ITB/Electronics

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ITB/Electronics
Masters Thesis
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The aim of a scientific thesis
To show

• gained insight in methodology for planning and
  performance of a scientific project
• qualification to carry out a scientifically
  interesting task
• capability of communicating in writing and speech
• capability of using advanced literature
• skills of documenting in a scientific way

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Academic levels

• Fundamental levels
• A level
• B level Engineering diploma
• Higher levels
• C level Bachelor degree
• D level Masters degree

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Prerequisites

• Approved results of at least 90 credit points in
  mathematics and major subject, or a B.Sc. degree
• Approved results of such courses which are of
  importance for the success of the specific thesis
  assignment, i.e., D-level courses in the major
  subject

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Thesis disposition

• Preface (no pagination)
• The preface is a product of the student. In the
  preface it is customary to thank those which
  considerably have contributed to the work.

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Thesis disposition

• Preface (no pagination)
• Abstract (no pagination)
• The Abstract is a summary of the work, and
  should contain all major parts of the work.
  Nothing which is not found in the report may be
  presented in the Abstract.

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Thesis disposition

• Preface (no pagination)
• Abstract (no pagination)
• Table of contents (no pagination)
• Reference to pages where chapters and
  subsections may be found.

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Thesis disposition

• Preface (no pagination)
• Abstract (no pagination)
• Table of contents (no pagination)
• 1. Introduction
• Should give the reader an introduction to the
  work, the background, and the aim.

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Thesis disposition

• Preface (no pagination)
• Abstract (no pagination)
• Table of contents (no pagination)
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Theory
• Presentation of theories used in the work.

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Thesis disposition

• Preface (no pagination)
• Abstract (no pagination)
• Table of contents (no pagination)
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Theory
• 3. Process and results
• The theory is applied on the subject. Results
  are presented.

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Thesis disposition

• Preface (no pagination)
• Abstract (no pagination)
• Table of contents (no pagination)
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Theory
• 3. Process and results
• 4. Discussion
• Discuss the results and the method chosen, the
  strengths and weaknesses of the work.

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Thesis disposition

• Preface (no pagination)
• Abstract (no pagination)
• Table of contents (no pagination)
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Theory
• 3. Process and results
• 4. Discussion
• 5. Conclusions
• Here the work should be concluded and the major
  results presented. Suggestions of continuation
  and spin-off projects may be brought forward.

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Thesis disposition

• Preface (no pagination)
• Abstract (no pagination)
• Table of contents (no pagination)
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Theory
• 3. Process and results
• 4. Discussion
• 5. Conclusions
• References
• The conventions must be followed unless your
  supervisor and/or examiner is recommending
  otherwise.

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Thesis disposition

• Preface (no pagination)
• Abstract (no pagination)
• Table of contents (no pagination)
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Theory
• 3. Process and results
• 4. Discussion
• 5. Conclusions
• References
• Appendices
• Here material is placed not needed for the
  comprehension of the work, e.g., extensive
  calculations, computer programs and data listing.

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Thesis disposition

• Preface (no pagination)
• Abstract (no pagination)
• Table of contents (no pagination)
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Theory
• 3. Process and results
• 4. Discussion
• 5. Conclusions
• References
• Appendices

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Three players in the examination drama

• Respondent you

• Opponent also you, but...
• ...in another students seminar

• Examiner the referee

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The Respondents tasks

• Presenting identical theses to the examiner and
  opponent at least 14 days before examination
  date.
• After this date no changes whatsoever may occur
  in the thesis.
• An errata list (list of corrections) can be
  handed out in the beginning of the seminar.

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The Opponents tasks

• Thoroughly penetrate the contents and give
  constructive criticism on
• oral presentation
• written presentation
• technical contents and academic approach
• 15 minutes for review. Keep this time limit.
• A written review is given to the examiner and the
  respondent.

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The Examiners tasks

• The examiner is not the supervisor
• The task of the supervisor is consultative
• The task of the examiner is to criticize and
  judge the result
• The examiner is acting in place of the government

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The Examiners tasks

• Presiding at the seminar
• Criticize the thesis work as regards
• oral and written presentation
• technical content and scientific approach
• If the thesis is not acceptable this is told
  either
• in advance, or
• during the seminar
• The final thesis when revised is marked with
  either Pass/Godkänd or Fail/Underkänd

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The Examiners tasks

• Criticize the opposition
• If opposition is bad, the examiner takes over
• The work of the opponent is given Pass/Godkänd or
  Fail/Underkänd
• If opposition Pass, this is marked in the green
  book of the opponent

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Opposition

• Is the aim of the report in good agreement with
  what is performed?
• Do you find the main thread throughout the work?
• Is the argumentation well supported by theory,
  references, or the authors own logical
  reasoning?
• Is the Abstract really a summary of the entire
  work, or is it limping? Is the Abstract reader
  friendly, or is it more like an alienated
  compilation of cut-outs from the report?
• Is it likely that the author has read and
  understood all the references used?
• Is the chosen method the best alternative in this
  context?
• Is the author showing creativity in the
  conclusions?
• Is the report written according to the
  conventions pointed out in this document?

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Application form
The application form is forcing the employer who
came up with the idea of the thesis work or
his/her superior to

• elaborate thoroughly on the idea
• allocate resources for e.g. supervision of the
  thesis work
• formally sign an agreement on the employers
  sincere intention of supporting the student in
  order to achieve results efficiently

It is your insurance
if the assigned supervisor says
I dont have time for that!
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Application form
Fill the Thesis Application Form carefully!