in engineering thesis

MS Thesis Guidelines

Students may choose to pursue a thesis as part of their MS degree program, but only with the consent of a faculty advisor willing to supervise the thesis work. 

Preparation of a thesis representing an independent research work is a pivotal phase of this MS degree program. It provides the student with an opportunity to work on an open-ended problem, developing a particular solution that is not pre-determined and involving synthesis of knowledge and intellectual creativity. The thesis may involve an investigation that is fundamental in nature, or may be applied, incorporating theory, experimental testing and/or analytical modeling, and/or creative design. Through the thesis, candidates are expected to give evidence of competence in research and a sound understanding of the area of specialization involved. Students are also strongly encouraged to present their research at scientific conferences and publish the results of their thesis research in a peer-reviewed journal.

Students receive a grade of Y (incomplete) in these courses as long as the thesis in progress. Eventual thesis grades replace the incomplete grades upon formal completion of the thesis. In order to receive a grade of Y for ME-0296/ENP-0296, students must submit a  thesis prospectus  that outlines the area of work, thesis goals, proposed approach and a review of relevant past work in the literature before the end of the first semester in which the student enrolls in ME-0296/ENP-0296, typically the third semester of full-time study. For an example of a recent MS thesis prospectus please reach out to [email protected]. 

The examining committee for MS candidates completing theses should be composed of three (3) members.

• Thesis advisor (committee chair)
• One technical expert outside of the student's department
• A third member of the committee, often another faculty member in the student's department

The committee chair is normally a full-time, tenure-track faculty member. One committee member must be from outside the student's department. Thesis normally counts as 9 credits towards the MS degree requirements. However, a student, with the approval of their thesis advisor, has the option to complete a 6-credit thesis by submitting a petition form to the Department. This petition must be signed by the student and the thesis advisor and will become part of the student's academic record. With a 6-credit thesis, a student must complete an extra graduate-level course (for a total of 8 courses) to fulfill the 30-credit requirement for graduation. This option is not typically available to those intending to pursue a Ph.D. degree. 

Thesis Completion

The MS thesis is completed upon:

• A successful oral defense (open to the community)
• Submission of an approved thesis to the Office of Graduate Studies

The student should consult the  Graduate Student Handbook  for specific dates and deadlines for this process in the graduation semester.

written at Virginia Tech [Pang, 2002]. In viewing this sample thesis and all thesis excerpts on this page, please be aware that different universities have different format guidelines.

, which is for electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) at Virginia Tech.

that shows where these sections typically occur in the document. ). In the words of Albert Einstein, you should be "as simple as possible, but no simpler."

is appropriate (in other words, write , not .) Also, many committees frown upon the use of contractions, such as or that would be readily accepted in a less formal document such as an e-mail. Another word that many committees frown upon, because of its informality, is the word While this word is appropriate for instructions and correspondence, it is seldom, if ever, appropriate in theses or dissertations (note that the implied is certainly acceptable in clauses such as ). In regard to the first person pronouns or , judicious use is widely accepted, especially to make the writing more active (see Chapter 6 of ) or to assume responsibility for assumptions or actions. Be forewarned, though, that despite its acceptance by most committees (and journals), an occasional committee remains opposed to use of the first person, even when that use is judicious.

).

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Engineering: The Literature Review Process

• How to Use This Guide

What is a literature review and why is it important?

Further reading ....

• 2. Precision vs Retrieval
• 3. Equip Your Tool Box
• 4. What to look for
• 5. Where to Look for it
• 6. How to Look for it
• 7. Keeping Current
• 8. Reading Tips
• 9. Writing Tips
• 10. Checklist

A literature review not only summarizes the knowledge of a particular area or field of study, it also evaluates what has been done, what still needs to be done and why all of this is important to the subject.  

• The Stand-Alone Literature Review A literature review may stand alone as an individual document in which the history of the topic is reported and then analyzed for trends, controversial issues, and what still needs to be studied.  The review could just be a few pages for narrow topics or quite extensive with long bibliographies for in-depth reviews.   In-depth review articles are valuable time-savers for professionals and researchers who need a quick introduction or analysis of a topic but they can be very time-consuming for authors to produce. Examples of review articles:   Walker, Sara Louise (2011)   Building mounted wind turbines and their suitability for the urban scale - a review of methods of estimating urban wind resource .   Energy and Buildings  43(8):1852-1862. For this review, the author focused on the different methodologies used to estimate wind speed in urban settings.  After introducing the theory, she explained the difficulty for in-situ measuring, and then followed up by describing each of the different estimation techniques that have been used instead.  Strengths and weaknesses of each method are discussed and suggestions are given on where more study is needed.   Length: 11 pages. References: 59. Calm, J.M. (2008)   The next generation of refrigerants - historical review, considerations, and outlook.   International Journal of Refrigeration  31(7):1123-1133. This review focuses on the evolution of refrigerants and divides the evolution into 4 generations.  In each generation the author describes which type of refrigerants were most popular and discusses how political, environmental, and economic issues as well as chemical properties effected choices.  Length: 11 pages.  References: 51.  
• The Literature Review as a Section Within a Document Literature reviews are also part of dissertations, theses, research reports and scholarly journal articles; these types of documents include the review in a section or chapter that discusses what has gone before, how the research being presented in this document fills a gap in the field's knowledge and why that is important.   Examples of literature reviews within a journal article:  Jobert, Arthur, et al. (2007) Local acceptance of wind energy: factors of success identified in French and German case studies.  Energy Policy  35(5):2751-2760.  In this case, the literature review is a separate, labeled section appearing between the introduction and methodology sections.  Peel, Deborah and Lloyd, Michael Gregory (2007)   Positive planning for wind-turbines in an urban context.   Local Environment  12(4):343-354. In this case the literature review is incorporated into the article's introduction rather than have its own section.   Which version you choose (separate section or within the introduction) depends on format requirements of the publisher (for journal articles), the ASU Graduate College and your academic unit (for ASU dissertations and theses) and application instructions for grants.   If no format is specified choose the method in which you can best explain your research topic, what has come before and the importance of the knowledge you are adding to the field.    Examples of literature reviews within a dissertation or thesis :  Porter, Wayne Eliot (2011)   Renewable Energy in Rural Southeastern Arizona: Decision Factors: A Comparison of the Consumer Profiles of Homeowners Who Purchased Renewable Energy Systems With Those Who Performed Other Home Upgrades or Remodeling Projects .    Arizona State University, M.S. Thesis.  This author effectively uses a separate chapter for the literature review for his detailed analysis.  Magerman, Beth (2014)   Short-Term Wind Power Forecasts using Doppler Lidar.   Arizona State University, M.S. Thesis. The author puts the literature review within Chapter Two presenting it as part of the background information of her topic.   Note that the literature review within a thesis or dissertation more closely resembles the scope and depth of a stand- alone literature review as opposed to the briefer reviews appearing within journal articles.  Within a thesis or dissertation, the review not only presents the status of research in the specific area it also establishes the author's expertise and justifies his/her own research.   

Online tutorials:

• Literature Reviews: An Overview for Graduate Students Created by the North Caroline State University Libraries

Other ASU Library Guides: 

• Literature Reviews and Annotated Bibliographies More general information about the format and content of literature reviews; created by Ed Oetting, History and Political Science Librarian, Hayden Library. ​

Readings: 

• The Literature Review: A Few Tips on Conducting It Written by Dena Taylor, Health Sciences Writing Centre, University of Toronto
• Literature Reviews Created by The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. 
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• Next: 2. Precision vs Retrieval >>
• Last updated: Jan 2, 2024 8:27 AM
• URL: https://libguides.asu.edu/engineeringlitreview

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Writing the review

As you write your review, consider these ways of expressing your ideas:

• Compare and contrast views of different authors.
• Criticize previous work.
• Highlight gaps in existing research.
• Show how your work relates to previous work.
• Identify problems, conflicts, debates, gaps.
• Define a research area in a new way.
• Question previous results.

Content of a literature review

There are two primary ways to organize and structure a literature review: chronologically or thematically.

A chronological literature review presents sources in the order of their publication.

The thematic literature review groups sources based on themes, theoretical concepts, and topics that the author consider important to their research.

A literature review should include:

• an overview of the subject, issue, or theory under consideration
• group sources into categories and concepts (in support or against a particular position)
• present connections between the sources
• draw conclusions about those works that make the greatest contribution to the understanding and development of your subject

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Digital Commons @ USF > College of Engineering > Mechanical Engineering > Theses and Dissertations

Mechanical Engineering Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Under Pressure: The Soft Robotic Clap-and-Fling of Cuvierina atlantica , Daniel Mead

Human Motion-Inspired Inverse Kinematics Algorithm for a Robotics-Based Human Upper Body Model , Urvish Trivedi

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Metachronal Locomotion: Swimming, Scaling, and Schooling , Kuvvat Garayev

A Human-in-the-Loop Robot Grasping System with Grasp Quality Refinement , Tian Tan

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Health Effects of Oil Spills and Dispersal of Oil Droplets and Zooplankton by Langmuir Cells , Sanjib Gurung

Estimating the As-Placed Grout Volume of Auger Cast Piles , Tristen Mee

Hybrid RANS-LES Hemolytic Power Law Modeling of the FDA Blood Pump , Joseph Tarriela

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Dynamic Loading Directed Neural Stem Cell Differentiation , Abdullah Revaha Akdemir

An Investigation of Cross-links on Crystallization and Degradation in a Novel, PhotoCross-linkable Poly (Lactic Acid) System , Nicholas Baksh

A Framework to Aid Decision Making for Smart Manufacturing Technologies in Small-and Medium-Sized Enterprises , Purvee Bhatia

Formation of Gas Jets and Vortex Rings from Bursting Bubbles: Visualization, Kinematics, and Fluid Dynamics , Ali A. Dasouqi

Development of Carbon and Silicon Carbide Based Microelectrode Implantable Neural Interfaces , Chenyin Feng

Sulfate Optimization in the Cement-Slag Blended System Based on Calorimetry and Strength Studies , Mustafa Fincan

Interrelation of Thermal Stimulation with Haptic Perception, Emotion, and Memory , Mehdi Hojatmadani

Modeling the Ambient Conditions of a Manufacturing Environment Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) , Yang Liu

Flow Visualization and Aerosol Characterization of Respiratory Jets Exhaled from a Mannequin Simulator , Sindhu Reddy Mutra

A Constitutive-Based Deep Learning Model for the Identification of Active Contraction Parameters of the Left Ventricular Myocardium , Igor Augusto Paschoalotte Nobrega

Sensible/Latent Hybrid Thermal Energy Storage for the Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycle , Kelly Osterman

Evaluating the Performance of Devices Engineering to Quantify the FARS Test , Harsh Patel

Event-Triggered Control Architectures for Scheduling Information Exchange in Uncertain and Multiagent Systems , Stefan Ristevski

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Experimental Investigation of Liquid Height Estimation and Simulation Verification of Bolt Tension Quantification Using Surface Acoustic Waves , Hani Alhazmi

