Dissertation

Dissertatio

Dissertation

Introduction
A dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature for a degree or professional qualification presenting the
author's research and findings. In some countries/universities, the
word thesis or a cognate is used as part of a bachelor's or master's course, while dissertation is normally applied to a doctorate,
whilst, in others, the reverse is true.
The term dissertation can mean, more in general, a treatise on
some subject, without relation to obtaining an academic degree.
The term thesis can mean the central claim of an essay or similar
work.

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Outline
Introduction
Title page
Abstract
Acknowledgements
Table of contents
Introduction
Background of the study
Problem Statement
Purpose of the study
Research Questions
Rationale of the study
Significance of the study
Review of the literature concluding with
a summary
Materials and methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusions
Appendices
References

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Thesis
Introduction
The introductory section(s) of your paper:

A statement of the goal of the paper: why the study was

undertaken, or why the paper was written. Do not repeat
the abstract.

Sufficient background information to allow the reader to

understand the context and significance of the question
you are trying to address.

The introduction should be focused on the thesis

question(s). All cited work should be directly relevant to
the goals of the thesis. This is not a place to summarize
everything you have ever read on a subject.

Explain the scope of your work, what will and will not be
included.

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Methods
What belongs in the "methods" section of a scientific paper?

1
2

Description of your materials, procedure, theory.

Calculations, technique, procedure, equipment, and calibration plots.

3
4

Limitations, assumptions, and range of validity.

Description of your analytical methods, including reference
to any specialized statistical software.

Note: Citations in this section should be limited to data

sources and references of where to find more complete
descriptions of procedures.
Do not include descriptions of results.

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Results
* The results are actual statements of observations, includ
ing statistics, tables and graphs.
* Indicate information on range of variation.
* Mention negative results as well as positive. Do not interpret results - save that for the discussion.

Note: Results vs. Discussion Sections

Don't overlay interpretation on top

of data in figures.
Careful use of phrases such as
"We infer that ".
Don't worry if "results" seem short.

Why?

Easier for your reader to absorb, frequent shifts of mental

mode not required.

Ensures that your work will endure in spite of shifting paradigms.

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Discussion
Start with a few sentences that summarize the most important results. The discussion section should be a brief essay
in itself, answering the following questions and caveats:

What are the major patterns in the observations? (Refer to

spatial and temporal variations.)

What are the relationships, trends and generalizations

among the results?

What are the exceptions to these patterns or generalizations?

4
5

Is there agreement or disagreement with previous work?

What is the implication of the present results for other unanswered questions in earth sciences, ecology, environmental
policy, etc....?

Multiple hypotheses: There are usually several possible

explanations for results. Be careful to consider all of these
rather than simply pushing your favorite one. If you can
eliminate all but one, that is great, but often that is not possible with the data in hand. In that case you should give
even treatment to the remaining possibilities, and try to indicate ways in which future work may lead to their discrimination.

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7 What is the significance of the present results: why should

we care?

Conclusions
* What is the strongest and most important statement that
you can make from your observations?
* Refer back to problem posed, and describe the conclusions that you reached from carrying out this investigation,
summarize new observations, new interpretations, and new
insights that have resulted from the present work.

Recommendations
* Include when appropriate (most of the time)
Remedial action to solve the problem.
Further research to fill in gaps in our understanding.
Directions for future investigations on this or related topics.

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Finishing Touches
Consistency of style is important (the style of tables;
headings of sections, etc.). It may seem a small point, but it
does make the dissertation look better if you have
obviously paid attention to detail.
Ensure you know the word limit before starting. University
regulations can vary markedly and finding out that you have
written 5000 words more than the limit, with only a week to
go, will do absolutely nothing for your stress levels!!

Final review
The following should prove useful as a final checklist:

Readability
Always ask someone else to read the dissertation to check
for readability, grammar, etc. This does not necessarily
have to be someone who fully understands it. Indeed,
family members can often be willing volunteers!
Page numbering.

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Check the numbering of the pages to ensure it is consecutive. Likewise, also check the numbering of tables and figures.

Margins
Check that all of the margins are in accordance with the
regulations for your university (often 4 cm for the left margin
to allow binding and 2.5 cm for the right margin). Also
ensure that the right margin is justified throughout as it
looks much neater. Headings and subheadings Check that
all of the chapter headings and subheadings in the main
text match those in the table of contents, and ensure that all
of the headings and subheadings are formatted consistently
throughout the dissertation.

Tables
Has the data been checked for accuracy? Are sufficient
details given to interpret the data? Is a consistent format
used for all tables? Are units of measurement stated? Are
all abbreviations explained?

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Figures
Has the accuracy of the figure been checked? Is the figure
self-explanatory? Is the zero position shown on the axes of
graphs? Are the units of measurement clearly shown on the
axes? Are all abbreviations explained?

Appendices
Is the appendix warranted? Is it referred to in the text? Are
sufficient details given to make the appendix useful? Does
each appendix start a new page?

Reference list
Has every work cited been included in the references?
Have the rules for alphabetical and chronological ordering
of references been followed? Does each book reference
include the author(s) and/or editor(s), date of publication,
title, chapter number and title, publisher and place of publication? Does each journal reference include author(s), date
of publication, title, name of journal, volume number and
inclusive page numbers?

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Binding of the dissertation

Have you checked the university requirements regarding
number of copies; type of binding for the submitted version
(e.g. do you need a hard bound or soft bound copy at initial
submission?); color of cover and the lettering on the cover?

Please Note: The outline provided is based on standard

format. However, you may adjust it according to your university guidelines.

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