thesis and school

While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.  

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence) 

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.  

Arguable thesis with analytical claim 

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.  

Arguable thesis with normative claim 

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.  

Questions to ask about your thesis 

• Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?  
• Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?  
• Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?  
• Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?  
• Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
• picture_as_pdf Thesis

Developing a Thesis Statement

Many papers you write require developing a thesis statement. In this section you’ll learn what a thesis statement is and how to write one.

Keep in mind that not all papers require thesis statements . If in doubt, please consult your instructor for assistance.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement . . .

• Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it states the conclusions that you have reached about your topic.
• Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper.
• Is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper.
• Is generally located near the end of the introduction ; sometimes, in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or in an entire paragraph.
• Identifies the relationships between the pieces of evidence that you are using to support your argument.

Not all papers require thesis statements! Ask your instructor if you’re in doubt whether you need one.

Identify a topic

Your topic is the subject about which you will write. Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic; or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper.

Consider what your assignment asks you to do

Inform yourself about your topic, focus on one aspect of your topic, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts, generate a topic from an assignment.

Below are some possible topics based on sample assignments.

Sample assignment 1

Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II.

Identified topic

Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis

This topic avoids generalities such as “Spain” and “World War II,” addressing instead on Franco’s role (a specific aspect of “Spain”) and the diplomatic relations between the Allies and Axis (a specific aspect of World War II).

Sample assignment 2

Analyze one of Homer’s epic similes in the Iliad.

The relationship between the portrayal of warfare and the epic simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64.

This topic focuses on a single simile and relates it to a single aspect of the Iliad ( warfare being a major theme in that work).

Developing a Thesis Statement–Additional information

Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic, or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper. You’ll want to read your assignment carefully, looking for key terms that you can use to focus your topic.

Sample assignment: Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II Key terms: analyze, Spain’s neutrality, World War II

After you’ve identified the key words in your topic, the next step is to read about them in several sources, or generate as much information as possible through an analysis of your topic. Obviously, the more material or knowledge you have, the more possibilities will be available for a strong argument. For the sample assignment above, you’ll want to look at books and articles on World War II in general, and Spain’s neutrality in particular.

As you consider your options, you must decide to focus on one aspect of your topic. This means that you cannot include everything you’ve learned about your topic, nor should you go off in several directions. If you end up covering too many different aspects of a topic, your paper will sprawl and be unconvincing in its argument, and it most likely will not fulfull the assignment requirements.

For the sample assignment above, both Spain’s neutrality and World War II are topics far too broad to explore in a paper. You may instead decide to focus on Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis , which narrows down what aspects of Spain’s neutrality and World War II you want to discuss, as well as establishes a specific link between those two aspects.

Before you go too far, however, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts. Try to avoid topics that already have too much written about them (i.e., “eating disorders and body image among adolescent women”) or that simply are not important (i.e. “why I like ice cream”). These topics may lead to a thesis that is either dry fact or a weird claim that cannot be supported. A good thesis falls somewhere between the two extremes. To arrive at this point, ask yourself what is new, interesting, contestable, or controversial about your topic.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times . Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Derive a main point from topic

Once you have a topic, you will have to decide what the main point of your paper will be. This point, the “controlling idea,” becomes the core of your argument (thesis statement) and it is the unifying idea to which you will relate all your sub-theses. You can then turn this “controlling idea” into a purpose statement about what you intend to do in your paper.

Look for patterns in your evidence

Compose a purpose statement.

Consult the examples below for suggestions on how to look for patterns in your evidence and construct a purpose statement.

• Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis
• Franco turned to the Allies when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from the Axis

Possible conclusion:

Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: Franco’s desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power.

Purpose statement

This paper will analyze Franco’s diplomacy during World War II to see how it contributed to Spain’s neutrality.

• The simile compares Simoisius to a tree, which is a peaceful, natural image.
• The tree in the simile is chopped down to make wheels for a chariot, which is an object used in warfare.

At first, the simile seems to take the reader away from the world of warfare, but we end up back in that world by the end.

This paper will analyze the way the simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64 moves in and out of the world of warfare.

Derive purpose statement from topic

To find out what your “controlling idea” is, you have to examine and evaluate your evidence . As you consider your evidence, you may notice patterns emerging, data repeated in more than one source, or facts that favor one view more than another. These patterns or data may then lead you to some conclusions about your topic and suggest that you can successfully argue for one idea better than another.

For instance, you might find out that Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis, but when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from them, he turned to the Allies. As you read more about Franco’s decisions, you may conclude that Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: his desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power. Based on this conclusion, you can then write a trial thesis statement to help you decide what material belongs in your paper.

Sometimes you won’t be able to find a focus or identify your “spin” or specific argument immediately. Like some writers, you might begin with a purpose statement just to get yourself going. A purpose statement is one or more sentences that announce your topic and indicate the structure of the paper but do not state the conclusions you have drawn . Thus, you might begin with something like this:

• This paper will look at modern language to see if it reflects male dominance or female oppression.
• I plan to analyze anger and derision in offensive language to see if they represent a challenge of society’s authority.

At some point, you can turn a purpose statement into a thesis statement. As you think and write about your topic, you can restrict, clarify, and refine your argument, crafting your thesis statement to reflect your thinking.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Compose a draft thesis statement

If you are writing a paper that will have an argumentative thesis and are having trouble getting started, the techniques in the table below may help you develop a temporary or “working” thesis statement.

Begin with a purpose statement that you will later turn into a thesis statement.

Assignment: Discuss the history of the Reform Party and explain its influence on the 1990 presidential and Congressional election.

Purpose Statement: This paper briefly sketches the history of the grassroots, conservative, Perot-led Reform Party and analyzes how it influenced the economic and social ideologies of the two mainstream parties.