Investigation of Navigation Systems for Size, Cost, and Mass Constrained Satellites , Omar Awad

Simulation and Verification of Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage , Marwan Mosubah Belaed

Control of a Human Arm Robotic Unit Using Augmented Reality and Optimized Kinematics , Carlo Canezo

Manipulation and Patterning of Mammalian Cells Using Vibrations and Acoustic Forces , Joel Cooper

Stable Adaptive Control Systems in the Presence of Unmodeled and Actuator Dynamics , Kadriye Merve Dogan

The Design and Development of a Wrist-Hand Orthosis , Amber Gatto

ROBOAT - Rescue Operations Bot Operating in All Terrains , Akshay Gulhane

Mitigation of Electromigration in Metal Interconnects Passivated by Ångstrom-Thin 2D Materials , Yunjo Jeong

Swimming of Pelagic Snails: Kinematics and Fluid Dynamics , Ferhat Karakas

Functional Gait Asymmetries Achieved Through Modeling and Understanding the Interaction of Multiple Gait Modulations , Fatemeh Rasouli

Distributed Control of Multiagent Systems under Heterogeneity , Selahattin Burak Sarsilmaz

Design and Implementation of Intuitive Human-robot Teleoperation Interfaces , Lei Wu

Laser Micropatterning Effects on Corrosion Resistance of Pure Magnesium Surfaces , Yahya Efe Yayoglu

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Synthesis and Characterization of Molybdenum Disulfide/Conducting Polymer Nanocomposite Materials for Supercapacitor Applications , Turki S. Alamro

Design of Shape-Morphing Structures Consisting of Bistable Compliant Mechanisms , Rami Alfattani

Low Temperature Multi Effects Desalination-Mechanical Vapor Compression Powered by Supercritical Organic Rankine Cycle , Eydhah Almatrafi

Experimental Results of a Model Reference Adaptive Control Approach on an Interconnected Uncertain Dynamical System , Kemberly Cespedes

Modeling of Buildings with Electrochromic Windows and Thermochromic Roofs , Hua-Ting Kao

Design and Testing of Experimental Langmuir Turbulence Facilities , Zongze Li

Solar Thermal Geothermal Hybrid System With a Bottoming Supercritical Organic Rankine Cycle , Francesca Moloney

Design and Testing of a Reciprocating Wind Harvester , Ahmet Topcuoglu

Distributed Spatiotemporal Control and Dynamic Information Fusion for Multiagent Systems , Dzung Minh Duc Tran

Controlled Wetting Using Ultrasonic Vibration , Matthew A. Trapuzzano

On Distributed Control of Multiagent Systems under Adverse Conditions , Emre Yildirim

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Synthesis and Characterization of Alpha-Hematite Nanomaterials for Water-Splitting Applications , Hussein Alrobei

Control of Uncertain Dynamical Systems with Spatial and Temporal Constraints , Ehsan Arabi

Simulation and Optimization of a Sheathless Size-Based Acoustic Particle Separator , Shivaraman Asoda

Simulation of Radiation Flux from Thermal Fluid in Origami Tubes , Robert R. Bebeau

Toward Verifiable Adaptive Control Systems: High-Performance and Robust Architectures , Benjamin Charles Gruenwald

Developing Motion Platform Dynamics for Studying Biomechanical Responses During Exercise for Human Spaceflight Applications , Kaitlin Lostroscio

Design and Testing of a Linear Compliant Mechanism with Adjustable Force Output , William Niemeier

Investigation of Thermal History in Large Area Projection Sintering, an Additive Manufacturing Technology , Justin Nussbaum

Acoustic Source Localization with a VTOL sUAV Deployable Module , Kory Olney

Defect Detection in Additive Manufacturing Utilizing Long Pulse Thermography , James Pierce

Design and Testing of a Passive Prosthetic Ankle Foot Optimized to Mimic an Able-Bodied Gait , Millicent Schlafly

Simulation of Turbulent Air Jet Impingement for Commercial Cooking Applications , Shantanu S. Shevade

Materials and Methods to Fabricate Porous Structures Using Additive Manufacturing Techniques , Mohsen Ziaee

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Large Area Sintering Test Platform Design and Preliminary Study on Cross Sectional Resolution , Christopher J. Gardiner

Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Remediation of Organics in Water Using Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide Nanostructures , Srikanth Gunti

Heat Flux Modeling of Asymmetrically Heated and Cooled Thermal Stimuli , Matthew Hardy

Simulation of Hemiparetic Function Using a Knee Orthosis with Variable Impedance and a Proprioception Interference Apparatus , Christina-Anne Kathleen Lahiff

Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Molybdenum Oxide Nanomaterials , Michael S. McCrory

Effects of Microstructure and Alloy Concentration on the Corrosion and Tribocorrosion Resistance of Al-Mn and WE43 Mg Alloys , Hesham Y. Saleh Mraied

Novel Transducer Calibration and Simulation Verification of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Channels on Acoustic Microfluidic Devices , Scott T. Padilla

Force Compensation and Recreation Accuracy in Humans , Benjamin Rigsby

Experimental Evaluation of Cooling Effectiveness and Water Conservation in a Poultry House Using Flow Blurring ® Atomizers , Rafael M. Rodriguez

Media Velocity Considerations in Pleated Air Filtration , Frederik Carl Schousboe

Orthoplanar Spring Based Compliant Force/Torque Sensor for Robot Force Control , Jerry West

Experimental Study of High-Temperature Range Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage , Chatura Wickramaratne

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Al/Ti Nanostructured Multilayers: from Mechanical, Tribological, to Corrosion Properties , Sina Izadi

Molybdenum Disulfide-Conducting Polymer Composite Structures for Electrochemical Biosensor Applications , Hongxiang Jia

Waterproofing Shape-Changing Mechanisms Using Origami Engineering; Also a Mechanical Property Evaluation Approach for Rapid Prototyping , Andrew Jason Katz

Hydrogen Effects on X80 Steel Mechanical Properties Measured by Tensile and Impact Testing , Xuan Li

Application and Analysis of Asymmetrical Hot and Cold Stimuli , Ahmad Manasrah

Droplet-based Mechanical Actuator Utilizing Electrowetting Effect , Qi Ni

Experimental and Computational Study on Fracture Mechanics of Multilayered Structures , Hai Thanh Tran

Designing the Haptic Interface for Morse Code , Michael Walker

Optimization and Characterization of Integrated Microfluidic Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors and Transducers , Tao Wang

Corrosion Characteristics of Magnesium under Varying Surface Roughness Conditions , Yahya Efe Yayoglu

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) Emissions, Human Energy, and Cultural Perceptions Associated with Traditional and Improved Methods of Shea Butter Processing in Ghana, West Africa , Emily Adams

Experimental Investigation of Encapsulated Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage , Tanvir E. Alam

Design Of Shape Morphing Structures Using Bistable Elements , Ahmad Alqasimi

Heat Transfer Analysis of Slot Jet Impingement onto Roughened Surfaces , Rashid Ali Alshatti

Systems Approach to Producing Electrospun Polyvinylidene Difluoride Fiber Webs with Controlled Fiber Structure and Functionality , Brian D. Bell

Self-Assembly Kinetics of Microscale Components: A Parametric Evaluation , Jose Miguel Carballo

Measuring Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Mechanical Properties Using Flat Punch Nanoindentation Focusing on Obtaining Full Contact , Federico De Paoli

A Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Flow Induced Noise In Hydraulic Counterbalance Valves , Mutasim Mohamed Elsheikh

An Experimental Study on Passive Dynamic Walking , Philip Andrew Hatzitheodorou

Use of Anaerobic Adhesive for Prevailing Torque Locking Feature on Threaded Product , Alan Hernandez

Viability of Bismuth as a Green Substitute for Lead in Jacketed .357 Magnum Revolver Bullets , Joel A. Jenkins

A Planar Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model for Cantilevers Experiencing Combined Endpoint Forces and Uniformly Distributed Loads Acting in Parallel , Philip James Logan

Kinematic Control of Redundant Mobile Manipulators , Mustafa Mashali

Passive Symmetry in Dynamic Systems and Walking , Haris Muratagic

Mechanical Properties of Laser-Sintered-Nylon Diamond Lattices , Clayton Neff

Design, Fabrication and Analysis of a Paver Machine Push Bar Mechanism , Mahendra Palnati

Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Properties of Polyaniline Thin Films , Soukaina Rami

A Technical and Economic Comparative Analysis of Sensible and Latent Heat Packed Bed Storage Systems for Concentrating Solar Thermal Power Plants , Jamie Trahan

Use of FDM Components for Ion Beam and Vacuum Applications , Eric Miguel Tridas

The Development of an Adaptive Driving Simulator , Sarah Marie Tudor

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• Greg’s Graduate Guide

What is an engineering thesis, anyway?

A concise guide to a frequently unasked question, understanding theses, the engineering thesis, the engineering science thesis, how to position your thesis.

If you’re doing a thesis-pattern graduate degree you need to produce a thesis. In fact, you will likely spend a year or more working on it, so it’s probably in your best interest to understand just exactly what a thesis is , sooner rather than later.

Here’s a working definition of “thesis” that will serve for this discussion:

thesis, n : a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research.

Treatise means you have to write it down (sorry). Advancing means that what you write is an argument — more on this later. A new point of view suggests that there is something novel about your work. And your argument results from research ; that means the new point of view you’re advancing comes as the result of a scholarly or experimental process.

Around here we do engineering research . This generally falls into two categories:

direct solutions to engineering problems (the engineering thesis), or

advancement of scientific knowledge in support of future solutions to engineering problems (the engineering science thesis).

Your thesis is therefore an argument that you have satisfactorily solved some engineering problem or have advanced scientific knowledge in some interesting way.

The actual format and organisation of your thesis document is ultimately between you and your supervisor. However, for an engineering or engineering science thesis the argument in the document must include satisfactory answers to four questions.

An engineering thesis is oriented towards engineering practice. Its four essential questions are:

What is the engineering problem to be solved?

In what sense are previous solutions to this problem unsatisfactory?

What is my solution?

How does my solution compare to previous solutions? What are its benefits and drawbacks?

The novelty in an engineering thesis is normally found in the solution to the problem. The problem should be general enough that its solution is interesting outside the immediate context of your thesis.

An engineering thesis that answers only questions 1 and 3 is really just an engineering experience report. This is simply not good enough — your work’s academic value comes from the rigorous evaluation of your solution and comparison with other solutions. You shouldn’t expect to graduate without satisfactory answers to questions 2 and 4, although people occasionally do.

An engineering science thesis advances scientific knowledge in support of future solutions to engineering problems. That is, the scientific question asked is motivated by engineering needs. The four essential questions in this kind of thesis are:

What is the question about the world that needs to be answered?

In what sense are previous answers to this question inadequate?

What is my answer to this question?

How good is my answer in comparison to previous answers?

The “question about the world” is normally about an engineered system.

