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What is a thesis | A Complete Guide with Examples
Table of Contents
A thesis is a comprehensive academic paper based on your original research that presents new findings, arguments, and ideas of your study. It’s typically submitted at the end of your master’s degree or as a capstone of your bachelor’s degree.
However, writing a thesis can be laborious, especially for beginners. From the initial challenge of pinpointing a compelling research topic to organizing and presenting findings, the process is filled with potential pitfalls.
Therefore, to help you, this guide talks about what is a thesis. Additionally, it offers revelations and methodologies to transform it from an overwhelming task to a manageable and rewarding academic milestone.
What is a thesis?
A thesis is an in-depth research study that identifies a particular topic of inquiry and presents a clear argument or perspective about that topic using evidence and logic.
Writing a thesis showcases your ability of critical thinking, gathering evidence, and making a compelling argument. Integral to these competencies is thorough research, which not only fortifies your propositions but also confers credibility to your entire study.
Furthermore, there's another phenomenon you might often confuse with the thesis: the ' working thesis .' However, they aren't similar and shouldn't be used interchangeably.
A working thesis, often referred to as a preliminary or tentative thesis, is an initial version of your thesis statement. It serves as a draft or a starting point that guides your research in its early stages.
As you research more and gather more evidence, your initial thesis (aka working thesis) might change. It's like a starting point that can be adjusted as you learn more. It's normal for your main topic to change a few times before you finalize it.
While a thesis identifies and provides an overarching argument, the key to clearly communicating the central point of that argument lies in writing a strong thesis statement.
What is a thesis statement?
A strong thesis statement (aka thesis sentence) is a concise summary of the main argument or claim of the paper. It serves as a critical anchor in any academic work, succinctly encapsulating the primary argument or main idea of the entire paper.
Typically found within the introductory section, a strong thesis statement acts as a roadmap of your thesis, directing readers through your arguments and findings. By delineating the core focus of your investigation, it offers readers an immediate understanding of the context and the gravity of your study.
Furthermore, an effectively crafted thesis statement can set forth the boundaries of your research, helping readers anticipate the specific areas of inquiry you are addressing.
Different types of thesis statements
A good thesis statement is clear, specific, and arguable. Therefore, it is necessary for you to choose the right type of thesis statement for your academic papers.
Thesis statements can be classified based on their purpose and structure. Here are the primary types of thesis statements:
Argumentative (or Persuasive) thesis statement
Purpose : To convince the reader of a particular stance or point of view by presenting evidence and formulating a compelling argument.
Example : Reducing plastic use in daily life is essential for environmental health.
Analytical thesis statement
Purpose : To break down an idea or issue into its components and evaluate it.
Example : By examining the long-term effects, social implications, and economic impact of climate change, it becomes evident that immediate global action is necessary.
Expository (or Descriptive) thesis statement
Purpose : To explain a topic or subject to the reader.
Example : The Great Depression, spanning the 1930s, was a severe worldwide economic downturn triggered by a stock market crash, bank failures, and reduced consumer spending.
Cause and effect thesis statement
Purpose : To demonstrate a cause and its resulting effect.
Example : Overuse of smartphones can lead to impaired sleep patterns, reduced face-to-face social interactions, and increased levels of anxiety.
Compare and contrast thesis statement
Purpose : To highlight similarities and differences between two subjects.
Example : "While both novels '1984' and 'Brave New World' delve into dystopian futures, they differ in their portrayal of individual freedom, societal control, and the role of technology."
When you write a thesis statement , it's important to ensure clarity and precision, so the reader immediately understands the central focus of your work.
What is the difference between a thesis and a thesis statement?
While both terms are frequently used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.
A thesis refers to the entire research document, encompassing all its chapters and sections. In contrast, a thesis statement is a brief assertion that encapsulates the central argument of the research.
Here’s an in-depth differentiation table of a thesis and a thesis statement.
Aspect | Thesis | Thesis Statement |
Definition | An extensive document presenting the author's research and findings, typically for a degree or professional qualification. | A concise sentence or two in an essay or research paper that outlines the main idea or argument. |
Position | It’s the entire document on its own. | Typically found at the end of the introduction of an essay, research paper, or thesis. |
Components | Introduction, methodology, results, conclusions, and bibliography or references. | Doesn't include any specific components |
Purpose | Provides detailed research, presents findings, and contributes to a field of study. | To guide the reader about the main point or argument of the paper or essay. |
Now, to craft a compelling thesis, it's crucial to adhere to a specific structure. Let’s break down these essential components that make up a thesis structure
15 components of a thesis structure
Navigating a thesis can be daunting. However, understanding its structure can make the process more manageable.
Here are the key components or different sections of a thesis structure:
Your thesis begins with the title page. It's not just a formality but the gateway to your research.
Here, you'll prominently display the necessary information about you (the author) and your institutional details.
- Title of your thesis
- Your full name
- Your department
- Your institution and degree program
- Your submission date
- Your Supervisor's name (in some cases)
- Your Department or faculty (in some cases)
- Your University's logo (in some cases)
- Your Student ID (in some cases)
In a concise manner, you'll have to summarize the critical aspects of your research in typically no more than 200-300 words.
This includes the problem statement, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. For many, the abstract will determine if they delve deeper into your work, so ensure it's clear and compelling.
Acknowledgments
Research is rarely a solitary endeavor. In the acknowledgments section, you have the chance to express gratitude to those who've supported your journey.
This might include advisors, peers, institutions, or even personal sources of inspiration and support. It's a personal touch, reflecting the humanity behind the academic rigor.
Table of contents
A roadmap for your readers, the table of contents lists the chapters, sections, and subsections of your thesis.
By providing page numbers, you allow readers to navigate your work easily, jumping to sections that pique their interest.
List of figures and tables
Research often involves data, and presenting this data visually can enhance understanding. This section provides an organized listing of all figures and tables in your thesis.
It's a visual index, ensuring that readers can quickly locate and reference your graphical data.
Introduction
Here's where you introduce your research topic, articulate the research question or objective, and outline the significance of your study.
- Present the research topic : Clearly articulate the central theme or subject of your research.
- Background information : Ground your research topic, providing any necessary context or background information your readers might need to understand the significance of your study.
- Define the scope : Clearly delineate the boundaries of your research, indicating what will and won't be covered.
- Literature review : Introduce any relevant existing research on your topic, situating your work within the broader academic conversation and highlighting where your research fits in.
- State the research Question(s) or objective(s) : Clearly articulate the primary questions or objectives your research aims to address.
- Outline the study's structure : Give a brief overview of how the subsequent sections of your work will unfold, guiding your readers through the journey ahead.
The introduction should captivate your readers, making them eager to delve deeper into your research journey.
Literature review section
Your study correlates with existing research. Therefore, in the literature review section, you'll engage in a dialogue with existing knowledge, highlighting relevant studies, theories, and findings.
It's here that you identify gaps in the current knowledge, positioning your research as a bridge to new insights.
To streamline this process, consider leveraging AI tools. For example, the SciSpace literature review tool enables you to efficiently explore and delve into research papers, simplifying your literature review journey.
Methodology
In the research methodology section, you’ll detail the tools, techniques, and processes you employed to gather and analyze data. This section will inform the readers about how you approached your research questions and ensures the reproducibility of your study.
Here's a breakdown of what it should encompass:
- Research Design : Describe the overall structure and approach of your research. Are you conducting a qualitative study with in-depth interviews? Or is it a quantitative study using statistical analysis? Perhaps it's a mixed-methods approach?
- Data Collection : Detail the methods you used to gather data. This could include surveys, experiments, observations, interviews, archival research, etc. Mention where you sourced your data, the duration of data collection, and any tools or instruments used.
- Sampling : If applicable, explain how you selected participants or data sources for your study. Discuss the size of your sample and the rationale behind choosing it.
- Data Analysis : Describe the techniques and tools you used to process and analyze the data. This could range from statistical tests in quantitative research to thematic analysis in qualitative research.
- Validity and Reliability : Address the steps you took to ensure the validity and reliability of your findings to ensure that your results are both accurate and consistent.
- Ethical Considerations : Highlight any ethical issues related to your research and the measures you took to address them, including — informed consent, confidentiality, and data storage and protection measures.
Moreover, different research questions necessitate different types of methodologies. For instance:
- Experimental methodology : Often used in sciences, this involves a controlled experiment to discern causality.
- Qualitative methodology : Employed when exploring patterns or phenomena without numerical data. Methods can include interviews, focus groups, or content analysis.
- Quantitative methodology : Concerned with measurable data and often involves statistical analysis. Surveys and structured observations are common tools here.
- Mixed methods : As the name implies, this combines both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
The Methodology section isn’t just about detailing the methods but also justifying why they were chosen. The appropriateness of the methods in addressing your research question can significantly impact the credibility of your findings.
Results (or Findings)
This section presents the outcomes of your research. It's crucial to note that the nature of your results may vary; they could be quantitative, qualitative, or a mix of both.
Quantitative results often present statistical data, showcasing measurable outcomes, and they benefit from tables, graphs, and figures to depict these data points.
Qualitative results , on the other hand, might delve into patterns, themes, or narratives derived from non-numerical data, such as interviews or observations.
Regardless of the nature of your results, clarity is essential. This section is purely about presenting the data without offering interpretations — that comes later in the discussion.
In the discussion section, the raw data transforms into valuable insights.
Start by revisiting your research question and contrast it with the findings. How do your results expand, constrict, or challenge current academic conversations?
Dive into the intricacies of the data, guiding the reader through its implications. Detail potential limitations transparently, signaling your awareness of the research's boundaries. This is where your academic voice should be resonant and confident.
Practical implications (Recommendation) section
Based on the insights derived from your research, this section provides actionable suggestions or proposed solutions.
