefWorks, or use Excel

◦ Attention to details is importantGet the spelling right Know which is first and last name

◦ Keep complete referencesPage numbers, volume numbers, editors names, locations, dates of conferences, journal name, where you found it, etc.

◦ Don’t miss out any main referencesStandard texts, review papers, etc.

DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!16

How do I get finished?• Don’t get stuck!• Why are you stuck?

– Are you avoiding some parts?– Are you writing and rewriting other bits?– Doing more reading?– Waiting for supervisor’s feedback but not forthcoming?– Tinkering with layout?– Don’t have the tools to do get the job done?

• Is the task too hard? • Don’t be afraid to change plans if it proves too hard• Cut out irrelevant bits• Learn the symptoms of “being stuck” and ask for help.

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Summary

Start writing today!Make up a title page and get a binder for inspirationPlan your thesis with a Table of ContentsWrite Abstract Don’t be afraid to change plansGet other people to read your draftsGet bugs out before examiners see it!Get help if you are stuck.

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Miscellaneous IssuesHow many pages should my thesis be? ◦ It depends on field of study. But not too long.◦ Historical data: 56 pages to 744 pages (100-300 mostly)

State your contributions clearly and early in the thesis. Traditional thesis or manuscript style? ◦ Discuss with your supervisor◦ Read the regulations carefully

What questions do examiners ask?◦ Why should I even read this thesis? ◦ Is it presented in a logical manner?◦ What is the contribution of this work?◦ Why is this work being done in the first place?◦ Is the thesis well-written and free of errors e.g. typos, formatting, etc.◦ Is it a joy to read or is it frustrating to read?

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Examiner’s Take on the Thesis

What’s this thesis about?◦ Examiners have little time available, so they want to extract the most

info in the shortest time

Order of scanning of a thesis:◦ Abstract (What’s it about?)

◦ Does it cite the right things? Has it been published?

◦ Conclusions (What was achieved? Do I believe it?)

◦ Table of Contents (Are all pieces there? Is the argument clear?)

This may be enough to form a first impression of whether the thesis is worth a MEng or PhD.Then:◦ What questions now spring to mind? Were the questions answered?

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What examiners are looking for (adapted from Brown and Atkins (1988): Effective teaching in Higher Education, London: Routledge)

Literature Review:◦ To what extent is review relevant to the research?◦ Has candidate slipped into “Here is all I know about X”?◦ Is there evidence of critical appraisal of other work, or is

review just descriptive?◦ How well has candidate mastered the technical or

theoretical literature?◦ Does candidate make the links between review and his

or her methodology explicit?◦ Is there a summary of essential features of other work as

it relates to this study?

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Methodology/Approach:◦ What precautions were taken against sources of

uncertainties?◦ What are the limitations in the methodology? Is the

candidate aware of them?◦ Is methodology for data collection appropriate?◦ Are techniques used for experimental design and

analysis appropriate?◦ In the circumstances, has the best methodology been

chosen?◦ Has the candidate given an adequate justification to the

methodology?

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Presentation of Results:◦ Have the hypotheses in fact been tested?◦ Do the solutions obtained relate to the questions posed?◦ Is the level and form of analysis appropriate for the data?◦ Could the presentation of the results been made clearer?◦ Are the patterns and trends in the results accurately

identified and summarized?◦ Does the software appear to work satisfactorily? Did the

candidate write the code?

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Discussion and Conclusions:◦ Is the candidate aware of possible limits to

confidence/reliability/validity of the work?◦ Have the main points to emerge from the results been

picked up for discussion?◦ Are there links made to the literature?◦ Is there evidence of attempts at theory building or

reconceptualization of the problem?◦ Are there speculations? Are they well grounded in the

results?

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Thesis Evaluation Guide

Rate each of the following as outstanding (5), excellent (4), good (3), satisfactory (2), unsatisfactory (1)

Weighting* Rating Wt Rating

1 Contribution to knowledge- originality, quality, quantity 0.3- clarity of objectives and need for research

2 Research (and experimental work)- correctness, adequacy, thoroughness, technical skill 0.3

- awareness of limitations and alternative methodologies

3 Understanding of subject- adequate review of previous work, evaluation of results 0.2

- validity of conclusions

4 Presentation of thesis- organization of material, presentation of results (tables, figures), 0.2- grammar, style, bibliography, freedom from errors.

Total:

For the thesis to pass, no rating should be less than 2.

* Note: The weightings used in this guide are only suggestive. You may use a different weighting scheme for Masters /PhD theses.

Additional Referenceshttp://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/~martins/sen_sem/thesis_org.htmlwww.engr.mun.ca/~llye/SeminarRobert A. Day and Barbara Gastel (2006): How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 6th Edition, Greenwood Press.

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