An exploratory thesis asks “what are the properties of system S”? Typically S is some system intended to solve an engineering problem, but whose properties are inadequately understood. The novelty in an exploratory thesis comes from the discovery and characterization of the interesting properties, and from the design and execution of the process by which they were observed. The evidence is partially in the form of the observed results and partially an argument that the observational process was appropriate.

An experimental thesis asks “is prediction P made by theory T accurate?” Prediction P must be interesting and non-trivial to test. The novelty in an experimental thesis comes from the design, execution and analysis of the experiment. The evidence is partially in the form of the results and partially a logical argument that the experiment adequately tests the prediction.

A theoretical thesis asks “what theory adequately explains observations O?” The novelty in a theoretical thesis is found in the theory itself. The evidence for its utility is normally its ability to explain the previously-unexplained observations and to make non-obvious predictions about other features of the world.

Some theses are exploratory, theoretical and experimental: that is, observations are made of a system, a theory is proposed which explains those observations, new predictions are made from this theory, and experiments are conducted to verify the predictions. This is probably overkill for Masters-level work, but may be appropriate at the Doctoral level.

A given piece of research can often be presented as any one of engineering, science-exploratory, science-theoretical or science-experimental. (For instance, consider the engineering science question about the world “what is an appropriate solution to engineering problem E?”) However, your thesis argument will generally be cleaner if you can figure out which of the four thesis types presented here is the closest fit. Try writing your argument out in each form and see how the different versions feel. If none of them feel right, think hard about whether you really have a clear thesis or if perhaps you need to change direction.

— Greg Phillips

This web site is not an official publication of the Royal Military College of Canada nor of the Department of National Defence . Ce site web n’est pas une publication officielle du Collége militaire royal du Canada ni du Ministère de la défense nationale .

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Home > Engineering & Technology > Engineering Management & Systems Engineering > ETDs

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Theses and dissertations published by graduate students in the Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, Old Dominion University since Fall 2016 are available in this collection. Backfiles of all dissertations (and some theses) have also been added.

In late Fall 2023 or Spring 2024, all theses will be digitized and available here. In the meantime, consult the Library Catalog to find older items in print.

Theses/Dissertations from 2024 2024

Dissertation: Examining the Role of Access to Capital, Social Capital Networks, and Education in Supporting Black Founders and Investors in Technology-Based Entrepreneurship , Akosua Acheamponmaa

Dissertation: Understanding the Impact of Emergent Conflict on Communication and Team Cognition: A Multilevel Study in Engineering Teams , Francisco Cima

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Dissertation: Systemic Risk Analysis of Human Factors in Phishing , Mark Guilford

Dissertation: Human Psychology Factors Influencing Agile Team Autonomy in Post-Pandemic Remote Software Organizations , Ravikiran Kalluri

Dissertation: Reinforcing Digital Trust for Cloud Manufacturing Through Data Provenance Using Ethereum Smart Contracts , Trupti Narayan Rane

Dissertation: Electric Vehicle Routing Problem – Models and Algorithms , Hesamoddin Tahami

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Dissertation: A Systems Theory-Based Framework for Environmental Scanning in Complex System Governance , Dale E. Baugh

Dissertation: Learning Curve Characterization Within Complex Low-Rate Production Environments , Robert J. Gies

Thesis: Acquisition Career Progression Model for Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officers , Andrew John Heckel

Dissertation: Hard-Real-Time Computing Performance in a Cloud Environment , Alvin Cornelius Murphy

Dissertation: A Quality Systems Economic-Risk Design Theoretical Framework , Abdallah S. Thefeid

Dissertation: Predictors of Email Response: Determinants of the Intention of not Following Security Recommendations , Miguel Angel Toro-Jarrin

Dissertation: Complex System Governance Leadership , David C. Walters

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Thesis: Quantifying Cyber Risk by Integrating Attack Graph and Impact Graph , Omer F. Keskin

Dissertation: Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Using Graph Theoretical Anomaly Detection and Machine Learning , Goksel Kucukkaya

Dissertation: Application of a Blockchain Enabled Model in Disaster Aids Supply Network Resilience , Farinaz Sabz Ali Pour

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Dissertation: A Framework for Adaptive Capacity in Complex Systems , Abdulrahman Alfaqiri

Thesis: Engineering Management Competencies: A Framework for Present and Future Engineering Environments , Christopher Vaughn Barrett

Dissertation: DOD Mission Engineering and Integration Explorative-Exploitative Architecture for Technology Innovation , Jose L. Bricio-Neto

Dissertation: A Quest to Identify the Emerging Leadership Skills in VUCA World and Investigation of Their Applications in Various Organizational Levels and Security Environments , Ali Can Kucukozyigit

Dissertation: Cyber-Assets at Risk (CAR): Monetary Impact of Personally Identifiable Information Data Breaches on Companies , Omer Ilker Poyraz

Dissertation: Using Interacting Multiple Model Filters to Indicate Program Risk , Amy Sunshine Smith-Carroll

Dissertation: An Investigation on the Effectiveness of a Problem Structuring Method in a Group Decision-Making Process , Ying Thaviphoke

Dissertation: A Core Reference Hierarchical Primitive Ontology for Electronic Medical Records Semantics Interoperability , Ziniya Zahedi

Dissertation: Human Error in Commercial Fishing Vessel Accidents: An Investigation Using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System , Peter J. Zohorsky

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Dissertation: Evaluating Stakeholder Bias in Stakeholder Analysis In Social Media , Ahmad A. Bajarwan

Dissertation: An Investigation of General Criteria for Assessing Space Flight Systems of Diverse Mission Concept Designs , Cindy L. Daniels

Dissertation: Knowledge Sharing and Creative Confidence in Promoting Employees’ Creative Behavior , Elnaz Dario

Dissertation: Optimization of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) Fleet Size With Incorporation of Battery Management , Ahmed Hamdy

Dissertation: An Exploratory Study of Engineering Identity Development in African American Youth , Coletta Elayne Johnson Bey

Dissertation: Identifying and Quantifying Personnel Skills Gaps , Martin Joseph McKenney

Dissertation: Measuring Risks of Interdependencies in Enterprise Systems: An Application to Ghana’s Salt Enterprise , Yaw Mensah

Dissertation: Quantifying Impact of Cyber Actions on Missions or Business Processes: A Multilayer Propagative Approach , Unal Tatar

Dissertation: Development and Initial Evaluation of a Reinforced Cue Detection Model to Assess Situation Awareness in Commercial Aircraft Cockpits , Aysen K. Taylor

Dissertation: A Comparison of Multi-Attribute Utility Theory, the Analytic Hierarchy Process, the Analytic Network Process, and New Hybrid Approaches for a Case Study Involving Radon , Jesse Ray Toepfer

Dissertation: The Resilient City: A Platform for Informed Decision-Making Process , Jarutpong Vasuthanasub

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Dissertation: A Framework for Executable Systems Modeling , Matthew Amissah

Dissertation: The Influence of Engineers on Public Policy , Sarah Bouazzaoui

Dissertation: Contextual Framework of Communications Functions Supporting Complex System Governance , Charles Wesley Chesterman Jr.

Dissertation: A Representation of Tactical and Strategic Precursors of Supply Network Resilience Using Simulation Based Experiments , Yaneth C. Correa-Martinez

Dissertation: Sequence-Based Simulation-Optimization Framework With Application to Port Operations at Multimodal Container Terminals , Mariam Aladdin Kotachi

Dissertation: Human-Intelligence and Machine-Intelligence Decision Governance Formal Ontology , Faisal Mahmud

Dissertation: Exploring Critical Success Factors of Community Development Projects , Kevin Wanjama Muchiri

Dissertation: A Multi-Level Longitudinal Investigation of Transformational Leadership Influence on Team Members Development in Engineering Project Teams , Nathapon Siangchokyoo

Dissertation: Understanding the Impact of Large-Scale Power Grid Architectures on Performance , Ange-Lionel Toba

Dissertation: Case Study on the Development of Engineering Design Modification Projects for U.S. Nuclear Power Plants: A Knowledge Retention Tool in Support of the Longevity and Resilience of the Nuclear Power Industry , Pamela M. Torres-Jiménez

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Thesis: Role of Requirements Engineering in Software Project’s Success , Sujatha Alla

Dissertation: A Hilbert Space Geometric Representation of Shared Awareness and Joint Decision Making , Mustafa Canan

Dissertation: An Investigation into Perceived Productivity and Its Influence on the Relationship Between Organizational Climate and Affective Commitment , Kaitlynn Marie Castelle

Dissertation: Emergency Diesel-Electric Generator Set Maintenance and Test Periodicity , Stephen John Fehr

Thesis: Initiating Event Analysis of a Lithium Fluoride Thorium Reactor , Nicholas Charles Geraci

Thesis: Impact of a Localized Lean Six Sigma Implementation on Overall Patient Safety and Process Efficiency , Luvianca G. Gil-Moreno

Dissertation: Diversity Team Building: Impact on Virtual Team Performance , Nina C. Magpili-Smith

Dissertation: Implementation of a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) Toolkit to Aid in Ranking Naval Mission Vessel Combinations With Uncertainty , Andrew R. Miller

Dissertation: A Predictor Analysis Framework for Surface Radiation Budget Reprocessing Using Design of Experiments , Patricia Allison Quigley

Dissertation: Analysis of Project Management System Structure Using the Viable System Model (VSM) , Joseph A. Sisti

Dissertation: Planning and Team Shared Mental Models as Predictors of Team Collaborative Processes , Zikai Zhou

Dissertation: Methodology to Perform Cyber Lethality Assessment , Matthew W. Zurasky

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Dissertation: Systems Theory Based Architecture Framework for Complex System Governance , Bry Carter

Dissertation: Profit Based Simulation Model for The Rail Transportation Industry , Mark Patrick Doran

Thesis: Design and Implementation of a Virtual Team Collaboration System , Syed Ehsan

Dissertation: A General Theory of Emergence in Engineered Systems , John J. Johnson IV

Dissertation: Improvement of Work Process Performance with Task Assignments and Mental Workload Balancing , Cansu Kandemir

Dissertation: An Outcome-Based Competency Model for Systems Engineering Trainees , Vanessa J. Pietrzyk

Dissertation: A Hybrid Tabu/Scatter Search Algorithm for Simulation-Based Optimization of Multi-Objective Runway Operations Scheduling , Bulent Soykan

Thesis: Extension of the Gravity Model: A Risk Integrated Approach Towards the Impact Analysis of Mega Sports Events on Inbound Tourist Arrivals , Abdul Sami Stanekzai

Dissertation: A Retrospective Study of Amusement Ride Restraint and Containment Systems: Identifying Design Challenges for Statistically Rare Anthropometric Cases , Paula M. Stenzler

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Dissertation: An Approach for the Development of Complex Systems Archetypes , Walter Lee Akers

Dissertation: Meta-RaPS Hybridization with Machine Learning Algorithms , Fatemah Al-Duoli

Dissertation: Management and Leadership Style: Is Style Influenced by Engineering Education? , Jesse Levi Calloway

Dissertation: Key Factors Driving Personnel Downsizing in Multinational Military Organizations , Ilksen Gorkem

Dissertation: A Framework to Simplify the Choice of Alternative Analysis and Selection Methods , James Paul Lewis Holzgrefe

Dissertation: Systems Theory-Based Construct for Identifying Metasystem Pathologies for Complex System Governance , Polinpapilinho F. Katina

Dissertation: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Military Leaders' Operational Adaptability and Knowledge Transfer , Vahap Kavaker

Thesis: Improving Response Characteristics of Split Ring Resonators Using Experimental Designs , Omer Faruk Keskin

Dissertation: Examining the Relationship Between Leadership Decision Making Styles and Personality Type Within the Department of Defense , Antoine Lamont Prince Sr.