Whether aimed at industry professionals or the general public, recommendations translate your academic findings into potential real-world actions. They help readers understand the practical implications of your work and how it can be applied to effect change or improvement in a given field.
When crafting recommendations, it's essential to ensure they're feasible and rooted in the evidence provided by your research. They shouldn't merely be aspirational but should offer a clear path forward, grounded in your findings.
The conclusion provides closure to your research narrative.
It's not merely a recap but a synthesis of your main findings and their broader implications. Reconnect with the research questions or hypotheses posited at the beginning, offering clear answers based on your findings.
Reflect on the broader contributions of your study, considering its impact on the academic community and potential real-world applications.
Lastly, the conclusion should leave your readers with a clear understanding of the value and impact of your study.
References (or Bibliography)
Every theory you've expounded upon, every data point you've cited, and every methodological precedent you've followed finds its acknowledgment here.
In references, it's crucial to ensure meticulous consistency in formatting, mirroring the specific guidelines of the chosen citation style .
Proper referencing helps to avoid plagiarism , gives credit to original ideas, and allows readers to explore topics of interest. Moreover, it situates your work within the continuum of academic knowledge.
To properly cite the sources used in the study, you can rely on online citation generator tools to generate accurate citations!
Here’s more on how you can cite your sources.
Often, the depth of research produces a wealth of material that, while crucial, can make the core content of the thesis cumbersome. The appendix is where you mention extra information that supports your research but isn't central to the main text.
Whether it's raw datasets, detailed procedural methodologies, extended case studies, or any other ancillary material, the appendices ensure that these elements are archived for reference without breaking the main narrative's flow.
For thorough researchers and readers keen on meticulous details, the appendices provide a treasure trove of insights.
Glossary (optional)
In academics, specialized terminologies, and jargon are inevitable. However, not every reader is versed in every term.
The glossary, while optional, is a critical tool for accessibility. It's a bridge ensuring that even readers from outside the discipline can access, understand, and appreciate your work.
By defining complex terms and providing context, you're inviting a wider audience to engage with your research, enhancing its reach and impact.
Remember, while these components provide a structured framework, the essence of your thesis lies in the originality of your ideas, the rigor of your research, and the clarity of your presentation.
As you craft each section, keep your readers in mind, ensuring that your passion and dedication shine through every page.
Thesis examples
To further elucidate the concept of a thesis, here are illustrative examples from various fields:
Example 1 (History): Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807 by Suchait Kahlon.
Example 2 (Climate Dynamics): Influence of external forcings on abrupt millennial-scale climate changes: a statistical modelling study by Takahito Mitsui · Michel Crucifix
Checklist for your thesis evaluation
Evaluating your thesis ensures that your research meets the standards of academia. Here's an elaborate checklist to guide you through this critical process.
Content and structure
- Is the thesis statement clear, concise, and debatable?
- Does the introduction provide sufficient background and context?
- Is the literature review comprehensive, relevant, and well-organized?
- Does the methodology section clearly describe and justify the research methods?
- Are the results/findings presented clearly and logically?
- Does the discussion interpret the results in light of the research question and existing literature?
- Is the conclusion summarizing the research and suggesting future directions or implications?
Clarity and coherence
- Is the writing clear and free of jargon?
- Are ideas and sections logically connected and flowing?
- Is there a clear narrative or argument throughout the thesis?
Research quality
- Is the research question significant and relevant?
- Are the research methods appropriate for the question?
- Is the sample size (if applicable) adequate?
- Are the data analysis techniques appropriate and correctly applied?
- Are potential biases or limitations addressed?
Originality and significance
- Does the thesis contribute new knowledge or insights to the field?
- Is the research grounded in existing literature while offering fresh perspectives?
Formatting and presentation
- Is the thesis formatted according to institutional guidelines?
- Are figures, tables, and charts clear, labeled, and referenced in the text?
- Is the bibliography or reference list complete and consistently formatted?
- Are appendices relevant and appropriately referenced in the main text?
Grammar and language
- Is the thesis free of grammatical and spelling errors?
- Is the language professional, consistent, and appropriate for an academic audience?
- Are quotations and paraphrased material correctly cited?
Feedback and revision
- Have you sought feedback from peers, advisors, or experts in the field?
- Have you addressed the feedback and made the necessary revisions?
Overall assessment
- Does the thesis as a whole feel cohesive and comprehensive?
- Would the thesis be understandable and valuable to someone in your field?
Ensure to use this checklist to leave no ground for doubt or missed information in your thesis.
After writing your thesis, the next step is to discuss and defend your findings verbally in front of a knowledgeable panel. You’ve to be well prepared as your professors may grade your presentation abilities.
Preparing your thesis defense
A thesis defense, also known as "defending the thesis," is the culmination of a scholar's research journey. It's the final frontier, where you’ll present their findings and face scrutiny from a panel of experts.
Typically, the defense involves a public presentation where you’ll have to outline your study, followed by a question-and-answer session with a committee of experts. This committee assesses the validity, originality, and significance of the research.
The defense serves as a rite of passage for scholars. It's an opportunity to showcase expertise, address criticisms, and refine arguments. A successful defense not only validates the research but also establishes your authority as a researcher in your field.
Here’s how you can effectively prepare for your thesis defense .
Now, having touched upon the process of defending a thesis, it's worth noting that scholarly work can take various forms, depending on academic and regional practices.
One such form, often paralleled with the thesis, is the 'dissertation.' But what differentiates the two?
Dissertation vs. Thesis
Often used interchangeably in casual discourse, they refer to distinct research projects undertaken at different levels of higher education.
To the uninitiated, understanding their meaning might be elusive. So, let's demystify these terms and delve into their core differences.
Here's a table differentiating between the two.
Aspect | Thesis | Dissertation |
Purpose | Often for a master's degree, showcasing a grasp of existing research | Primarily for a doctoral degree, contributing new knowledge to the field |
Length | 100 pages, focusing on a specific topic or question. | 400-500 pages, involving deep research and comprehensive findings |
Research Depth | Builds upon existing research | Involves original and groundbreaking research |
Advisor's Role | Guides the research process | Acts more as a consultant, allowing the student to take the lead |
Outcome | Demonstrates understanding of the subject | Proves capability to conduct independent and original research |
Wrapping up
From understanding the foundational concept of a thesis to navigating its various components, differentiating it from a dissertation, and recognizing the importance of proper citation — this guide covers it all.
As scholars and readers, understanding these nuances not only aids in academic pursuits but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the relentless quest for knowledge that drives academia.
It’s important to remember that every thesis is a testament to curiosity, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of discovery.
Good luck with your thesis writing!
Frequently Asked Questions
A thesis typically ranges between 40-80 pages, but its length can vary based on the research topic, institution guidelines, and level of study.
A PhD thesis usually spans 200-300 pages, though this can vary based on the discipline, complexity of the research, and institutional requirements.
To identify a thesis topic, consider current trends in your field, gaps in existing literature, personal interests, and discussions with advisors or mentors. Additionally, reviewing related journals and conference proceedings can provide insights into potential areas of exploration.
The conceptual framework is often situated in the literature review or theoretical framework section of a thesis. It helps set the stage by providing the context, defining key concepts, and explaining the relationships between variables.
A thesis statement should be concise, clear, and specific. It should state the main argument or point of your research. Start by pinpointing the central question or issue your research addresses, then condense that into a single statement, ensuring it reflects the essence of your paper.
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Think of yourself as a member of a jury, listening to a lawyer who is presenting an opening argument. You'll want to know very soon whether the lawyer believes the accused to be guilty or not guilty, and how the lawyer plans to convince you. Readers of academic essays are like jury members: before they have read too far, they want to know what the essay argues as well as how the writer plans to make the argument. After reading your thesis statement, the reader should think, "This essay is going to try to convince me of something. I'm not convinced yet, but I'm interested to see how I might be."
An effective thesis cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." A thesis is not a topic; nor is it a fact; nor is it an opinion. "Reasons for the fall of communism" is a topic. "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe" is a fact known by educated people. "The fall of communism is the best thing that ever happened in Europe" is an opinion. (Superlatives like "the best" almost always lead to trouble. It's impossible to weigh every "thing" that ever happened in Europe. And what about the fall of Hitler? Couldn't that be "the best thing"?)
A good thesis has two parts. It should tell what you plan to argue, and it should "telegraph" how you plan to argue—that is, what particular support for your claim is going where in your essay.
Steps in Constructing a Thesis
First, analyze your primary sources. Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication. Does the author contradict himself or herself? Is a point made and later reversed? What are the deeper implications of the author's argument? Figuring out the why to one or more of these questions, or to related questions, will put you on the path to developing a working thesis. (Without the why, you probably have only come up with an observation—that there are, for instance, many different metaphors in such-and-such a poem—which is not a thesis.)
Once you have a working thesis, write it down. There is nothing as frustrating as hitting on a great idea for a thesis, then forgetting it when you lose concentration. And by writing down your thesis you will be forced to think of it clearly, logically, and concisely. You probably will not be able to write out a final-draft version of your thesis the first time you try, but you'll get yourself on the right track by writing down what you have.
Keep your thesis prominent in your introduction. A good, standard place for your thesis statement is at the end of an introductory paragraph, especially in shorter (5-15 page) essays. Readers are used to finding theses there, so they automatically pay more attention when they read the last sentence of your introduction. Although this is not required in all academic essays, it is a good rule of thumb.
Anticipate the counterarguments. Once you have a working thesis, you should think about what might be said against it. This will help you to refine your thesis, and it will also make you think of the arguments that you'll need to refute later on in your essay. (Every argument has a counterargument. If yours doesn't, then it's not an argument—it may be a fact, or an opinion, but it is not an argument.)
