Enjoy Writing Your Science Thesis!
Enjoy Writing Your Science Thesis or Dissertation! by
This book is a step by step illustrated guide to planning and writing dissertations and theses for undergraduate and graduate science students. Topics covered include advice on writing each section of a thesis as well as general discussions on collecting and organizing references, keeping records, presenting data, interacting with a supervisor and avoiding academic misconduct. Recommendations about how to use word processors and other software packages effectively are included, as well as advice on the use of other resources. A concise summary of important points of English grammar is given, along with appendices listing frequently confused words and wordy phrases to avoid. Further appendices are provided, including one on SI units. The aim is to provide an easy-to-read guide that gives students practical advice about all aspects of writing a science thesis or dissertation, starting from writing a thesis plan and finishing with the viva and corrections to the thesis.
Call Number: Robert W. Woodruff Library: Book Stacks T11 .H582 2014ISBN: 9781783264209Publication Date: 2014-06-25
Steps to writing a literature review
- Identify & refine topic
What subject area do you want to investigate? Explore ideas from syllabi and course readings. Consider research questions and where there are gaps in the literature. - Gather background information
Conduct a preliminary literature search to get a general idea of the topic and to understand current thinking (including thinking contrary to your point-of-view). Pinpoint keywords for effective and efficient research. - Select source material & evaluate
Remember to focus on scholarly, peer-reviewed articles. Evaluate and synthesize findings, claims, and conclusions. - Organize articles
Reflect on your readings and your notes. Consider common topics and themes; look for patterns among ideas and data and develop subtopics. - Generate ideas
Organize your notes. Consider main ideas, the points you want to convey, and any opposing information. Organize your ideas into an outline. - Develop thesis/statement of purpose
Write a statement of one or two sentences which summarizes the conclusion(s) you have reached regarding your subject area and the latest research on the topic. - Draft lit review
Follow the organizational structure of your outline and begin writing your literature review. Consider the logical flow of the paper, themes within paragraphs, and your overall analysis. Remember to summarize information, but use caution when paraphrasing. Also remember to synthesize information by noting its significance and relating it back to your own work. Get feedback and revise, revise, revise!
Writing tip: Begin each paragraph with the central point you want to make. Then, follow up with your sources as evidence/explanation. - Cite sources
Document and cite your sources appropriately, both within the literature review and in your works cited page. Be sure to follow the appropriate documentation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).