Dissertation: Command and Control in the Information Age: A Case Study of a Representative Air Power Command and Control Node , Marvin Leo Simpson Jr.

Dissertation: The Role of Diversity on Team Effectiveness in a Multinational and Multicultural Military Environment , Mustafa Utoglu

Dissertation: Safety Culture Monitoring: A Management Approach for Assessing Nuclear Safety Culture Health Performance Utilizing Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis , James Harold Warren Jr.

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Dissertation: A Systems-Based Framework for the Assessment of Performance Measurement System Implementations in R&D Organizations , Kenneth S. Baggett Jr.

Dissertation: Human Capital Management Within the Federal Government Utilizing Generational Stratification With a Focus on Generation Y , Ian Nathaniel Barford

Dissertation: Time-Based Collision Risk Modeling for Air Traffic Management , Alan E. Bell

Dissertation: An Investigation of Business Transformation Disruptors at the Military Strategic Command Level , Thomas Bock

Dissertation: Systems Theory Based Framework for Competency Models , Joseph M. Bradley

Thesis: Emergency Diesel-Electric Generator Set Maintenance and Test Periodicity , Stephen John Fehr

Dissertation: An Instrument to Assess Individual Capacity for System Thinking , Ra'ed M. Jaradat

Thesis: Simulation Modeling and Analysis of Customs-Regulated Container Terminal Operations with Multimodal Transportation , Mariam A. Kotachi

Thesis: Assessing Organizational Effectiveness Through the Competing Values Framework A Data Envelopment Approach , Raghavender Macherla

Dissertation: Assessing the Impact of Electronic Health Record Systems Implementation on Hospital Patient Perceptions of Care , Katherine Sofia Palacio Salgar

Dissertation: Graphical Display of the Effect of Three Cash Flow Elements for Sensitivity Analysis , Kawintorn Pothanun

Dissertation: Self-Regulating Teamwork Behaviors in Low-Volume & High-Complexity Production , Aaron W. Powell

Dissertation: An Investigation into the Analysis of Truncated Standard Normal Distributions Using Heuristic Techniques , John Walter Ralls

Dissertation: A Method to Define Requirements for System of Systems , Randy Gene Walker

Dissertation: The Relationship Among HFACS Levels and Analysis of Human Factors in Unmanned and Manned Air Vehicles , Veysel Yesilbas

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Dissertation: System Governance Analysis of Complex Systems , Behnido Y. Calida

Dissertation: Shared Leadership in Six Sigma Teams From the North Shore-LIJ Health System , Brian J. Galli

Dissertation: An Expert Based Multi Attribute Group Decision Making (MAGDM) Model for Portfolio Evaluation: Application on Ground Force Units , Metin Gultekin

Dissertation: Approximate Algorithms for the Combined arrival-Departure Aircraft Sequencing and Reactive Scheduling Problems on Multiple Runways , Gulsah Hancerliogullari

Dissertation: The RQ-Tech Methodology: A New Paradigm for Conceptualizing Strategic Enterprise Architectures , Christine Ann Hoyland

Dissertation: Micro to Macro Dynamics of Shared Awareness Emergence in Situations Theory: Towards a General Theory of Shared Awareness , Samuel F. Kavacic

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Thesis Proposal

Note: This article is partially based on the 2017-2018 MechE Graduate Student Guide (PDF) . Please check the latest guide for the most-up to date formatting requirements.

Criteria for Success

A strong thesis proposal…

• Motivates your project and introduces your audience to the state-of-the-art for the problem you’re working on.
• Explains the limitations in the current methods through literature review and/or original analysis. This should also explain why the limitations matter and why they’re the right ones to focus on.
• Clearly explains your technical approach to make specific improvements to some part of the field.
• Uses original analysis and literature to support the feasibility of the approach.
• Describes what is original about your work.
• Provides a practical outline for completing this research : a degree timeline laying out quantifiable hypotheses, experimental/numerical/theoretical techniques, and metrics for evaluation .

Structure Diagram

Meche-specific structure requirements.

Your thesis proposal should be limited to 6 pages including figures and references.

In addition, you need a cover page that (only) includes:

• tentative title of the thesis
• brief abstract
• committee chair and/or advisor should be indicated
• include their official titles, departmental affiliations, and email addresses

The purpose of your thesis proposal is to introduce your research plan to your thesis committee. You want the committee members to come away understanding what your research will accomplish, why it is needed ( motivation ), how you will do it ( feasibility & approach ), and most importantly, why it is worthy of a PhD ( significance ).

You intend to solve a real and important problem, and you are willing to dedicate years of your life to it, so use your proposal to get the committee excited about your research!

Analyze your audience

Unlike many of the papers and presentations you will write during graduate school, only a select few people will read your thesis proposal. This group will always include your PhD committee and your research advisor, and may include other interested MechE faculty or scientists and engineers at your funding source.

Therefore, you will typically have a good understanding of your audience before it is written. This can allow you to tailor your message to the technical level of your specific audience. If you aren’t sure what your audience could reasonably be expected to know, be conservative! Regardless, your audience is always looking to answer the questions: “ what is this research, how will you perform it, and why does it matter?”

While the small audience may make you less interested in committing time to your proposal, the exercise of motivating and justifying your work plan will be critical to your PhD.

Follow the standard structure for research proposals

While some variation is acceptable, don’t stray too far from the following structure. See also the Structure Diagram above.

• Introduction . Provide only the necessary information to motivate your research, and show how it fits into the broader field. What is the problem you are trying to solve? By the end of the introduction, your audience should understand the basics of what you will do and why you will do it.
• Background/Methodology . Describe the current state of the art and related research fields in sufficient technical detail. The goal is provide just enough detail to give the reader a sound understanding of the limitations and the need for new work. Do not go into detail that does not directly help in understanding your You are not trying to make your reader understand everything about the topic or demonstrate how much you know.
• Objectives . Although not strictly necessary, this section lets you summarize concrete goals of your work, and can help to serve as a checklist for yourself as you move through the process. This is best for projects that tackle many interrelated problems. Think of this as a list of concrete (quantifiable) goals that you want to accomplish.
• Proposed Work. Explain how your work will solve the problems that you have identified. How will you address the objectives above? Provide just enough technical specificity to leave the reader with a firm grasp of what you will do.
• Provide a set of time-structured goals and deliverables. While this is not strictly necessary, your committee will want a timeline when you meet with them, so it can help to start planning now. You want to graduate, so make sure that you have a plan to do so!
• This is a standard section listing references in an appropriate format (MLA, APA, etc.)

Consider the logical sequence of your sections. After the introduction, your audience should be intrigued by a key problem, and intrigued that you know how to solve it. Through the background, they learn that this problem is more difficult than they originally realized. Finally, in the proposed work they learn that your proposal addresses the additional complexity introduced in the background, and they have confidence that you can actually solve the problem.

Summarize the current research field

You need to have a strong grasp of the broader research community. How can you contribute, if you don’t know what is done and what needs to be done?

The point here is not to educate your audience, but rather to provide them with the tools needed to understand your proposal. A common mistake is to explain all of the research that you did to understand your topic and to demonstrate that you really know your field. This will bore your audience, who either already knows this information or does not see why they should care. It’s more important to show where current gaps are. Cut anything that doesn’t answer the what and why of what people are doing. Your depth of knowledge will come through in your thoughtful proposal.

Justify the significance of your work

Answer the question: “What happens if your work is successful?” Again, you are trying to convince your readers either to give you funding or to work with you for three (or more) years. Convince them that your project is worth it.

Your research doesn’t have to revolutionize your field, but you need to explain concretely how it will move your field forward. For example, “Successful development of the proposed model will enable high-fidelity simulation of boiling” is a specific and convincing motivation, compared to, “The field of boiling modeling must be transformed in order to advance research.”

Justify your research plan

Identify the steps needed to overcome your identified problem/limitation. Though your PhD will evolve over time, the tasks and timeline that you identify in your proposal will continue to help determine the trajectory of your research. A good plan now can save a lot of work a few years down the road.

A strong research plan answers three key questions:

• g., “In order to engineer material properties using mesoscopic defects, it is necessary to characterize the defects, measure how they affect material response, and identify techniques to reproducibly create the defects at specific sites within a material.”
• g., “In my PhD, I will focus on developing high-speed dynamic imaging techniques to characterize transient defect states in metallic nanowires. I will then use these techniques to measure the properties of nanowires fabricated with three different processes known to produce different defect structures.”
• How will you evaluate success in each step? These metrics should be concrete and measurable! Putting the thought into metrics now will make it easier for your committee (and yourself) to check a box and say ‘you can graduate.’

Each of these questions should be supported by details that reflect the current state of the art. Technical justification is critical to establish credibility for your plan. Reference the material that you introduced in the background section. You should even use your research plan to tailor your background section so that your committee knows just enough to believe what you’re claiming in your plan.

Based on the tasks and metrics in your plan, establish specific reflection points when you’ll revisit the scope of your project and evaluate if changes are needed.

Include alternative approaches

You won’t be able to predict all of the challenges you will encounter, but planning alternative approaches early on for major methods or decision points will prepare you to make better game-time decisions when you come up against obstacles. e.g.,

I will develop multi-pulse, femtosecond illumination for high speed imaging following Someone et al. Based on the results they have shown, I expect to be able to observe defect dynamics with micron spatial resolution and microsecond temporal resolution. If these resolutions are not achievable in the nanowire systems, I will explore static measurement techniques based on the work of SomeoneElse et al.

Resources and Annotated Examples

Annotated example 1.

This is a recent MechE thesis proposal, written in the style of an IEEE paper. 1,022 KB

Home > College of Engineering > Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering > Dissertations and Master's Theses

Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering Dissertations and Master's Theses

Explore our collection of dissertations and master's theses from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering below.