This statement is on its way to being a thesis. However, it is too easy to imagine possible counterarguments. For example, a political observer might believe that Dukakis lost because he suffered from a "soft-on-crime" image. If you complicate your thesis by anticipating the counterargument, you'll strengthen your argument, as shown in the sentence below.
Some Caveats and Some Examples
A thesis is never a question. Readers of academic essays expect to have questions discussed, explored, or even answered. A question ("Why did communism collapse in Eastern Europe?") is not an argument, and without an argument, a thesis is dead in the water.
A thesis is never a list. "For political, economic, social and cultural reasons, communism collapsed in Eastern Europe" does a good job of "telegraphing" the reader what to expect in the essay—a section about political reasons, a section about economic reasons, a section about social reasons, and a section about cultural reasons. However, political, economic, social and cultural reasons are pretty much the only possible reasons why communism could collapse. This sentence lacks tension and doesn't advance an argument. Everyone knows that politics, economics, and culture are important.
A thesis should never be vague, combative or confrontational. An ineffective thesis would be, "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because communism is evil." This is hard to argue (evil from whose perspective? what does evil mean?) and it is likely to mark you as moralistic and judgmental rather than rational and thorough. It also may spark a defensive reaction from readers sympathetic to communism. If readers strongly disagree with you right off the bat, they may stop reading.
An effective thesis has a definable, arguable claim. "While cultural forces contributed to the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, the disintegration of economies played the key role in driving its decline" is an effective thesis sentence that "telegraphs," so that the reader expects the essay to have a section about cultural forces and another about the disintegration of economies. This thesis makes a definite, arguable claim: that the disintegration of economies played a more important role than cultural forces in defeating communism in Eastern Europe. The reader would react to this statement by thinking, "Perhaps what the author says is true, but I am not convinced. I want to read further to see how the author argues this claim."
A thesis should be as clear and specific as possible. Avoid overused, general terms and abstractions. For example, "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because of the ruling elite's inability to address the economic concerns of the people" is more powerful than "Communism collapsed due to societal discontent."
Copyright 1999, Maxine Rodburg and The Tutors of the Writing Center at Harvard University
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The senior thesis is typically the most challenging writing project undertaken by undergraduate students. The writing guides below aim to introduce students both to the specific methods and conventions of writing original research in their area of concentration and to effective writing process.
| ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR SENIOR THESIS WRITERS |
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What’s Included: The Dissertation Template
If you’re preparing to write your dissertation, thesis or research project, our free dissertation template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples .
The template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and theses. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your dissertation or thesis will have a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter.
The dissertation template covers the following core sections:
- The title page/cover page
- Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
- Table of contents
- List of figures /list of tables
- Chapter 1: Introduction (also available: in-depth introduction template )
- Chapter 2: Literature review (also available: in-depth LR template )
- Chapter 3: Methodology (also available: in-depth methodology template )
- Chapter 4: Research findings /results (also available: results template )
- Chapter 5: Discussion /analysis of findings (also available: discussion template )
- Chapter 6: Conclusion (also available: in-depth conclusion template )
- Reference list
Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included practical examples to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.
The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.
FAQs: Dissertation Template
What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).
The dissertation template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.
What types of dissertations/theses can this template be used for?
The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research projects such as dissertations or theses, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.
Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.
Will this work for a research paper?
A research paper follows a similar format, but there are a few differences. You can find our research paper template here .
Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level thesis?
This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.
How long should my dissertation/thesis be?
This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, Masters-level projects are usually 15,000 – 20,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects are often in excess of 60,000 words.
What about the research proposal?
If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .
We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .
How do I write a literature review?
We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.
How do I create a research methodology?
We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.
Can I share this dissertation template with my friends/colleagues?
Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.
Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?
Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our dissertation and thesis coaching services .
Princeton Correspondents on Undergraduate Research
How to Write a Research Proposal as an Undergrad
As I just passed the deadline for my junior independent work (JIW), I wanted to explore strategies that could be helpful in composing a research proposal. In the chemistry department, JIW usually involves lab work and collecting raw data. However, this year, because of the pandemic, there is limited benchwork involved and most of the emphasis has shifted to designing a research proposal that would segue into one’s senior thesis. So far, I have only had one prior experience composing a research proposal, and it was from a virtual summer research program in my department. For this program, I was able to write a proposal on modifying a certain chemical inhibitor that could be used in reducing cancer cell proliferation. Using that experience as a guide, I will outline the steps I followed when I wrote my proposal. (Most of these steps are oriented towards research in the natural sciences, but there are many aspects common to research in other fields).
The first step is usually choosing a topic . This can be assigned to you by the principal investigator for the lab or a research mentor if you have one. For me, it was my research mentor, a graduate student in our lab, who helped me in selecting a field of query for my proposal. When I chose the lab I wanted to be part of for my summer project (with my JIW and senior thesis in mind) , I knew the general area of research I wanted to be involved in. But, usually within a lab, there are many projects that graduate students and post-docs work on within that specific area. Hence, it is important to identify a mentor with specific projects you want to be involved in for your own research. Once you choose a mentor, you can talk to them about formulating a research proposal based on the direction they plan to take their research in and how you can be involved in a similar project. Usually, mentors assign you one to three papers related to your research topic – a review paper that summarizes many research articles and one to two research articles with similar findings and methodology. In my case, the papers involved a review article on the role of the chemical inhibitor I was investigating along with articles on inhibitor design and mechanism of action.
The next step is to perform a literature review to broadly assess previous work in your research topic, using the articles assigned by your mentor. At this stage, for my proposal, I was trying to know as much about my research area from these papers as well as the articles cited in them. Here, it is helpful to use a reference management software such as Zotero and Mendeley to organize your notes along with all the articles you look into for a bibliography.
After going through your literature review, you can start thinking about identifying questions that remain to be answered in that field. For my JIW, I found some good ideas in the discussion section of the papers I had read where authors discussed what could be done in future research projects. One discussion section, for example, suggested ways to complement in-vitro experiments (outside of a living organism) with in-vivo ones (inside a living organism) . Reviewing the discussion section is a relatively straightforward way to formulate your own hypothesis. Alternatively, you could look at the papers’ raw data and find that the authors’ conclusions need to be revisited (this might require a critical review of the paper and the supplementary materials) or you could work on improving the paper’s methodology and optimizing its experiments. Furthermore, you might think about combining ideas from different papers or trying to reconcile differing conclusions reached by them.
The next step is developing a general outline ; deciding on what you want to cover in your proposal and how it is going to be structured. Here, you should try hard to limit the scope of your proposal to what you can realistically do for your senior thesis. As a junior or a senior, you will only be working with your mentor for a limited amount of time. Hence, it is not possible to plan long term experiments that would be appropriate for graduate students or post-docs in the lab. (For my summer project, there was not a follow up experiment involved, so I was able to think about possible experiments without the time or equipment constraints that would need to be considered for a JIW). Thus, your proposal should mostly focus on what you think is feasible given your timeline.
Below are two final considerations. It is important that your research proposal outlines how you plan to collect your own data , analyze it and compare it with other papers in your field. For a research project based on a proposal, you need only establish if your premises/hypotheses are true or false. To do that, you need to formulate questions you can answer by collecting your own data, and this is where experiments come in. My summer project had three specific aims and each one was in the form of a question.
It is important to keep in mind in your proposal the experiments you can perform efficiently on your own – the experimental skills you want to master as an undergraduate. In my view, it is better to learn one to two skills very well than having surface-level knowledge of many. This is because the nature of research has been very specialized in each field that there is limited room for broad investigations. This does not mean your proposal should be solely based on things you can test by yourself (although it might be preferable to put more emphasis there). If your proposal involves experiments beyond what you can learn to do in a year or two, you can think of asking for help from an expert in your lab.
A research proposal at the undergraduate level is an engaging exercise on coming up with your own questions on your chosen field. There is much leeway as an undergraduate to experiment within your field and think out of the box. In many ways, you will learn how to learn and how to formulate questions for any task you encounter in the future. Whether or not you want to be involved in research, it is an experience common to all Princeton students that you take with you after graduation.
In this post, I have described the basic elements of a natural science research proposal and my approach to writing one. Although the steps above are not comprehensive, I am hopeful they offer guidance you can adapt when you write your own proposal in the future.
— Yodahe Gebreegziabher, Natural Sciences Correspondent
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Research Thesis and Research Distinction
An undergraduate thesis is an official, academically-integrated undergraduate research project with a formal written outcome. Completing a thesis is permanently recognized on a student's diploma as graduation with "Research Distinction" or with "Honors Research Distinction".
The requirements for graduating with research distinction vary by college, but generally include submitting an application to complete a thesis at least a semester prior to graduation, enrolling in thesis course credit hours, submitting a written thesis manuscript and completing an oral examination or defense to a faculty panel. Students should discuss their interest in completing a research distinction project with their research advisor and academic advisor as early as possible.
Theses are permanently stored in the University Library's Knowledge Bank so they are also considered to be a published material.
Research Thesis and Distinction by College/Program
Please contact your academic advisor if you are interested in completing a research thesis or distinction program.
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Home » Thesis – Structure, Example and Writing Guide
Thesis – Structure, Example and Writing Guide
Table of contents.
Definition:
Thesis is a scholarly document that presents a student’s original research and findings on a particular topic or question. It is usually written as a requirement for a graduate degree program and is intended to demonstrate the student’s mastery of the subject matter and their ability to conduct independent research.
History of Thesis
The concept of a thesis can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was used as a way for students to demonstrate their knowledge of a particular subject. However, the modern form of the thesis as a scholarly document used to earn a degree is a relatively recent development.
The origin of the modern thesis can be traced back to medieval universities in Europe. During this time, students were required to present a “disputation” in which they would defend a particular thesis in front of their peers and faculty members. These disputations served as a way to demonstrate the student’s mastery of the subject matter and were often the final requirement for earning a degree.
