How to Write Dissertations & Project Reports

Kathleen McMillan and Jonathan Weyers work within the University of Dundee’s Learning Centre and Academic Affairs Office respectively and have each been teaching for over 25 years and now specialize in supporting academic skills across both the arts and sciences.

• Introduction1. Tackling a dissertation or project report: how to make the best possible start2. Choosing a dissertation or project report: how to decide on a theme for your investigationPlanning your research 3. Writing a proposal: how to structure a successful dissertation or research proposal4. Time management: how to write your dissertation or project while balancing family, work and leisure5. Planning for dissertations: how to begin your research and evolve a model for your writing6. Planning for experimental projects: how to organise your efforts effectivelyFinding and filtering information7.  Information literacy: how to make the best use of the library resources8. Effective academic reading: how to read efficiently and with understanding9. Analysing and evaluating source material: how to filter and select relevant material as part of the research process10. Note-making from source material: how to create effective notes to support your dissertation and project researchApplying research techniques 11. Principles of quantitative research:  how to obtain and analyse numerical information12. Principles of qualitative research: how to obtain and analyse descriptive information13.Experimental research and field visits: how to develop and apply your skills14. Thinking critically: how to develop a logical approach to analysis and problem-solvingWorking with Data & Numbers15. Number crunching: how to solve problems in arithmetic and algebra16. Interpreting and presenting data: how to understand & produce graphs, tables & basic statistics Addressing issues of plagiarism, referencing amd ethics17. Plagiarism and copyright infringement: how to avoid being accused of ‘stealing’ the ideas and work of others18. Citing and listing references: how to refer appropriately to the work of others 19. Ethics in researching and reporting: how to follow good research practiceWriting a first draft20. Structuring a dissertation: how to organise your writing within a standard framework21. Structuring a project report: how to select and shape your content appropriately22. Academic writing style: how to adopt appropriate language conventionsEditing, revising and presenting25. Reviewing, editing and proof-reading: how to make sure that your writing is concise and correct 26. Exploiting feedback: how to understand and learn from what your supervisor writes on your work27. Presentation of dissertations and reports: how to follow the appropriate academic conventionsReferences and further readingGlossary