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2024 2024

COMPUTATIONAL EVALUATION OF SOME BASIC MATERIAL PARAMETERS IN COBALT-ALUMINUM ALLOYS , Hemanth Kumar Reddy Basireddy

High Temperature Strength Reduces Soldering In Aluminum High Pressure Die Casting , Jacob A. Belke

IMPROVING CAST STEEL RAIL COUPLER FATIGUE RESISTANCE THROUGH LOCAL WIRE-ARC ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING , Andrew M. Bunge

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND CYCLING FATIGUE OF ZN-BASED ALLOYS: EFFECTS OF THERMAL TREATMENT , Henry D. Summers

NICKEL SUPERALLOY COMPOSITION AND PROCESS OPTIMIZATION FOR WELDABILITY, COST, AND STRENGTH , Sophie A. Mehl

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2023 2023

CARBONATE-SUPERSTRUCTURED SOLID FUEL CELLS WITH HYDROCARBON FUELS , Hanrui Su

EFFECT OF SC ON RECRYSTALLIZATION RESISTANCE OF AA7050 , Keaton Schmidt

IMPROVED DUCTILITY IN AN ARTIFICIALLY AGED AL-ZN-MG ALLOY WITH MN ADDITIONS , Daniel S. Freiberg

IMPROVED ROLLING CONTACT FATIGUE OF DUCTILE IRON UTILIZING CHILLS AND CHROMIUM ADDITIONS , Ben L. Wang

OPTIMIZING THE EXTRUDABILITY OF 6082 ALUMINUM BY VARYING THE MAGNESIUM AND SILICON CONCENTRATION , Eli A. Harma

QUANTIFYING THE EVOLUTION OF STRENGTHENING MECHANISMS FOR COMMERCIALLY PRODUCED NIOBIUM AND TITANIUM HSLA STEEL SHEET , Isabella M.W. Jaszczak

STABILITY OF LiNiCoAl-OXIDE ELECTRODE MATERIAL UNDER HIGH-TEMPERATURE CERAMIC FUEL CELL CONDITIONS , Wei Zhang

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL HYDROGENATED GRAPHENE , Yuhuan Fei

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2022 2022

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF FUNCTIONAL POLYMER COMPOSITES , Masoud Kasraie

Engineering Mechanically-Stable Zinc-Based Alloys for Medical Implants , Morteza Shaker Ardakani

LENGTH-SCALE-DEPENDENT STRESS RELIEF MECHANISMS IN HIGH PURITY INDIUM , Fereshteh Mallakpour

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2021 2021

ANALYZING VARIATION IN DISPERSOID FORMATION IN ALUMINUM ALLOYS BY MINOR CHANGES IN HOMOGENIZATION TEMPERATURE , Brendan Treanore

A Resolution of Grain Boundary Strengthening Mechanisms by Nanoindentation Induced Local Mechanical Response , Prasad Pramod Soman

ATOMISTIC MONTE CARLO SIMULATION STUDY OF PHASE TRANSITIONS IN METAL ALLOYS , Xiaoxu Guo

Exploring Rapid Solidification and Equal Channel Angular Pressing in the Fabrication of Mg-Based Alloys for Medical Applications , Emily Tom

HIGHLY EFFICIENT AND STABLE NI-BASED CATALYSTS FOR DRY REFORMING OF METHANE , Meijia Li

Multi-level analysis of atomic layer deposition barrier coatings on additively manufactured plastics for high vacuum applications , Nupur Bihari

ROLE OF ETA PHASE EVOLUTION ON CREEP PROPERTIES OF NICKEL BASE SUPERALLOYS USED IN ADVANCED ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION PLANTS , Ninad Mohale

THE EFFECTS OF MOLYBDENUM, CHROMIUM, AND NIOBIUM ON GRAY IRON FOR BRAKE ROTOR APPLICATIONS , Matthew Hasbrouck

THERMOMECHANICAL MECHANISMS THAT CAUSE ADHESION OF ALUMINUM HIGH PRESSURE DIE CASTINGS TO THE DIE , Alex Monroe

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2020 2020

EFFECT OF CERIUM AND MAGNESIUM ADDITIONS ON THE STRENGTH AND MORPHOLOGY OF THE INTERMETALLIC COMPOUND LAYERS IN ALUMINUM-STEEL DISSIMILAR CASTINGS , Matt Thomas

EFFECT OF COBALT IN THIN WALL DUCTILE IRON AND SOLID SOLUTION STRENGTHENED FERRITIC DUCTILE IRON , Alejandra I. Almanza

INFLUENCE OF RAPID SOLIDIFICATION AND WROUGHT PROCESSING ON PRECIPITATION STRENGTHENING AND DEFORMATION MECHANISMS IN AL-SC-ZR ALLOYS , Yang Yang

MAGNETISM IN γ-FeSi2 NANOSTRUCTURES: A FIRST PRINCIPLES STUDY , Sahil Dhoka

MO6S8-BASED SINGLE-METAL-ATOM CATALYSTS FOR METHANOL SYNTHESIS FROM STEAM REFORMING OF METHANE , H. T. Zhang Zhang

Multiphysics phase field modeling of electromigration , Zachary Morgan

SURFACE MODIFICATION OF ZnO BASED DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS , Shu Zhao

SYNTHESIS AND APPLICATIONS OF METAL/SEPIOLITE AND METAL OXIDE/SEPIOLITE NANOCOMPOSITES , Huaguang Wang

The Effects of Carbon Equivalent, Return Ratios, Mold Preparation, Riser Feed and Casting Temperature on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of 100-70-03 Pearlitic Ductile Iron , Erin VanDusen

THE STUDY OF CHEMICAL INDUCED POLYOLEFIN-BASED ION EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FOR ELECTRODIALYSIS APPLICATION , Di Huang

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2019 2019

EFFECT OF DEVELOPMENT OF SCANDIUM TRIALUMINIDE PRECIPITATES ON CORROSION AND MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR IN ALUMINUM-MAGNESIUM ALLOYS , Carson Williams

INTEGRATED COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS ENGINEERING (ICME) INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY AND THERMODYNAMIC STABILITY FOR PRECIPITATION STRENGTHENED Al-Zn-Zr AND Al-Zn-Ni TERNARY ALLOYS , Oladeji Fadayomi

Investigating Microalloying Elements to Accelerate Zirconium Trialuminide Precipitation in Aluminum Alloys , Philip D. Staublin

Magnetic Domain Structures in Fe-Ga Alloys , Matthew N. Tianen

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2018 2018

Development and Characterization of Biodegradable Zinc Vascular Ligation Clips , Jeffrey Michael Brookins

Effect of Hierarchical Structure and Orientation on Water-Repellent Legs of Water-Walking Insects , Georgia Hurchalla

EFFECTS AND LIMITATIONS OF RESIDUAL ALLOYING ELEMENTS IN SILICON SOLID SOLUTION STRENGTHENED FERRITIC DUCTILE IRON , Julia Scruton

EFFECTS OF HEAT TREATMENT CONDITIONS ON MORPHOLOGY, OPTICAL PROPERTIES, AND PERFORMANCE OF TiO2 IN DYE SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS , Peter Hokemeir-Seim

GRAPHENE ELECTRODES FOR SUPERCAPACITORS AND CAPACITIVE DEIONIZATION , Liang Chang

MEASUREMENT OF PLANAR FAULT PROBABILITIES IN AUSTEMPERED DUCTILE IRON AND 304L STAINLESS STEEL , Nathan Peterson

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2017 2017

BALL-MILLING TUNED BAND STRUCTURES OF ZnO NANOPARTICLES , Qianli Ma

EVALUATION OF THERMAL STABILITY OF AUSFERRITE IN AUSTEMPERED DUCTILE IRON USING DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY , Karl Warsinski

FLOWER-LIKE ΒETA-COBALT SULFIDE MICROSPHERE AND ACTIVATED CARBON/COBALT SULFIDE COMPOSITES FOR CAPACITIVE DEIONIZATION , Xuechen Wu

FOOD DYES BASED DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS , Dafu Wang

Formulation and testing of biodegradable polymeric coating on zinc wires in cardiovascular stent application , Avishan Arab Shomali

HIGHLY EFFICIENT ELECTRODE MATERIALS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS IN SOLAR CELLS , Wei Wei

In-situ synthesis of NiMoO4 on Ni foam as a binder-free electrode for supercapacitor , Tawei Chiu

MICROSTRUCTURAL EVOLUTION AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF Zn-Ti ALLOYS FOR BIODEGRADABLE STENT APPLICATIONS , Zhiyong Yin

NONLINEAR DIELECTRIC BEHAVIOR OF FIELD-INDUCED ANTIFERROELECTRIC/PARAELECTRIC-TO-FERROELECTRIC PHASE TRANSITION FOR HIGH ENERGY DENSITY CAPACITOR APPLICATION , Mingyang Li

Plating Wastewater Treatment , Yuzhe Zhang

STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF BIO-DEGRADABLE ZN-LI ALLOYS IN STENT APPLICATION , Shan Zhao

THE INFLUENCE OF PRIOR NATURAL AGING ON ARTIFICIAL AGE HARDENING IN AL-MG-SI ALLOYS , Alex Poznak

TIGHTENING THE LOOP ON THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY: DISTRIBUTED PLASTIC RECYCLING WITH AN OPEN SOURCE RECYCLEBOT , Shan Zhong

Utilizing RepRap Style 3D Printers for the Manufacturing of Composite Heat Exchangers , John Laureto

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2016 2016

Design for Low-Cost Gas Metal Arc Weld-Based Aluminum 3-D Printing , Amberlee S. Haselhuhn

DYNAMIC ATOMISTIC STUDY OF TUNNEL FUNCTIONS IN NANOSTRUCTURED TRANSITIONAL METAL OXIDES , Yifei Yuan

Experimental Investigations of Fused Filament Fabrication for Applications to Affordable Scientific Hardware , Bas Wijnen

Formation of Copper Gasars at Subatmospheric Pressures , Helen J. Rau

HIGHLY EFFICIENT TEMPERATURE-INDUCED VISIBLE LIGHT PHOTOCATALYTIC HYDROGEN PRODUCTION , Bing Han

INCREASING SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENCY IN HYDROGENATED AMORPHOUS SILICON PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES WITH PLASMONIC PERFECT META – ABSORBERS , Jephias Gwamuri

INVESTIGATION AND MODELING OF Al3(Sc, Zr) PRECIPITATION STRENGTHENING IN THE PRESENCE OF ENHANCED SUPERSATURATION AND WITHIN Al-Cu BINARY ALLOYS , Kyle Deane

Mechanically Induced Structural Changes in Molybdenum Disulfide , Prasad Pramod Soman

MODIFICATION OF ACTIVATED CARBON FOR SUPERCAPACITOR , Yan Xu

NANOSPHERE LITHOGRAPHY AND ITS APPLICATION IN RAPID AND ECONOMIC FABRICATION OF PLASMONIC HYDROGENATED AMORPHOUS SILICON PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES , Chenlong Zhang

Nd2Fe14B: (Nd1-x Dyx)2 Fe14B CORE-SHELL STRUCTURE FORMATION BY HOT PRESS LIQUID PHASE SINTERING , Li Chen

THE EFFECT OF SOLIDIFICATION RATE AND SOLUTIONIZING QUENCH RATE ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND HARDENING RESPONSE OF ALUMINUM ALLOYS: A QUANTITATIVE COMPARISON , Rafael Gil-Figueroa

Thermomechanical Processing of Aluminum Micro-alloyed with Sc, Zr, Ti, B, and C , Cameron McNamara