In the 17th century, the concept of the thesis was formalized further with the creation of the modern research university. Students were now required to complete a research project and present their findings in a written document, which would serve as the basis for their degree.
The modern thesis as we know it today has evolved over time, with different disciplines and institutions adopting their own standards and formats. However, the basic elements of a thesis – original research, a clear research question, a thorough review of the literature, and a well-argued conclusion – remain the same.
Structure of Thesis
The structure of a thesis may vary slightly depending on the specific requirements of the institution, department, or field of study, but generally, it follows a specific format.
Here’s a breakdown of the structure of a thesis:
This is the first page of the thesis that includes the title of the thesis, the name of the author, the name of the institution, the department, the date, and any other relevant information required by the institution.
This is a brief summary of the thesis that provides an overview of the research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions.
This page provides a list of all the chapters and sections in the thesis and their page numbers.
Introduction
This chapter provides an overview of the research question, the context of the research, and the purpose of the study. The introduction should also outline the methodology and the scope of the research.
Literature Review
This chapter provides a critical analysis of the relevant literature on the research topic. It should demonstrate the gap in the existing knowledge and justify the need for the research.
Methodology
This chapter provides a detailed description of the research methods used to gather and analyze data. It should explain the research design, the sampling method, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures.
This chapter presents the findings of the research. It should include tables, graphs, and charts to illustrate the results.
This chapter interprets the results and relates them to the research question. It should explain the significance of the findings and their implications for the research topic.
This chapter summarizes the key findings and the main conclusions of the research. It should also provide recommendations for future research.
This section provides a list of all the sources cited in the thesis. The citation style may vary depending on the requirements of the institution or the field of study.
This section includes any additional material that supports the research, such as raw data, survey questionnaires, or other relevant documents.
How to write Thesis
Here are some steps to help you write a thesis:
- Choose a Topic: The first step in writing a thesis is to choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to your field of study. You should also consider the scope of the topic and the availability of resources for research.
- Develop a Research Question: Once you have chosen a topic, you need to develop a research question that you will answer in your thesis. The research question should be specific, clear, and feasible.
- Conduct a Literature Review: Before you start your research, you need to conduct a literature review to identify the existing knowledge and gaps in the field. This will help you refine your research question and develop a research methodology.
- Develop a Research Methodology: Once you have refined your research question, you need to develop a research methodology that includes the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures.
- Collect and Analyze Data: After developing your research methodology, you need to collect and analyze data. This may involve conducting surveys, interviews, experiments, or analyzing existing data.
- Write the Thesis: Once you have analyzed the data, you need to write the thesis. The thesis should follow a specific structure that includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and references.
- Edit and Proofread: After completing the thesis, you need to edit and proofread it carefully. You should also have someone else review it to ensure that it is clear, concise, and free of errors.
- Submit the Thesis: Finally, you need to submit the thesis to your academic advisor or committee for review and evaluation.
Example of Thesis
Example of Thesis template for Students:
Title of Thesis
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
Chapter 4: Results
Chapter 5: Discussion
Chapter 6: Conclusion
References:
Appendices:
Note: That’s just a basic template, but it should give you an idea of the structure and content that a typical thesis might include. Be sure to consult with your department or supervisor for any specific formatting requirements they may have. Good luck with your thesis!
Application of Thesis
Thesis is an important academic document that serves several purposes. Here are some of the applications of thesis:
- Academic Requirement: A thesis is a requirement for many academic programs, especially at the graduate level. It is an essential component of the evaluation process and demonstrates the student’s ability to conduct original research and contribute to the knowledge in their field.
- Career Advancement: A thesis can also help in career advancement. Employers often value candidates who have completed a thesis as it demonstrates their research skills, critical thinking abilities, and their dedication to their field of study.
- Publication : A thesis can serve as a basis for future publications in academic journals, books, or conference proceedings. It provides the researcher with an opportunity to present their research to a wider audience and contribute to the body of knowledge in their field.
- Personal Development: Writing a thesis is a challenging task that requires time, dedication, and perseverance. It provides the student with an opportunity to develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills that are essential for their personal and professional development.
- Impact on Society: The findings of a thesis can have an impact on society by addressing important issues, providing insights into complex problems, and contributing to the development of policies and practices.
Purpose of Thesis
The purpose of a thesis is to present original research findings in a clear and organized manner. It is a formal document that demonstrates a student’s ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the knowledge in their field of study. The primary purposes of a thesis are:
- To Contribute to Knowledge: The main purpose of a thesis is to contribute to the knowledge in a particular field of study. By conducting original research and presenting their findings, the student adds new insights and perspectives to the existing body of knowledge.
- To Demonstrate Research Skills: A thesis is an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their research skills. This includes the ability to formulate a research question, design a research methodology, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions based on their findings.
- To Develop Critical Thinking: Writing a thesis requires critical thinking and analysis. The student must evaluate existing literature and identify gaps in the field, as well as develop and defend their own ideas.
- To Provide Evidence of Competence : A thesis provides evidence of the student’s competence in their field of study. It demonstrates their ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems, and their ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
- To Facilitate Career Advancement : Completing a thesis can help the student advance their career by demonstrating their research skills and dedication to their field of study. It can also provide a basis for future publications, presentations, or research projects.
When to Write Thesis
The timing for writing a thesis depends on the specific requirements of the academic program or institution. In most cases, the opportunity to write a thesis is typically offered at the graduate level, but there may be exceptions.
Generally, students should plan to write their thesis during the final year of their graduate program. This allows sufficient time for conducting research, analyzing data, and writing the thesis. It is important to start planning the thesis early and to identify a research topic and research advisor as soon as possible.
In some cases, students may be able to write a thesis as part of an undergraduate program or as an independent research project outside of an academic program. In such cases, it is important to consult with faculty advisors or mentors to ensure that the research is appropriately designed and executed.
It is important to note that the process of writing a thesis can be time-consuming and requires a significant amount of effort and dedication. It is important to plan accordingly and to allocate sufficient time for conducting research, analyzing data, and writing the thesis.
Characteristics of Thesis
The characteristics of a thesis vary depending on the specific academic program or institution. However, some general characteristics of a thesis include:
- Originality : A thesis should present original research findings or insights. It should demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the knowledge in their field of study.
- Clarity : A thesis should be clear and concise. It should present the research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions in a logical and organized manner. It should also be well-written, with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Research-Based: A thesis should be based on rigorous research, which involves collecting and analyzing data from various sources. The research should be well-designed, with appropriate research methods and techniques.
- Evidence-Based : A thesis should be based on evidence, which means that all claims made in the thesis should be supported by data or literature. The evidence should be properly cited using appropriate citation styles.
- Critical Thinking: A thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to critically analyze and evaluate information. It should present the student’s own ideas and arguments, and engage with existing literature in the field.
- Academic Style : A thesis should adhere to the conventions of academic writing. It should be well-structured, with clear headings and subheadings, and should use appropriate academic language.
Advantages of Thesis
There are several advantages to writing a thesis, including:
- Development of Research Skills: Writing a thesis requires extensive research and analytical skills. It helps to develop the student’s research skills, including the ability to formulate research questions, design and execute research methodologies, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions based on their findings.
- Contribution to Knowledge: Writing a thesis provides an opportunity for the student to contribute to the knowledge in their field of study. By conducting original research, they can add new insights and perspectives to the existing body of knowledge.
- Preparation for Future Research: Completing a thesis prepares the student for future research projects. It provides them with the necessary skills to design and execute research methodologies, analyze data, and draw conclusions based on their findings.
- Career Advancement: Writing a thesis can help to advance the student’s career. It demonstrates their research skills and dedication to their field of study, and provides a basis for future publications, presentations, or research projects.
- Personal Growth: Completing a thesis can be a challenging and rewarding experience. It requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. It can help the student to develop self-confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment.
Limitations of Thesis
There are also some limitations to writing a thesis, including:
- Time and Resources: Writing a thesis requires a significant amount of time and resources. It can be a time-consuming and expensive process, as it may involve conducting original research, analyzing data, and producing a lengthy document.
- Narrow Focus: A thesis is typically focused on a specific research question or topic, which may limit the student’s exposure to other areas within their field of study.
- Limited Audience: A thesis is usually only read by a small number of people, such as the student’s thesis advisor and committee members. This limits the potential impact of the research findings.
- Lack of Real-World Application : Some thesis topics may be highly theoretical or academic in nature, which may limit their practical application in the real world.
- Pressure and Stress : Writing a thesis can be a stressful and pressure-filled experience, as it may involve meeting strict deadlines, conducting original research, and producing a high-quality document.
- Potential for Isolation: Writing a thesis can be a solitary experience, as the student may spend a significant amount of time working independently on their research and writing.
About the author
Muhammad Hassan
Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer
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Undergraduate thesis
Undergraduate Thesis
UNSW Engineering students are required to complete an undergraduate thesis project during the 4th year of their study. Students can choose from a variety of projects, with research and industry thesis options available. The standard thesis is 4 UoC (Unit of Credit) per term starting T1, T2 or T3.
You’ll enrol Thesis A, Thesis B and Thesis C and complete the thesis across three consecutive terms. Once Thesis A is taken, Thesis B and Thesis C must be taken consecutively in the two terms that follow.
Your school may also offer the option to complete a practice thesis. You’ll enrol in Thesis A and Thesis B, each worth 6 UoC over two consecutive terms.
For further information or questions, please contact your Undergraduate Thesis Coordinator .
All undergraduate students enrolled in the dual degree with Biomedical Engineering (regardless of undergraduate major), must enrol in 12 UoC of thesis courses with the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering.
Students will complete their thesis over three terms (4+4+4) or over two terms (4+8). A summary of the assessment is as follows:
BIOM4951 Thesis A : It is intended that Thesis A cover the scoping, planning, and completing preparations for the project.
BIOM4952 Thesis B : The primary intention behind Thesis B is to ensure students stay on track with their projects and project work as they progress through the year.
BIOM4953 Thesis C : Thesis C continues the project work. The key deliverable is the Written Report, alongside a poster presentation.
Before commencing Thesis A
You must nominate 3 different supervisors to work with.
Please follow the below instructions in order to view the projects available and to find a supervisor.
The instructions to view the projects are as follows:
You must complete this process and have a project allocated BEFORE starting BIOM4951. If you are planning on doing a project with industry, this requires an industry supervisor and a supervisor from GSBmE. Please contact me [email protected] .
- Go the Moodle course Selection of Biomedical Thesis Project
- Self-enrol as a student using the key Student50
- The projects are listed under Thesis Database
- Contact the supervisor directly if you have any questions
- When ready, follow the instructions on the Moodle page for nominating your three supervisors. Project selection opens midway through the previous term (e.g. for Thesis commencing in T2, selection opens in Week 6 of T1). Selection closes on the last day of exams of previous term.
Undergraduate students are required to complete at least 12 UOC of thesis courses. The table below shows the default Thesis course sequence for your stream and any additional options you may have. The following sections provide more information about each of these sequences.
| STREAM | THESIS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
– You may also like take as an elective. Alternatively, students may be permitted to take instead of Research Thesis. | ||||
We strongly encourage using 12 UOC of electives to also take . This course will complement your group-based product design project with an individual research project. Research thesis (CEIC4951/2/3)Research thesis consists of three courses worth 4 units of credit each – CEIC4951 Research thesis A, CEIC4952 Research Thesis B & CEIC4953 Research Thesis C. Undergraduate students may commence Research Thesis once they have completed at least 126 UOC from a School of Chemical Engineering discipline stream and their 3rd year core. You must identify a supervisor and project prior to commencing CEIC4951. To find out more about Research Thesis courses, the projects available and how to find a supervisor, please join the Research Thesis Projects page on Moodle (enrolment key co3shyh).
Product Design Project Thesis (CEIC4007/8)Product Design Project Thesis consists of two courses both worth 6 UOC – CEIC4007 Product Design Project Thesis A and CEIC4008 Product Design Project Thesis B. Undergraduate students may commence Research Thesis once they have completed at least 126 UOC from a School of Chemical Engineering discipline stream. CEIC6711 Complex Fluids Microstructure and Rheology is a co-requisite course. You do not need to secure a supervisor before commencing Product Design Project Thesis A. Research Thesis Extension (CEIC4954)Research Thesis Extension ( CEIC4954 ) aims to provide you with an opportunity to go extend your thesis project by exploring your research problem in more breath &/or depth. The work you do in this course builds on the work completed in CEIC4951, CEIC4952 and CEIC4953. This course is especially relevant for undergraduate students considering a research career in fields related to chemical engineering and food science. The activities in this course are designed to introduce you to the ways in which research is practiced and communicated in a higher degree environment. CEIC4954 is considered a practice elective in the Chemical Engineering stream (CEICAH) and a discipline elective in all other streams. Students enrolled in an undergraduate degree within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering need to complete a thesis as part of their program. Students have the option of taking one of the following course combinations to complete their thesis requirement: CVEN4951 / 4952 / 4953 (Research Thesis A/B/C) Students must complete the Thesis Application Form to be registered for the course. This combination of courses are worth 12UOC in total, and will take 3 terms to complete (or 2 with prior approval from the supervisor). A minimum WAM of 70 is required for entry. CVEN4961 / 4962 / 4963 (Higher Honours Thesis A/B/C) Students must complete the Thesis Application Form to be registered for the course. This combination of courses are worth worth 24UOC in total and requires students to have a minimum WAM of 80. Note: If you choose to undertake the Research Thesis option (CVEN4951/4952/4953 or CVEN4961/4962/4963) you must also complete CVEN4701 prior to finishing your studies. CVEN4050 / 4051 (Thesis A/B) Students are able to enrol themselves into this course directly via myUNSW, it has no minimum WAM requirement, and does not require students to find a supervisor. If you would like to register for Research Thesis subjects in Summer, you must first obtain approval from your supervisor prior to Summer enrolment. Please check the course notes for more information. Thesis Submissions As of Summer 2024, students will need to submit their Thesis submissions via Moodle instead of the School’s intranet. For the list of topics and available supervisors, you can visit: Find a Supervisor or Project UNSW Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) students can find a guide to getting started with Thesis A on the CSE Thesis Topics Moodle site . Use cse-44747437 to enter the site as a student. On this site, you will find the Thesis Topic Database. You can look through the topics or visit the academic supervisors' profile pages to find a topic you would like to work on. Once you have chosen your topic(s), you will then need to contact the relevant Supervisor for confirmation. On this site, you can also find the course outlines of Thesis A, Thesis B and Thesis C, and the detailed instructions about finding a supervisor. Final year students in Mechanical Engineering and Postgraduate coursework students are required to undertake a three-term, year long project. These projects are usually open-ended research or design projects, where the student works with an academic supervisor to find an answer to an engineering question. Students are required to manage and plan their projects over the three terms. The Thesis course can be started in any term and is generally completed in the final three terms of the degree. If taking a Research Thesis (individual project), enrol in Research Thesis A (MMAN4951) , Research Thesis B (MMAN4952) and Research Thesis C (MMAN4953) . For Research thesis, you will first need to find a supervisor and get their approval. An approved application is required to undertake Research and to gain permission to enrol. The deadline to enrol in MMAN4951/MMAN9451 is Friday Week 1, but get in early to get the project and supervisor you want. For information on available projects and the enrolment process, please see our Sharepoint site , or contact Professor Tracie Barber . If you’re an Electrical Engineering student and planning to take Thesis course, you will need to find a supervisor and get their approval prior to enrolling to the course. The deadline to find a supervisor and enrol into the course is Friday week 1. Please follow the procedure below to look for potential supervisors, their topics and enrol into the course
Research ThesisResearch Thesis is a compulsory pathway in the Mining Engineering (Hons) degree, Engineering (Hons) – Petroleum Engineering [Main Stream], and an optional pathway for high WAM students doing Petroleum Engineering. This thesis allows a student to work closely with a particular supervisor, learn particular skills – like programming or laboratory work, conduct research and write up their findings. To take this stream, you will need to first enrol in MERE4951 Research Thesis A. MERE4951 Research Thesis A In this course you will be required to find a supervisor and topic to work on. You can find a list of our research strengths here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering//our-schools/minerals-and-energy-resources-engineering/our-research You can also find an individual academic and ask them about topics that they work on. Academics from our school are available here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/ourschools/minerals-and-energy-resources-engineering/about-us/our-people Once you enrol, make sure you have access to the Microsoft Team (the link is on the Moodle page), which is filled with information and has active forums for asking questions:  MERE4952 & MERE9453 Research Thesis B & C These two units (4UoC each) can be taken in the same term or separately. Thesis B involves submitting a video/audio reflection of the work so far and an interim report. Thesis C involves writing your thesis and recording and submitting a scientific presentation of your results./engineering/our-schools/minerals-and-energy-resources-engineering/our-researchengineering/our-schools/minerals-and-energy-resources-engineering/our-research All undergrad thesis sudents can find a list of thesis topics will posted on the Thesis A Moodle site . The student key to access the site will be sent out by the thesis co-ordinator to all students who will be taking thesis the following term. You should review the list and discuss the topics with the relevant supervisor to get an idea of what it entails. Once both the supervisor and student have agreed on the topic, a Thesis Nomination Form should be completed. This is submitted to the Thesis Coordinator and uploaded to the SOLA 4951 Moodle site prior to the student commencing work on their topic. All students must have chosen a supervisor by 9am Monday week 1 of term. You can develop your own thesis topic, if you can find a supervisor from within the School. This will require you to attach a one page description of the thesis topic and signed by the supervisor to the Thesis Nomination Form. The School also encourages students who wish to do an industry-led thesis topic. In this case the mentor from industry would be the student’s co-supervisor, however an academic staff member from the School must act as the supervisor of the thesis. For an industry-led thesis, you must obtain approval from an academic of the School to supervise the topic. You should submit a signed letter from the industry representative and academic supervisor with a brief outline of the project with a Thesis Nomination Form. All information needed for the deliverables of thesis A can be found in the course outline which is available on the SOLA4951 Moodle site. Undergraduate Thesis FAQsThe Engineering thesis will be taken for the duration of three terms - as Thesis A, Thesis B and Thesis C. Each course will carry 4 Units of Credit (UoC) for a total of 12 UoC. The total UoC requirement remains unchanged from current. Students will have two options to take Thesis from 2019:
Students who do not maintain satisfactory performance in Option 2 will revert to Option 1 and take Thesis across three terms. Thesis A, Thesis B and Thesis C will run in every term (T1, T2 and T3). Yes, it’s possible to start your thesis in any term, however once Thesis A is taken, Thesis B and Thesis C must be completed in each term consecutively afterward. Depending on the thesis course you take, your topic may be provided to you or you will need to develop one. If you need to develop one, most schools have a website that lists available topics and the staff willing to supervise those topics. You may wish to select a topic based on areas of engineering interest, extracurricular interests (such as the ChallENG Projects ), or preference for working with a particular academic in your field. You can even come up with your own in consultation with your thesis supervisor. Take a look! The process is different for each school, so review the information above. If you still have questions, contact your school’s postgraduate thesis coordinator . Doing thesis in industry is a great opportunity and worth pursuing. Some students are able to arrange a thesis project that follows on from an industrial training placement. Students wanting to take an industry-based project still need to take the Research Thesis courses for their specialisation. You need to arrange a UNSW academic as a co-supervisor and apply for permission to take thesis offsite. Please check with your school’s Undergraduate Thesis Coordinator for further details. Yes, there are a number of Humanitarian Engineering Thesis Supervisors within UNSW Engineering who can potentially supervise a thesis. Students who demonstrate satisfactory progress in Thesis A may apply to their School to take a 4+8 UoC structure where both Thesis B and C are taken in the next single term of that year. The 4+8 UoC option is intended for high performing students to finish their thesis project in two terms. Students enrolled in this structure will take Thesis A in the first term and then, provided that satisfactory progress has been reached, will take Thesis B and C in the term following Thesis A. Yes. In addition to the Thesis, you can enrol in up to two additional courses per term. You should enrol in these courses when annual enrolment opens. Overloading is possible but will require program authority approval. If progress is deemed as unsatisfactory at the end of Thesis A, the student will move to the default Thesis option: Thesis A, B and C (4 UoC). Yes, you’ll still be able to enrol in up to two additional courses. Given the increased workload of having to do Thesis B and C together, two courses per term would be the maximum recommended by the Faculty. An enrolment continued (EC) grade will appear against your Thesis A/Thesis B subjects until you’ve completed your thesis. At this time your final grade will appear against your Thesis C. Around a week after you have received your final mark, a roll back process will be run so that the EC grades previously against Thesis A and Thesis B will be updated to reflect your overall Thesis mark. Information on honours calculations are available on the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program rules page. It’s possible to take leave and then continue your thesis on your return. Talk to your supervisor about your situation and the dates involved so that you can work out a suitable plan together. Most schools have a Moodle, intranet, or web page with detailed information about their thesis program. That should be your next port of call – check your school’s section above for access instructions. Schools often run information sessions during the year. These will be advertised via email, on social media and/or during class. Keep an eye out for these events. If you have questions related to enrolment or progression, contact the Nucleus . Finally, each school has an Undergraduate Thesis Coordinator who can answer specific questions related to your personal circumstances.