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2015 2015

BIOCORROSION RATE AND MECHANISM OF METALLIC MAGNESIUM IN MODEL ARTERIAL ENVIRONMENTS , Patrick Bowen

COMPUTATIONAL STUDY OF MICROSTRUCTURE-PROPERTYMECHANISM RELATIONS IN FERROIC COMPOSITES , Fengde D. Ma

Failure Analysis of Blistered Organic Coatings on Gray Iron Castings , Matthew Tianen

Materials for Energy, Drug, and Information Storage , Peifu Cheng

MICROWAVE ASSISTED COMMUNITION OF SULFIDE ORE , Matthew D. Andriese

MODELING AND SIMULATION OF MICROSTRUCTURES, MECHANISMS, AND DIFFRACTION EFFECTS IN ENERGY MATERIALS: FERROELECTRICS AND LITHIUM ION BATTERY CATHODE MATERIALS , Jie Zhou

STRUCTURES, PROPERTIES AND FUNCTIONALITIES OF MAGNETIC DOMAIN WALLS IN THIN FILMS, NANOWIRES AND ATOMIC CHAINS: MICROMAGNETIC AND AB INITIO STUDIES , Liwei D. Geng

Reports/Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

DEVELOPMENT OF PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FOR REPRAP STYLE 3-D PRINTERS IN ENGINEERING , Benjamin T. Wittbrodt

DEVELOPMENT OF PRECIPITATION HARDENABLE AL-SC-ZR-HF QUATERNARY ALLOYS THROUGH THERMODYNAMIC MODELING, AND ROOM-TEMPERATURE AND ELEVATED TEMPERATURE HARDNESS , Matthew J. Wong

MICROWAVE ABSORPTION PROPERTIES OF TIRES , Yuzhe Zhang

Nano-engineering of composite material via reactive mechanical alloying/milling (RMA/M) , Edward Andrew Laitila

SOLUTE-DERIVED THERMAL STABILITY OF NANOCRYSTALLINE ALUMINUM AND PROCESSING FACTOR INFLUENCE ON THE FORMATION OF AL6MN QUASICRYSTALS IN MELT-SPINNING , Andrew H. Baker

Reports/Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Dysprosium transport in Nd-Fe-B pellets , Parawee Pumwongpitak

Faulted Structures in Li Ion Exchanged NaMO2 (M=Ni(0.25)Mn(0.75)) , Aaron M. DeWahl

Intergranular Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Cracking of Extruded AA6005A , David James Seguin

NICKEL-COBALT SOLID SOLUTION AND ITS APPLICATIONS AS CATALYSTS FOR CARBON DIOXIDE REFORMING OF METHANE , Sanchai Kuboon

PARAMETRIC STUDY OF REAXFF SIMULATION PARAMETERS FOR MOLECULAR DYNAMICS MODELING OF REACTIVE CARBON GASES , Benjamin David Jensen

PROPERTIES AND STRUCTURES OF Li-N BASED HYDROGEN STORAGE MATERIALS , Junqing Zhang

SYNTHESIS OF GRAPHENE AND ITS APPLICATIONS FOR DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS , Hui Wang

The Processing of Aluminum Gasarites via Thermal Decomposition of Interstitial Hydrides , Joseph James Licavoli

Reports/Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

DIFFUSE-INTERFACE FIELD APPROACH TO MODELING SELF-ASSEMBLY OF HETEROGENEOUS COLLOIDAL SYSTEMS AND RELATED DIPOLE-DIPOLE INTERACTION PHENOMENA , Tianle Cheng

Effect of external electric field on hydrogen adsorption over activated carbon separated by dielectric materials , Zheng Zhang

Heat transfer in microwave heating , Zhiwei Peng

Microwave-assisted wet chemical (MAWC) synthesis of lithium iron phosphate , Shangzhao Shi

Molecular modeling of EPON 862-DETDA polymer , Ananyo Bandyopadhyay

Synthesis of novel solid materials from carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide , Yan Huo

THE USE OF LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS TO REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF MATERIALS IN MANUFACTURING , Megan A. Kreiger

Reports/Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Effects of silicon content and cooling rate on mechanical properties of heavy section ductile cast iron , Meghan Haycock

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Civil and Environmental Engineering Research Resources: Dissertations & Theses

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As part of the requirements for graduate level degrees, students must complete a thesis for a Master's degree and/or dissertation for a Ph.D. Dissertations and theses are submitted to the academic department and the Graduate College and are made available through the University Library. Since 2010, all theses and dissertations are electronically deposited into IDEALS, the Illinois Digital Environment for Access to Learning and Scholarship, the University's open repository of scholarly content.

ProQuest Dissertations is a comprehensive collection of citations to dissertations and theses worldwide from 1861 to the present day. Full text PDFs are available for many Ph.D. dissertations added since 1997 and some older graduate works.

• IDEALS (UIUC Institutional Repository) Digital copies of theses, data sets, and publications by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign faculty and students.
• ProQuest Dissertations and Theses PDF copies of dissertations and theses from U.S. universities.

Civil & Environmental Engineering Dissertations & Theses

• Civil & Environmental Engineering Dissertations & Theses Search Interface

Print Dissertations & Theses

Prior to 2010, print format dissertations and theses were bound and cataloged separately for the Grainger Engineering Library. Prior to 1983, each thesis was shelved by a call number assigned by subject headings. To locate them, search the online catalog for the author’s last name, title word(s) if known, and “theses” and the year granted as subject term(s).

Civil and Environmental Engineering dissertations and theses granted from 1985 to 1999 were assigned Q.629.1Ta, followed by the 2-number year, followed by starting letters from the author’s last name. (Example: A 1991 thesis by M. Doyle would be Q.629.1Ta91D). Dissertations and theses granted from 2000 to present were assigned Q.629.1Tb, followed by the 2-number year, followed by starting letters from the author’s last name. (Example: A 2006 thesis by H. Dewey would be Q.629.1Tb06De).

Civil and Environmental Engineering - Q. 624T

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Theses and Dissertations Guide: For Engineering Students

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For Students in the School of Engineering

* All theses and dissertations should be sent to [email protected]  e lectronically  for a format check at least one week prior to the final submission date. This will prevent the unnecessary reprinting of documents or other delays if errors in formatting are found.

School of Engineering students should submit their finalized thesis or dissertation to their respective departments.  If the student wants to have one or more commercially bound copies, they must submit a paper copy for each bound copy desired to Graduate Academic Affairs (St. Mary's Hall, Room 200). Up to three bound copies may be requested at no additional charge. Additional copies may be bound for a nominal fee.

Optional LaTeX Template with Accessibility Update

• Optional LaTeX Template 07/23 This is a zip file.

An optional LaTeX template has been provided by the School of Engineering. Please consult your thesis committee for assistance, if needed. The Libraries do not provide training or support for LaTeX.

Please convert any LaTeX document to PDF before submitting to Graduate Academic Affairs.

Find out more about LaTeX at  http://www.latex-project.org/

Sample Approval Page

• Sample Engineering Approval Page

All School of Engineering graduate students should construct their approval page according to the attached sample. If you have questions or concerns about constructing this page, please contact the administrative assistant in your department.

See the Sample Pages tab for information about constructing other preliminary pages.

Delaying Publication

Delaying Electronic Publication of a Thesis or Dissertation

In some circumstances, a student may wish to delay the electronic publication of a thesis or dissertation. While the University generally promotes the publication of theses and dissertations as quickly as possible, it is recognized that under certain circumstances, a delay is warranted. These may include: when the student wishes to publish an article from the thesis or dissertation in a journal whose policy is not to publish material that has already been published electronically; when the student wishes to publish the thesis or dissertation with a publisher whose policy is not to publish material that has already been published electronically; or, when the student is in the process of applying for a patent on research contained in the thesis or dissertation and does not wish to disclose its contents until a patent application has been filed.

With approval from his or her thesis/dissertation advisor and program director, a student may delay publication of their thesis or dissertation up to two years. Under no circumstances may publication be indefinitely or permanently delayed.

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Dissertations & Theses in Engineering: Home

• Engineering Theses (inc. Master of Engineering projects)

Finding Theses and Dissertations

Library Catalog : Cornell theses and dissertations can be located by searching by title or author. The library retains two print copies of all Cornell University dissertations. Often it takes several months after the conferral date for the library to receive a copy. 

As of March 2009, access to e-versions of those theses with electronic versions kept in  eCommons@Cornell  is available via the catalog. Records for the e-versions of new theses will appear in the local catalog and in WorldCat within a month of their deposit in eCommons.

Not all theses are available in electronic format. Participation in this program in voluntary and the documents submitted may not be open to public viewing.

Proquest Dissertations & Theses : Proquest Dissertations & Theses provides the full text of some theses and dissertations, with abstracts available from 1981 to the present and full text access increasing all the time. To limit your results to only Cornell University dissertations, you can search  Dissertations & Theses @ Cornell University and the Weill Medical College .

Masters of Engineering Project Reports (MEng)  - see for location of these project reports

Advanced Degrees Conferred –(2011 to present)  a record of degrees awarded  (must log in with Cornell credentials, 1 year lag in reporting)

Graduate School Data Solutions – one can ask directly about the status of a thesis

Olin Library's  Guide to Finding Dissertations  is much more comprehensive, consult for further information.

Theses & Dissertations from Other Institutions

• Interlibrary Loan The interlibrary loan department can help Cornell faculty, students and staff borrow or obtain copies of theses and dissertations from other institutions.
• Proquest Theses and Dissertations Proquest Dissertations & Theses provides full text of recent (from 1996 to the present) theses and dissertations, with abstracts available from 1981 to present
• Next: Engineering Theses (inc. Master of Engineering projects) >>
• Last Updated: May 4, 2022 9:32 AM
• URL: https://guides.library.cornell.edu/engdissertations

Dissertation Structure & Layout 101: How to structure your dissertation, thesis or research project.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | July 2019

So, you’ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is , you’ve chosen your topic and hopefully you’ve received approval for your research proposal . Awesome! Now its time to start the actual dissertation or thesis writing journey.

To craft a high-quality document, the very first thing you need to understand is dissertation structure . In this post, we’ll walk you through the generic dissertation structure and layout, step by step. We’ll start with the big picture, and then zoom into each chapter to briefly discuss the core contents. If you’re just starting out on your research journey, you should start with this post, which covers the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis .

*The Caveat *

In this post, we’ll be discussing a traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout, which is generally used for social science research across universities, whether in the US, UK, Europe or Australia. However, some universities may have small variations on this structure (extra chapters, merged chapters, slightly different ordering, etc).

So, always check with your university if they have a prescribed structure or layout that they expect you to work with. If not, it’s safe to assume the structure we’ll discuss here is suitable. And even if they do have a prescribed structure, you’ll still get value from this post as we’ll explain the core contents of each section.  