How to Choose an Undergraduate Architecture Thesis Topic
As architecture students head to their final year of BArch, half-crazy from years’ worth of scraped fingers, ghastly juries, sleepless nights, and a general lack of social life, they encounter the mighty problem of choosing a thesis topic. There are many subjects to choose from, but a personal interest in a particular subject is just one of the many factors that should influence this decision. Students need to ask themselves several other questions: Is the topic significant enough? Is it expansive enough? Is the project realistically doable? The process can be daunting, for the decision has many consequences; sometimes, the choice of topic alone can mean the difference between the success and failure of a thesis. With so many factors to consider and deadlines closing in, students easily end up making decisions that they regret later. Here are eight tips to help you make an informed choice on the matter: 1. Dare to Be Un original Thesis work at the undergraduate level strongly differs from that at the graduate or doctoral level, and it is important to understand the rationale behind its inclusion in the curriculum. Work at the graduate or doctoral level usually asks for the identification of a “gap in existing knowledge” about a subject and an original proposal to bridge that gap, but the expectations of an undergraduate student are less demanding. This means that you don’t necessarily have to go out of your way to be innovative at the undergraduate level. Choosing a simple unoriginal topic but executing it in a way that exhibits all the knowledge you’ve acquired in college will also do the trick. 2. Choose a Topic that Personally Interests You With your peers picking varied topics and schedules, this year will be lonesome; the most you will have for company on an average day is a drawing board, your laptop, some books, and coffee. You will find yourself routinely getting distracted by Buzzfeed ’s latest video on Youtube or the cool new Drake track. Choosing a topic that you’re passionate about will make sure that you stay inspired and motivated to work, which should ultimately result in a great final project. 3. Set Your Scope Small Many students give in to the natural temptation to do too much by picking topics or issues that are too expansive, and therefore almost impossible to execute in a short time-frame. A tip would be to start with the simplest version of a topic and add in extra complexity later if the circumstances allow it. 4. Recognize What You’re Good atEvery student possesses a unique set of skills and abilities which they’ve acquired through their experiences and by following their interests. No one is good at everything. An unbiased understanding of your creative and technical capacities and their limits thereof will allow you to choose a topic that best employs your expertise. 5. Is There Enough Existing Literature on the Topic? A thesis project requires an enormous amount of reading and analysis before the beginning of the design process, and the primary source of reference information for an undergraduate student is usually existing studies or research. Hence, it makes sense to choose an area of study where a substantial amount of previous work exists. The availability of such work will enable you to analyze, compare, draw conclusions, and employ the knowledge gained to suggest an informed proposal. 6. Strike a Balance Between Art and Science Architecture students dig themselves a grave when they begin to romanticize their thesis projects. It is hard to blame them, however, when you consider that the thesis project is viewed as the culmination of a multi-year program which is rooted as deeply in art and theory as it is in building technology. But it’s imperative to find a topic that is a balance of the two. A topic that seems too abstract might make it difficult for a jury to ascertain a student’s understanding of tangible issues. 7. What Do You Want to Do in the Future?The thesis project is the single most important part of your portfolio as a fresh architecture graduate looking for a job in the industry or applying for a graduate program. The choice of topic will reflect your interest in or experience with a particular specialized subject. Hence, when choosing a thesis topic, you should try to align it with your plans for the near future. 8. Aim to Solve a Real World Problem While there are many wide-ranging opinions about architecture’s ideal role in society, there is a general agreement that an architect’s work does influence how a society functions and evolves. In a world that is grappling with myriad serious issues like climate change, population growth, and an inequitable distribution of resources, it benefits young architecture students to acquaint themselves with the larger picture, and to choose a topic that at least aims to solve a current socio-environmental problem through a design intervention. .jpg?1497862432 "project undergraduate thesis")
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Spring 2024: LAS Honors Bachelor's ThesesNOTE: If you're having trouble logging into the system, try using a different browser. We are currently processing Bachelor’s theses for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences ONLY . If you are a student in another college, please use the process as outlined by your department. For the Spring 2024 semester and prior, all undergraduate theses and capstone projects will be collected for processing and archival purposes only with access being granted only to the LAS Honors Program, your home department, and the University Library.
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Stack Exchange NetworkStack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Q&A for work Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. My undergraduate thesis project is a failure and I don't know what to do [closed]So I'm writing my undergraduate thesis and I have written around 80% of it. My project was to develop a device to use in the lab, but my first prototype doesn't work at all and I don't know if I should just write that it didn't work. I don't have time to make another one. I have to finish this as soon as possible because I'm starting grad school at a really good university :(. I haven't told about it to my supervisor. My question is how bad is it to present a failed attempt at something like the development of a device. I hope someone can help me.
3 Answers 3"It didn't work" is not a thesis. However, "this is what I made, this is how I tested it, these are the results of those tests, this is how I attempted to fix/would attempt to fix in the future", etc, can be just fine, even if the ultimate conclusion is that your device isn't currently functional. Undergraduate theses are typically fairly short-term projects, so you may not be able to follow up with all the avenues you would have for a longer project. Most importantly, though, talk to your supervisor . Their role as a supervisor is for exactly the situation you're in: applying their experience and expertise as a researcher to help guide you in what to do. If everything worked out perfectly without any kinks or setbacks a supervisor would hardly be necessary. Also most importantly (I'm running out of superlatives here), as a student, the success/failure of the endeavor should be primarily judged on what you as the student have learned along the way rather than the overall outcome (the proverbial "it's the journey not the destination"). Your device may not be working, but if you've learned something along the way I would not say the project is a "failure". 
What have you told your supervisor? And when?If you've kept them posted on progress, and they know what you've been doing all along, then the fact that some part of this failed (perhaps you didn't allow for enough strength in a 3D print, say) is not the end of the world. You may still have proved the concept. If you have actively lied to them about your progress though, you can rightly expect your final grade to be extremely bad. And if you haven't been in contact with them at all for the entire year, that is a major fail from them. The purpose of having a supervisor is to guide you in the right direction with regular expert feedback. If your project has failed because of a lack of supervision, you may need to talk to your head of department about considering mitigating factors in your grade. Do you know why it failed, and can you say what you would have done to improve it if you'd had more time?That's the crux of this. The point of undergraduate projects is to practise your skills in real life, before you start using them in a real job. In a real job, things often go wrong and you need to work out how to fix them. If you can show you're picking up those skills, you should still get decent grades. 
As previously mentioned, as long as you update your supervisor with the situation and be diligent about actually explaining what you did and what went wrong you should be fine. Again as previously mentioned, sometimes a nonfunctional project is a guide for others on how to improve and what to avoid. 
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Thesis Writing and HonorsHonors in art history. To be considered for honors in art history, students must meet three thresholds:
Applying to Write a Senior ThesisApplication to Write a Senior Thesis in Art History If you are interested in writing a thesis during the 2024–25 academic year, please note that applications are due by Friday, May 17, 2024 at 5pm. The Thesis: Writing and AdvisingThe senior thesis takes the form of a major research paper, normally 25-30 pages long. The page limit does not include front matter, bibliography, and illustrations. The goal of the thesis is to make an original intervention into a field of art historical study. This intervention can involve research that uncovers new knowledge, yields a new critical or theoretical interpretation, or, ideally, presents a combination of the two ambitions. Advisors work with individual thesis writers to formulate viable projects that adhere to the parameters of the writer's subfield and area of enquiry. Starting in the fall of senior year, the thesis writer meets regularly with his or her advisor to structure, discuss, and evaluate his or her progress. The advisor sets guidelines and deadlines for writing, although it must be remembered that each 399 course is graded so the expectation is that students will turn in work that can be evaluated by the end of each quarter. Normally, the thesis writer submits at least one substantial portion of the thesis draft by the end of fall quarter, and a full draft before spring break. In addition to meeting weekly or bi-weekly with the advisor, the thesis writer must also participate in the senior thesis colloquium. This is not a course, but a series of required meetings of all art history thesis writers convened by the DUS. The colloquium meets several times over the course of senior year. The purpose of these meetings is to bring thesis writers together into a community so that writers may learn about the various forms a thesis can take and can engage in the important project of peer-review. The finished thesis manuscript should be emailed to the departmental office at [email protected] by 11:59pm on the designated due date, which is in late April as determined by the WCAS Dean's Office. Upon review, the department will provide at least two bound hardcopies of the thesis for the writer and his or her advisor. The Thesis: FOrmattingThe following sample document (forthcoming) can be consulted by thesis writers when preparing their manuscripts. Please note the department requires Chicago Manual of Style with short reference footnotes in the text and a complete bibliography following the text. Additional information on front and back matter follows. The following front matter must be included in this order:
Following the 25-30 page manuscript, the following back matter must be included:
Senior theses are evaluated on the originality and scope of the research they present, as well as the clarity of the manner in which they are written, organized, and argued. All senior theses are evaluated as passing or not-passing by the Committee on Undergraduate Affairs (CUA). This committee forwards its recommendations to the Weinberg Committee for Undergraduate Academic Excellence, which makes the final decision about departmental honors. The CUA also decides which theses might be awarded a J. Carson Webster Prize for Distinguished Honors Thesis, the department award for best honors thesis. On occasion, this award is shared by more than one thesis. Dual Honors and Honors in Interdisciplinary StudiesStudents who are interested in pursuing Honors in Interdisciplinary Studies, or in two departments, should meet with the DUS and consult the following links: Procedures for Students Interested in Pursuing Honors in Two Departments or Programs Application for Dual or Interdisciplinary Senior Honors Projects (DOC) Honors ProgramThe MELC Department Honors Program offers students opportunities to research an issue about which they hold great interest. Students learn how to design and carry out independent research projects under the mentorship of department faculty. Students write and revise an extensive thesis that reports their discoveries. By completing the program, students gain valuable experiences that help them prepare for the next stage of their careers. Students often share the outcome of their research at academic conferences and in undergraduate research journals. Many students submit their thesis as writing samples in their graduate and professional school applications. RequirementsA student must be a declared major in the MELC Department with at least a 3.3 overall GPA and a 3.51 GPA in major courses. A student must maintain the required GPA in order to remain eligible for the honors program. A student completes two pass/no pass courses, MELC 199 and MELC H195, described below. The thesis must be submitted no later than the 14th week of instruction during the semester in which a student is enrolled in MELC H195 and receive a passing grade. Developing a Research Project & Faculty CommitteeA student often discovers a research question or topic in their classes that they wish to investigate. A thesis project can either build on research from a previous course or can be a newly conceived project. Once a basic question is developed, a student will seek out a mentor among the MELC faculty as early as possible to formulate a feasible research program and discuss available resources. Students should consider the funding opportunities that may be available to them to support their research. A student will form a committee consisting of two MELC faculty members, one of whom serves as the committee's chair, and who agrees to meet regularly with the student over two semesters. Only in exceptional circumstances are faculty from outside the MELC Department allowed to serve on a honors committee, and never as chair. These committee members will grade the thesis after it is submitted. Required CoursesPrior to the start of a student's final two semesters, they will apply to the honors program using this application . Once approved, the student first enrolls in MELC 199 by submitting this form . In MELC 199, the student conducts independent research under the supervision of their faculty committee. Once MELC 199 is successfully completed, students proceed to MELC H195 in the following semester where they write, revise, and submit their thesis. Students should submit this enrollment form for MELC H195 . All forms should be submitted to the Undergraduate Major Advisor before the stated deadlines. Submitting & Assessing the ThesisA standard thesis advances a unique argument that is substantiated by evidence and shows awareness of scholarly debates about the topic. The thesis is at least 20 double-spaced pages in length not inclusive of bibliography, figures, tables, and appendices. The thesis is submitted no later than the 14th week of instruction in which a student is enrolled in MELC H195. The thesis is then assessed by the student's committee and must receive at least a B+ grade to receive a distinction of an honors degree. A successful thesis will receive a distinction of either “honors,” (B+/A-) "high honors," (A) or "highest honors” (A+). The committee chair communicates the level of honors to the undergraduate major advisor. Students also receive recognition for this distinction during the MELC graduation ceremony held each May. For more information about the Honors Program, please contact the undergraduate major advisor . Have a language expert improve your writingRun a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation IntroductionPublished on September 7, 2022 by Tegan George and Shona McCombes. Revised on November 21, 2023. The introduction is the first section of your thesis or dissertation , appearing right after the table of contents . Your introduction draws your reader in, setting the stage for your research with a clear focus, purpose, and direction on a relevant topic . Your introduction should include:
Instantly correct all language mistakes in your textUpload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes  Table of contentsHow to start your introduction, topic and context, focus and scope, relevance and importance, questions and objectives, overview of the structure, thesis introduction example, introduction checklist, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about introductions. Although your introduction kicks off your dissertation, it doesn’t have to be the first thing you write — in fact, it’s often one of the very last parts to be completed (just before your abstract ). It’s a good idea to write a rough draft of your introduction as you begin your research, to help guide you. If you wrote a research proposal , consider using this as a template, as it contains many of the same elements. However, be sure to revise your introduction throughout the writing process, making sure it matches the content of your ensuing sections. Don't submit your assignments before you do thisThe academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students. Free citation check included.  Try for free Begin by introducing your dissertation topic and giving any necessary background information. It’s important to contextualize your research and generate interest. Aim to show why your topic is timely or important. You may want to mention a relevant news item, academic debate, or practical problem. After a brief introduction to your general area of interest, narrow your focus and define the scope of your research. You can narrow this down in many ways, such as by:
It’s essential to share your motivation for doing this research, as well as how it relates to existing work on your topic. Further, you should also mention what new insights you expect it will contribute. Start by giving a brief overview of the current state of research. You should definitely cite the most relevant literature, but remember that you will conduct a more in-depth survey of relevant sources in the literature review section, so there’s no need to go too in-depth in the introduction. Depending on your field, the importance of your research might focus on its practical application (e.g., in policy or management) or on advancing scholarly understanding of the topic (e.g., by developing theories or adding new empirical data). In many cases, it will do both. Ultimately, your introduction should explain how your thesis or dissertation:
Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading servicesDiscover proofreading & editing Perhaps the most important part of your introduction is your questions and objectives, as it sets up the expectations for the rest of your thesis or dissertation. How you formulate your research questions and research objectives will depend on your discipline, topic, and focus, but you should always clearly state the central aim of your research. If your research aims to test hypotheses , you can formulate them here. Your introduction is also a good place for a conceptual framework that suggests relationships between variables .