Overview: S tructuring a dissertation or thesis

• Acknowledgements page
• Abstract (or executive summary)
• Table of contents , list of figures and tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Literature review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Results
• Chapter 5: Discussion
• Chapter 6: Conclusion
• Reference list

As I mentioned, some universities will have slight variations on this structure. For example, they want an additional “personal reflection chapter”, or they might prefer the results and discussion chapter to be merged into one. Regardless, the overarching flow will always be the same, as this flow reflects the research process , which we discussed here – i.e.:

• The introduction chapter presents the core research question and aims .
• The literature review chapter assesses what the current research says about this question.
• The methodology, results and discussion chapters go about undertaking new research about this question.
• The conclusion chapter (attempts to) answer the core research question .

In other words, the dissertation structure and layout reflect the research process of asking a well-defined question(s), investigating, and then answering the question – see below.

To restate that – the structure and layout of a dissertation reflect the flow of the overall research process . This is essential to understand, as each chapter will make a lot more sense if you “get” this concept. If you’re not familiar with the research process, read this post before going further.

Right. Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s dive a little deeper into the details of each section and chapter. Oh and by the way, you can also grab our free dissertation/thesis template here to help speed things up.

The title page of your dissertation is the very first impression the marker will get of your work, so it pays to invest some time thinking about your title. But what makes for a good title? A strong title needs to be 3 things:

• Succinct (not overly lengthy or verbose)
• Specific (not vague or ambiguous)
• Representative of the research you’re undertaking (clearly linked to your research questions)

Typically, a good title includes mention of the following:

• The broader area of the research (i.e. the overarching topic)
• The specific focus of your research (i.e. your specific context)
• Indication of research design (e.g. quantitative , qualitative , or  mixed methods ).

For example:

A quantitative investigation [research design] into the antecedents of organisational trust [broader area] in the UK retail forex trading market [specific context/area of focus].

Again, some universities may have specific requirements regarding the format and structure of the title, so it’s worth double-checking expectations with your institution (if there’s no mention in the brief or study material).

Acknowledgements

This page provides you with an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped you along your research journey. Generally, it’s optional (and won’t count towards your marks), but it is academic best practice to include this.

So, who do you say thanks to? Well, there’s no prescribed requirements, but it’s common to mention the following people:

• Your dissertation supervisor or committee.
• Any professors, lecturers or academics that helped you understand the topic or methodologies.
• Any tutors, mentors or advisors.
• Your family and friends, especially spouse (for adult learners studying part-time).

There’s no need for lengthy rambling. Just state who you’re thankful to and for what (e.g. thank you to my supervisor, John Doe, for his endless patience and attentiveness) – be sincere. In terms of length, you should keep this to a page or less.

Abstract or executive summary

The dissertation abstract (or executive summary for some degrees) serves to provide the first-time reader (and marker or moderator) with a big-picture view of your research project. It should give them an understanding of the key insights and findings from the research, without them needing to read the rest of the report – in other words, it should be able to stand alone .

For it to stand alone, your abstract should cover the following key points (at a minimum):

• Your research questions and aims – what key question(s) did your research aim to answer?
• Your methodology – how did you go about investigating the topic and finding answers to your research question(s)?
• Your findings – following your own research, what did do you discover?
• Your conclusions – based on your findings, what conclusions did you draw? What answers did you find to your research question(s)?

So, in much the same way the dissertation structure mimics the research process, your abstract or executive summary should reflect the research process, from the initial stage of asking the original question to the final stage of answering that question.

In practical terms, it’s a good idea to write this section up last , once all your core chapters are complete. Otherwise, you’ll end up writing and rewriting this section multiple times (just wasting time). For a step by step guide on how to write a strong executive summary, check out this post .

Need a helping hand?

Table of contents

This section is straightforward. You’ll typically present your table of contents (TOC) first, followed by the two lists – figures and tables. I recommend that you use Microsoft Word’s automatic table of contents generator to generate your TOC. If you’re not familiar with this functionality, the video below explains it simply:

If you find that your table of contents is overly lengthy, consider removing one level of depth. Oftentimes, this can be done without detracting from the usefulness of the TOC.

Right, now that the “admin” sections are out of the way, its time to move on to your core chapters. These chapters are the heart of your dissertation and are where you’ll earn the marks. The first chapter is the introduction chapter – as you would expect, this is the time to introduce your research…

It’s important to understand that even though you’ve provided an overview of your research in your abstract, your introduction needs to be written as if the reader has not read that (remember, the abstract is essentially a standalone document). So, your introduction chapter needs to start from the very beginning, and should address the following questions:

• What will you be investigating (in plain-language, big picture-level)?
• Why is that worth investigating? How is it important to academia or business? How is it sufficiently original?
• What are your research aims and research question(s)? Note that the research questions can sometimes be presented at the end of the literature review (next chapter).
• What is the scope of your study? In other words, what will and won’t you cover ?
• How will you approach your research? In other words, what methodology will you adopt?
• How will you structure your dissertation? What are the core chapters and what will you do in each of them?

These are just the bare basic requirements for your intro chapter. Some universities will want additional bells and whistles in the intro chapter, so be sure to carefully read your brief or consult your research supervisor.

If done right, your introduction chapter will set a clear direction for the rest of your dissertation. Specifically, it will make it clear to the reader (and marker) exactly what you’ll be investigating, why that’s important, and how you’ll be going about the investigation. Conversely, if your introduction chapter leaves a first-time reader wondering what exactly you’ll be researching, you’ve still got some work to do.

Now that you’ve set a clear direction with your introduction chapter, the next step is the literature review . In this section, you will analyse the existing research (typically academic journal articles and high-quality industry publications), with a view to understanding the following questions:

• What does the literature currently say about the topic you’re investigating?
• Is the literature lacking or well established? Is it divided or in disagreement?
• How does your research fit into the bigger picture?
• How does your research contribute something original?
• How does the methodology of previous studies help you develop your own?

Depending on the nature of your study, you may also present a conceptual framework towards the end of your literature review, which you will then test in your actual research.

Again, some universities will want you to focus on some of these areas more than others, some will have additional or fewer requirements, and so on. Therefore, as always, its important to review your brief and/or discuss with your supervisor, so that you know exactly what’s expected of your literature review chapter.

Now that you’ve investigated the current state of knowledge in your literature review chapter and are familiar with the existing key theories, models and frameworks, its time to design your own research. Enter the methodology chapter – the most “science-ey” of the chapters…

In this chapter, you need to address two critical questions:

• Exactly HOW will you carry out your research (i.e. what is your intended research design)?
• Exactly WHY have you chosen to do things this way (i.e. how do you justify your design)?

Remember, the dissertation part of your degree is first and foremost about developing and demonstrating research skills . Therefore, the markers want to see that you know which methods to use, can clearly articulate why you’ve chosen then, and know how to deploy them effectively.

Importantly, this chapter requires detail – don’t hold back on the specifics. State exactly what you’ll be doing, with who, when, for how long, etc. Moreover, for every design choice you make, make sure you justify it.

In practice, you will likely end up coming back to this chapter once you’ve undertaken all your data collection and analysis, and revise it based on changes you made during the analysis phase. This is perfectly fine. Its natural for you to add an additional analysis technique, scrap an old one, etc based on where your data lead you. Of course, I’m talking about small changes here – not a fundamental switch from qualitative to quantitative, which will likely send your supervisor in a spin!

You’ve now collected your data and undertaken your analysis, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. In this chapter, you’ll present the raw results of your analysis . For example, in the case of a quant study, you’ll present the demographic data, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics , etc.

Typically, Chapter 4 is simply a presentation and description of the data, not a discussion of the meaning of the data. In other words, it’s descriptive, rather than analytical – the meaning is discussed in Chapter 5. However, some universities will want you to combine chapters 4 and 5, so that you both present and interpret the meaning of the data at the same time. Check with your institution what their preference is.

Now that you’ve presented the data analysis results, its time to interpret and analyse them. In other words, its time to discuss what they mean, especially in relation to your research question(s).

What you discuss here will depend largely on your chosen methodology. For example, if you’ve gone the quantitative route, you might discuss the relationships between variables . If you’ve gone the qualitative route, you might discuss key themes and the meanings thereof. It all depends on what your research design choices were.

Most importantly, you need to discuss your results in relation to your research questions and aims, as well as the existing literature. What do the results tell you about your research questions? Are they aligned with the existing research or at odds? If so, why might this be? Dig deep into your findings and explain what the findings suggest, in plain English.

The final chapter – you’ve made it! Now that you’ve discussed your interpretation of the results, its time to bring it back to the beginning with the conclusion chapter . In other words, its time to (attempt to) answer your original research question s (from way back in chapter 1). Clearly state what your conclusions are in terms of your research questions. This might feel a bit repetitive, as you would have touched on this in the previous chapter, but its important to bring the discussion full circle and explicitly state your answer(s) to the research question(s).

Next, you’ll typically discuss the implications of your findings . In other words, you’ve answered your research questions – but what does this mean for the real world (or even for academia)? What should now be done differently, given the new insight you’ve generated?

Lastly, you should discuss the limitations of your research, as well as what this means for future research in the area. No study is perfect, especially not a Masters-level. Discuss the shortcomings of your research. Perhaps your methodology was limited, perhaps your sample size was small or not representative, etc, etc. Don’t be afraid to critique your work – the markers want to see that you can identify the limitations of your work. This is a strength, not a weakness. Be brutal!

This marks the end of your core chapters – woohoo! From here on out, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

The reference list is straightforward. It should contain a list of all resources cited in your dissertation, in the required format, e.g. APA , Harvard, etc.

It’s essential that you use reference management software for your dissertation. Do NOT try handle your referencing manually – its far too error prone. On a reference list of multiple pages, you’re going to make mistake. To this end, I suggest considering either Mendeley or Zotero. Both are free and provide a very straightforward interface to ensure that your referencing is 100% on point. I’ve included a simple how-to video for the Mendeley software (my personal favourite) below:

Some universities may ask you to include a bibliography, as opposed to a reference list. These two things are not the same . A bibliography is similar to a reference list, except that it also includes resources which informed your thinking but were not directly cited in your dissertation. So, double-check your brief and make sure you use the right one.

The very last piece of the puzzle is the appendix or set of appendices. This is where you’ll include any supporting data and evidence. Importantly, supporting is the keyword here.

Your appendices should provide additional “nice to know”, depth-adding information, which is not critical to the core analysis. Appendices should not be used as a way to cut down word count (see this post which covers how to reduce word count ). In other words, don’t place content that is critical to the core analysis here, just to save word count. You will not earn marks on any content in the appendices, so don’t try to play the system!

Time to recap…

And there you have it – the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows:

• Acknowledgments page

Most importantly, the core chapters should reflect the research process (asking, investigating and answering your research question). Moreover, the research question(s) should form the golden thread throughout your dissertation structure. Everything should revolve around the research questions, and as you’ve seen, they should form both the start point (i.e. introduction chapter) and the endpoint (i.e. conclusion chapter).

I hope this post has provided you with clarity about the traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a comment below, or feel free to get in touch with us. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the  Grad Coach Blog .

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

36 Comments

many thanks i found it very useful

Glad to hear that, Arun. Good luck writing your dissertation.