To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough. I. Introduction Human language consists of a set of vowels and consonants which are combined to form words. During the speech production process, thoughts are converted into spoken utterances to convey a message. The appropriate words and their meanings are selected in the mental lexicon (Dell & Burger, 1997). This pre-verbal message is then grammatically coded, during which a syntactic representation of the utterance is built. Speech, language, and voice disorders affect the vocal cords, nerves, muscles, and brain structures, which result in a distorted language reception or speech production (Sataloff & Hawkshaw, 2014). The symptoms vary from adding superfluous words and taking pauses to hoarseness of the voice, depending on the type of disorder (Dodd, 2005). However, distortions of the speech may also occur as a result of a disease that seems unrelated to speech, such as multiple sclerosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study aims to determine which acoustic parameters are suitable for the automatic detection of exacerbations in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by investigating which aspects of speech differ between COPD patients and healthy speakers and which aspects differ between COPD patients in exacerbation and stable COPD patients. Checklist: IntroductionI have introduced my research topic in an engaging way. I have provided necessary context to help the reader understand my topic. I have clearly specified the focus of my research. I have shown the relevance and importance of the dissertation topic . I have clearly stated the problem or question that my research addresses. I have outlined the specific objectives of the research . I have provided an overview of the dissertation’s structure . You've written a strong introduction for your thesis or dissertation. Use the other checklists to continue improving your dissertation. If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools! Research bias
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The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:
and your problem statement
Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion. This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process . Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish. They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research. Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement . Scope of research is determined at the beginning of your research process , prior to the data collection stage. Sometimes called “scope of study,” your scope delineates what will and will not be covered in your project. It helps you focus your work and your time, ensuring that you’ll be able to achieve your goals and outcomes. Defining a scope can be very useful in any research project, from a research proposal to a thesis or dissertation . A scope is needed for all types of research: quantitative , qualitative , and mixed methods . To define your scope of research, consider the following:
Cite this Scribbr articleIf you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator. George, T. & McCombes, S. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction. Scribbr. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/introduction-structure/ Is this article helpful? Tegan GeorgeOther students also liked, how to choose a dissertation topic | 8 steps to follow, how to write an abstract | steps & examples, what is your plagiarism score. Summer funding awards for undergraduate research projects
 Congratulations to Sam Lyczkowski and Mariela Rodriguez! We are so proud to announce that two of our students, Sam and Mariela, were awarded funding for the Summer of 2024. Each student plans to use this funding to pursue personal research projects within the PhonLab.  Summer Humanities and Arts Research Program (SHARP)Mariela’s funding was awarded through the Summer Humanities and Arts Research Program (SHARP), under the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village (HSURV). This program was designed to support undergraduate students across the Arts and Humanities and allow them the opportunity to engage in diverse interdisciplinary research opportunities. Mariela will focus her summer research on language endangerment and ethics in language documentation and fieldwork. She looks forward to building community with her peers and with faculty to improve her research skills and explore these crucial topics. She also hopes this summer will provide the groundwork to prepare for her senior thesis and impart her first true glimpse into the research world. Harvard College Research Program (HCRP) Summer 2024 fundingSam was awarded funding from one of the most prominent Harvard College resources for undergraduate student researchers, the Harvard College Research Program (HCRP). Funding from HCRP allows Harvard College students the opportunity to pursue student-initiated scholarly research. Sam has two distinct goals this summer: to continue supporting the Harvard PhonLab’s Co-speech Gesture project and to develop his own independent research project on rhythm and timing in language. Sam hopes to contribute work in data processing, analysis, and experimental design across a range of theoretical topics in linguistics.  We are so proud of you both and look forward to working with you this summer!  UC Davis Team Wins Awards for Air Mobility Innovation, Sustainability at CITRIS Aviation Prize
On April 29, a team of undergraduate students from the University of California, Davis, was among four teams vying for the 2023-24 CITRIS Aviation Prize , presenting proposals to a panel of academic and industry judges at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. Their project, Sustainable Multi-Campus Air Rapid Transport, or SMART, UC Davis, earned two $3,000 awards sponsored by Lenovo: one for excellence in air mobility innovation and another for sustainability. The student design competition was organized by CITRIS Aviation, a research initiative of the multicampus, interdisciplinary Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banato Institute , or CITRIS, at the University of California. This year was the second iteration of the competition, and it challenged student teams to develop detailed designs for air mobility infrastructure that could serve as the basis for a campus-to-campus transportation system for the University of California. The technology needed to be at least three times faster than ground transportation, easy to connect to other University of California campuses and deployable within the next five years — at least in theory. The contest requirements stressed energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the designs, as well as sustainability and minimal environmental impact. The UC Davis team, led by mechanical engineering major Jordan King, comprised 11 undergraduate students across the engineering disciplines, including mechanical and aerospace engineering, computer science and materials science and engineering. Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Camli Badrya served as the faculty advisor. The SMART UC Davis project proposed using electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOL, aircraft that can fly to campus in low altitudes with minimal noise pollution. The aircraft would be used in conjunction with existing transportation methods like buses and bicycles. Part of their proposal included converting the Memorial Union parking structure to support elevated landing and takeoff areas and charging stations and installing solar panels on the rooftop of the nearby Hickey Gym to generate electricity to support the aircraft. King says the experience had him venturing out of his academic comfort zone and has taught him new skills that will stay with him when he enters the workforce. “This was one of the first opportunities I’ve had to be a leader for something like this,” said King. “All of us will walk away with valuable skills when it comes to applying the knowledge we learned in school to a real-world setting.” For Badrya, the real prize here is seeing her students work as a team to solve complex engineering problems. “Engaging in competitions like the CITRIS Aviation Prize provides our students with an exciting journey. It's a playground of challenges that pushes them to work collaboratively, think critically and come up with innovative solutions rooted in the principles of engineering and science. What makes this experience truly beautiful is their discovery of interdependence, realizing that the collective genius of the team exceeds the sum of its individual parts.” Read about the winners of the CITRIS Aviation Prize Primary CategorySecondary categories. |
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Revised on April 16, 2024. A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master's program or a capstone to a bachelor's degree. Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation, it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete.
Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George.Revised on November 21, 2023. A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process.It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to ...
Award: 2017 Royal Geographical Society Undergraduate Dissertation Prize. Title: Refugees and theatre: an exploration of the basis of self-representation. University: University of Washington. Faculty: Computer Science & Engineering. Author: Nick J. Martindell. Award: 2014 Best Senior Thesis Award. Title: DCDN: Distributed content delivery for ...
A thesis is an in-depth research study that identifies a particular topic of inquiry and presents a clear argument or perspective about that topic using evidence and logic. Writing a thesis showcases your ability of critical thinking, gathering evidence, and making a compelling argument. Integral to these competencies is thorough research ...
A good thesis has two parts. It should tell what you plan to argue, and it should "telegraph" how you plan to argue—that is, what particular support for your claim is going where in your essay. Steps in Constructing a Thesis. First, analyze your primary sources. Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication.
Senior Thesis Writing Guides. The senior thesis is typically the most challenging writing project undertaken by undergraduate students. The writing guides below aim to introduce students both to the specific methods and conventions of writing original research in their area of concentration and to effective writing process. The senior thesis is ...
10 tips for writing an undergraduate dissertation. 1. Select an engaging topic. Choose a subject that aligns with your interests and allows you to showcase the skills and knowledge you have acquired through your degree. 2. Research your supervisor. Undergraduate students will often be assigned a supervisor based on their research specialisms.
Make sure you can ask the critical what, who, and how questions of your research before you put pen to paper. Your research proposal should include (at least) 5 essential components : Title - provides the first taste of your research, in broad terms. Introduction - explains what you'll be researching in more detail.
If you're preparing to write your dissertation, thesis or research project, our free dissertation template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples.. The template's structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and ...
When I chose the lab I wanted to be part of for my summer project (with my JIW and senior thesis in mind) , I knew the general area of research I wanted to be involved in. But, usually within a lab, there are many projects that graduate students and post-docs work on within that specific area. ... A research proposal at the undergraduate level ...
A senior thesis is an original research project undertaken during one's senior year at Harvard College. The thesis project requires research into the theories and past research ... thesis is the closest you can come as an undergraduate to understanding what advanced gradu-ate study will look like. Writing a thesis provides you with the ...
An undergraduate thesis is an official, academically-integrated undergraduate research project with a formal written outcome. Completing a thesis is permanently recognized on a student's diploma as graduation with "Research Distinction" or with "Honors Research Distinction". The requirements for graduating with research distinction ...
Document type: Choose from the dropdown menu, "Undergraduate Thesis" or "Undergraduate Capstone Project." Abstract: Provide the abstract of your document. The text of the abstract should be copied and pasted from your final document into the text field. The abstract must be written in English. There is no word limit.
Abstract. A final year project represents a demonstration of a student's ability to integrate the knowledge they acquired from more than one course and subject, to produce a final work that ...
In some cases, students may be able to write a thesis as part of an undergraduate program or as an independent research project outside of an academic program. In such cases, it is important to consult with faculty advisors or mentors to ensure that the research is appropriately designed and executed.
When starting your thesis or dissertation process, one of the first requirements is a research proposal or a prospectus. It describes what or who you want to examine, delving into why, when, where, and how you will do so, stemming from your research question and a relevant topic. The proposal or prospectus stage is crucial for the development ...
Undergraduate Thesis. UNSW Engineering students are required to complete an undergraduate thesis project during the 4th year of their study. Students can choose from a variety of projects, with research and industry thesis options available. The standard thesis is 4 UoC (Unit of Credit) per term starting T1, T2 or T3.
A thesis project requires an enormous amount of reading and analysis before the beginning of the design process, and the primary source of reference information for an undergraduate student is ...
detection implementation includes two dimensional image gradient and angular data used to calculate a gradient score for each pixel. This gradient score per pixel is used to. generate the GICOV scores per pixel. After reading in this input data from the input file, the driver program prepares the GPU for execution.
Please review the Guide to Online Theses and Capstone Projects Submission System before submitting your Bachelor's thesis to the Illinois Theses and Capstone Projects Submission System. If you have additional questions or need help: R egarding LAS Honor's related questions, please contact LAS Honors at [email protected] or 217.333.1158.
You need to talk about this with your supervisor. This is a normal situation, but only your supervisor or another person very familiar with your work can tell you what you need to do. This is perfectly fine. My undergraduate thesis project didn't work either. Just write up your work and talk to your supervisor.
The purpose of these meetings is to bring thesis writers together into a community so that writers may learn about the various forms a thesis can take and can engage in the important project of peer-review. The finished thesis manuscript should be emailed to the departmental office at [email protected] by 11:59pm on the designated ...
A student must be a declared major in the MELC Department with at least a 3.3 overall GPA and a 3.51 GPA in major courses. A student must maintain the required GPA in order to remain eligible for the honors program. A student completes two courses, MELC 199 and MELC H195, described below. The thesis must be submitted no later than the 14th week ...
An undergraduate or graduate degree awarded by an accredited college or university which must be completed prior to the start of the program. (Acceptance may be contingent on degree completion.) ... The project/thesis can be theoretical or practical, and it can involve research, social analysis, evaluation of potential solutions and/or design ...
My thesis project involves translating the Preface, Introduction, ... Annotations, and Addendum," received the Leonard B. Meyer Prize for best undergraduate thesis in the music department this year. His EALC BA thesis, "The Making of Courtly Opera: Vernacular Music Reforms in the Qianlong Court, 1736-1746," was awarded the 2024 Asada Eiji ...
To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough. Note.
By Eliana Cecilia Spradling. June 10, 2024. Lab. Congratulations to Sam Lyczkowski and Mariela Rodriguez! We are so proud to announce that two of our students, Sam and Mariela, were awarded funding for the Summer of 2024. Each student plans to use this funding to pursue personal research projects within the PhonLab.
Complete a final project, such as a thesis or research report. Finish all coursework within a certain number of years, likely ranging from five to 10 years, depending on your program and school. Some institutions may also require: Residency: Complete a set number of courses while registered at your institution.
Undergraduate Concentration. The concentration in Middle East Studies is designed to help students develop an interdisciplinary understanding of culture, history, and contemporary issues in the Middle East. The concentration in Middle East Studies is designed to help students develop an interdisciplinary understanding of culture, history, and ...
On April 29, a team of undergraduate students from the University of California, Davis, was among four teams vying for the 2023-24 CITRIS Aviation Prize, presenting proposals to a panel of academic and industry judges at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California.. Their project, Sustainable Multi-Campus Air Rapid Transport, or SMART, UC Davis, earned two $3,000 awards ...