Such clear practical logical advice. I very much needed to read this to keep me focused in stead of fretting.. Perfect now ready to start my research!

what about scientific fields like computer or engineering thesis what is the difference in the structure? thank you very much

Thanks so much this helped me a lot!

Very helpful and accessible. What I like most is how practical the advice is along with helpful tools/ links.

Thanks Ade!

Thank you so much sir.. It was really helpful..

You’re welcome!

Hi! How many words maximum should contain the abstract?

Thank you so much 😊 Find this at the right moment

You’re most welcome. Good luck with your dissertation.

best ever benefit i got on right time thank you

Many times Clarity and vision of destination of dissertation is what makes the difference between good ,average and great researchers the same way a great automobile driver is fast with clarity of address and Clear weather conditions .

I guess Great researcher = great ideas + knowledge + great and fast data collection and modeling + great writing + high clarity on all these

You have given immense clarity from start to end.

Morning. Where will I write the definitions of what I’m referring to in my report?

Thank you so much Derek, I was almost lost! Thanks a tonnnn! Have a great day!

Thanks ! so concise and valuable

This was very helpful. Clear and concise. I know exactly what to do now.

Thank you for allowing me to go through briefly. I hope to find time to continue.

Really useful to me. Thanks a thousand times

Very interesting! It will definitely set me and many more for success. highly recommended.

Thank you soo much sir, for the opportunity to express my skills

Usefull, thanks a lot. Really clear

Very nice and easy to understand. Thank you .

That was incredibly useful. Thanks Grad Coach Crew!

My stress level just dropped at least 15 points after watching this. Just starting my thesis for my grad program and I feel a lot more capable now! Thanks for such a clear and helpful video, Emma and the GradCoach team!

Do we need to mention the number of words the dissertation contains in the main document?

It depends on your university’s requirements, so it would be best to check with them 🙂

Such a helpful post to help me get started with structuring my masters dissertation, thank you!

Great video; I appreciate that helpful information

It is so necessary or avital course

This blog is very informative for my research. Thank you

Doctoral students are required to fill out the National Research Council’s Survey of Earned Doctorates

wow this is an amazing gain in my life

This is so good

How can i arrange my specific objectives in my dissertation?

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Master of Science in ECE

Uniquely interdisciplinary and flexible: coursework-only, project and thesis options.

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The 30-credit Duke Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering degree provides a unique combination of opportunities:

• World-class research Integrated into a project-based learning environment
• Flexible, individualized curriculum You choose: Thesis, Project or Coursework-only options
• Professional development opportunities Take an internship or teaching assistantship
• Excellent graduate outcomes Enter an elite PhD program or launch an industry career
• Project MS option: 3 credits of ungraded research may substitute for standard coursework.
• Thesis MS option: Up to 6 credits of ungraded research may substitute for standard coursework.
• Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) —3 training forums
• ECE Master’s Success Seminar (ECE 701)—0 credits Weekly seminar (no tuition). Required for students entering Fall 2024 or later.

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Degree Options & Requirements

• Only graduate-level courses (500 and above) satisfy MS degree requirements.
• No more than two ECE 899: Independent Study courses may be taken.
• English for International Students (EIS) courses (EGR 505, 506, 705, 706) do not count toward the 30 total units required for the MS degree.
• Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to remain in good standing and to graduate.
• Course selection is formally approved by submitting a Program of Study form.
• MS students (except Duke 4+1) are required to take at least three full-time semesters to graduate.

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• ECE 701—ECE Master’s Success Seminar (0 credit, tuition-free) Required for students entering Fall 2024 or later.
• 3 Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) training forums in order to graduate.

Coursework MS Final Exam

The Graduate School requires a final exam approved by a committee made up of three Graduate Faculty members. The committee must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies and the Dean of the Graduate School at least one month prior to the examination date. The student is not required to generate a written document for the ECE department, and the format of the exam is determined by the department.

• 3 units of ungraded research (if desired, to substitute for standard coursework)

Project MS Final Exam

For the project option, a written research report and oral presentation are required to be presented to a committee made up of the student’s advisor and two other members of the graduate faculty, one of whom must be from a department other than ECE or outside the student’s main curricular area. The committee must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies and the Dean of the Graduate School at least one month prior to the examination date. The formats of the written and oral project reports are determined by the student’s advisor. The project report is not submitted to the Graduate School; however, a final copy must be submitted to the ECE Department.

• Up to 6 units of ungraded research (if desired, to substitute for standard coursework)

Thesis MS Final Exam

A written thesis must be uploaded by the guidelines presented in the Graduate School’s Guide for the Electronic Submission of Thesis and Dissertation , and the thesis must be defended orally before a committee composed of the faculty member under whose direction the work was done and at least two other members of the graduate faculty, one of whom must be from a department other than ECE or outside the student’s main curricular area. The committee must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies and the Dean of the Graduate School at least one month prior to the examination date.

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Access for Master students to the Master's thesis platform BME

Instructions for Students & Promotors/Mentors (daily supervisor)

- If yes: for proposal(s) you want to work together, both team members put the proposal(s) in the same order and select each other as a partner. ,   Please use another browser f.e. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox...   This is a reminder that all students who want to take the master's thesis next year must have obtained  a minimum of 48 credits this academic year (after the 3rd examination period). You start the academic year with 48 credits obtained (not f.e. 46/47, you cannot start then). Students who do not have the minimum amount of credits start the thesis and put it in the ISP that academic year (not in semester 1 or not start in semester 2).	Mandatory to give the name of contact person present at the fair. Students who can be exposed to any HSE issues concerning the thesis, should be notified beforehand. That is why we ask you to check the box “Health, safety, environment” and mention the relevant HSE issues in the field of “Additional info”. Examples: In case students have to renounce property rights, mark the check box.  Use this option only when really required.      In case students have to sign a NDA with IP renunciation, please put this in the      "Opmerkingen"/"Remarks" section. According to the Regulations on Education and Examinations following rules must be applied regarding (co-) promotor for the Master Biomedical Engineering: "For initial master's programmes to which the title of civil engineer is linked, . Exceptions need to be substantiated​ and presented to the POC concerned. For master's programmes to which the title of civil engineer is not linked, the supervisor is a teaching staff member in the programme concerned. Can act as co-supervisors: a member of the AAP/BAP/ATP with a doctoral degree, ZAP members from other faculties and study programmes, and members of scientific institutions.​" Make sure everything is or will be in order by the official start of the thesis regarding GDPR and  ( ) Please also mention this clearly in the thesis proposal or the remarks section f.e. this is a thesis within or in collaboration with the Biomedical Science group. Students who choose and are allocated this thesis topic must go through an ethical assessment procedure and must agree with all associated/corresponding administration.   Make sure to write the proposals in English.   Due to the platform it is not possible to "submit" the proposal. So if you save it, it will stay on "draft" until POC BMT checks and officially "approves/publishes" the proposal. This  is mostly checked the week before the platform comes online, if there are questions or requested updates, POC BMT will mail. No mail by POC BMT the week up to publication = approved.   Please use another browser f.e. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox...   Please mail   to gain access to the platform. You will need a KU Leuven u-number in order to do this. If you do not have it, please mail POC BMT to request the template, we will submit it for you.   Please be aware the Master's thesis platforms of the different Master's are not linked. So if you submit f.e. the same proposal for Electrical Engineering & Biomedical Engineering --> this means 2 students can be allocated to this project, one from each Master. Keep this in mind, if you only need one Master's thesis student, select the most appropriate platform/Master to submit the thesis to.

Information Master's thesis Fair

Students have the opportunity to request more information regarding a topic (with promotor and/or mentor).

Below you will find the original planning of the Master's thesis Fair.

When: 17 April 2024, 4.15-5.15PM (16u15-17u15). 

Location: on-campus, Department Mechanical Engineering, Celestijnenlaan 300, on-campus, room 03.59 (computerpracticum/studio bachelor 3 + master), 3rd floor, Department Mechanical Engineering, Celestijnenlaan 300, 3001 Leuven (Heverlee).

Allocation proces

• Allocation process starts after the submission of top 4 deadline. Students with no submission or wrongful submission will receive an e-mail by POC BMT.
• Students whom have not submitted on the deadline date will not be taken into the allocation process. These students will have to choose from the not allocated topics + request permission of the promotor.
• Allocation will be discussed first in the POC-meeting of the programme before it is announced.
• Allocation is communicated up to 1,5 weeks after the POC-meeting (so in general between 20-30 May). Please be patient and wait until you get the allocation mail.

Adelaide Graduate Research School

The Three-Minute Thesis (3MT)

The Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition showcases the innovative research of our talented Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students. We were thrilled to witness some outstanding presentations across all three faculties and extend our gratitude to everyone who participated.

We are excited to announce the winners of the 3MT Faculty Finals, who will represent their faculties at the University Final.

Faculty Finals Winners

Faculty of arts, business, law and economics (able):.

• Jack Hetherington, School of Economics and Public Policy
• Jyoti Khisha, Adelaide Business School
• Megan Moon, School of Humanities

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (HMS):

• Matthew Summers, Adelaide Medical School
• Chan Hee Cho, Adelaide Medical School
• Isabella Amy Burdon, Adelaide Medical School

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology (SET):

• Mable Lilly Day, School of Physics Chemistry and Earth Sciences
• Zane Marks, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
• Ashleigh Lake, School of Biological Sciences
• Georgia Kate Moloney, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

The University of Adelaide 3MT Finals are on Tuesday 10 September as part of the Research Tuesday public lecture.

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Developing and Evaluating an Assessment of Preschoolers’ Science and Engineering Knowledge

A major challenge to promoting effective early science and engineering education is the lack of reliable and validated assessments that align with current educational guidelines for science and engineering. Existing early science and engineering assessments either cover a narrow range of concepts and practices and/or are not designed in a way to evaluate and provide information within theorized dimensions of science and engineering knowledge and skills. The goals of this study were to develop a preschool science and engineering assessment and to examine the factor structure of children’s science and engineering knowledge and skills using the newly developed assessment. A 120-item assessment was developed and administered to 186 children (50.28% female) ages 3-to-5 years ( M = 4.62 years, SD = 0.61 years). The overall best fitting structure of the assessment was found to be a three-dimensional model: disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. Items that had low correlations with the overall test, loaded poorly onto their respective factors, or were found to provide overlapping information with other items (i.e., exhibited similar difficulties for the same content areas) were removed, resulting in a final and brief (48-item) version of the assessment. This study has important implications in that the newly developed science and engineering assessment can be used in both the research (e.g., evaluate curricula, interventions) and classroom (e.g., assess learning) settings to provide information at the dimension-level, and has the potential to transform how we view and instruct science and engineering during the early childhood years.

Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award (Grant #: 90YR0173).

Degree type.

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Human Development and Family Studies

Campus location

• West Lafayette

Advisor/Supervisor/Committee Chair

Additional committee member 2, additional committee member 3, additional committee member 4, additional committee member 5, usage metrics.

• Child and adolescent development
• Testing, assessment and psychometrics