Question-to-Assertion

If your assignment asks a specific question(s), turn the question(s) into an assertion and give reasons why it is true or reasons for your opinion.

Assignment : What do Aylmer and Rappaccini have to be proud of? Why aren’t they satisfied with these things? How does pride, as demonstrated in “The Birthmark” and “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” lead to unexpected problems?

Beginning thesis statement: Alymer and Rappaccinni are proud of their great knowledge; however, they are also very greedy and are driven to use their knowledge to alter some aspect of nature as a test of their ability. Evil results when they try to “play God.”

Write a sentence that summarizes the main idea of the essay you plan to write.

Main idea: The reason some toys succeed in the market is that they appeal to the consumers’ sense of the ridiculous and their basic desire to laugh at themselves.

Make a list of the ideas that you want to include; consider the ideas and try to group them.

• nature = peaceful
• war matériel = violent (competes with 1?)
• need for time and space to mourn the dead
• war is inescapable (competes with 3?)

Use a formula to arrive at a working thesis statement (you will revise this later).

• although most readers of _______ have argued that _______, closer examination shows that _______.
• _______ uses _______ and _____ to prove that ________.
• phenomenon x is a result of the combination of __________, __________, and _________.

What to keep in mind as you draft an initial thesis statement

Beginning statements obtained through the methods illustrated above can serve as a framework for planning or drafting your paper, but remember they’re not yet the specific, argumentative thesis you want for the final version of your paper. In fact, in its first stages, a thesis statement usually is ill-formed or rough and serves only as a planning tool.

As you write, you may discover evidence that does not fit your temporary or “working” thesis. Or you may reach deeper insights about your topic as you do more research, and you will find that your thesis statement has to be more complicated to match the evidence that you want to use.

You must be willing to reject or omit some evidence in order to keep your paper cohesive and your reader focused. Or you may have to revise your thesis to match the evidence and insights that you want to discuss. Read your draft carefully, noting the conclusions you have drawn and the major ideas which support or prove those conclusions. These will be the elements of your final thesis statement.

Sometimes you will not be able to identify these elements in your early drafts, but as you consider how your argument is developing and how your evidence supports your main idea, ask yourself, “ What is the main point that I want to prove/discuss? ” and “ How will I convince the reader that this is true? ” When you can answer these questions, then you can begin to refine the thesis statement.

Refine and polish the thesis statement

To get to your final thesis, you’ll need to refine your draft thesis so that it’s specific and arguable.

• Ask if your draft thesis addresses the assignment
• Question each part of your draft thesis
• Clarify vague phrases and assertions
• Investigate alternatives to your draft thesis

Consult the example below for suggestions on how to refine your draft thesis statement.

Sample Assignment

Choose an activity and define it as a symbol of American culture. Your essay should cause the reader to think critically about the society which produces and enjoys that activity.

• Ask The phenomenon of drive-in facilities is an interesting symbol of american culture, and these facilities demonstrate significant characteristics of our society.This statement does not fulfill the assignment because it does not require the reader to think critically about society.

Drive-ins are an interesting symbol of American culture because they represent Americans’ significant creativity and business ingenuity.

Among the types of drive-in facilities familiar during the twentieth century, drive-in movie theaters best represent American creativity, not merely because they were the forerunner of later drive-ins and drive-throughs, but because of their impact on our culture: they changed our relationship to the automobile, changed the way people experienced movies, and changed movie-going into a family activity.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast-food establishments, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize America’s economic ingenuity, they also have affected our personal standards.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast- food restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize (1) Americans’ business ingenuity, they also have contributed (2) to an increasing homogenization of our culture, (3) a willingness to depersonalize relationships with others, and (4) a tendency to sacrifice quality for convenience.

This statement is now specific and fulfills all parts of the assignment. This version, like any good thesis, is not self-evident; its points, 1-4, will have to be proven with evidence in the body of the paper. The numbers in this statement indicate the order in which the points will be presented. Depending on the length of the paper, there could be one paragraph for each numbered item or there could be blocks of paragraph for even pages for each one.

Complete the final thesis statement

The bottom line.

As you move through the process of crafting a thesis, you’ll need to remember four things:

• Context matters! Think about your course materials and lectures. Try to relate your thesis to the ideas your instructor is discussing.
• As you go through the process described in this section, always keep your assignment in mind . You will be more successful when your thesis (and paper) responds to the assignment than if it argues a semi-related idea.
• Your thesis statement should be precise, focused, and contestable ; it should predict the sub-theses or blocks of information that you will use to prove your argument.
• Make sure that you keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Change your thesis as your paper evolves, because you do not want your thesis to promise more than your paper actually delivers.

In the beginning, the thesis statement was a tool to help you sharpen your focus, limit material and establish the paper’s purpose. When your paper is finished, however, the thesis statement becomes a tool for your reader. It tells the reader what you have learned about your topic and what evidence led you to your conclusion. It keeps the reader on track–well able to understand and appreciate your argument.

Writing Process and Structure

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Getting Started with Your Paper

Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses

Generating Ideas for

Creating an Argument

Thesis vs. Purpose Statements

Architecture of Arguments

Working with Sources

Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources

Using Literary Quotations

Citing Sources in Your Paper

Drafting Your Paper

Generating Ideas for Your Paper

Introductions

Paragraphing

Developing Strategic Transitions

Conclusions

Revising Your Paper

Peer Reviews

Reverse Outlines

Revising an Argumentative Paper

Revision Strategies for Longer Projects

Finishing Your Paper

Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist

How to Proofread your Paper

Writing Collaboratively

Collaborative and Group Writing

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• Reading, Notetaking, and Time Management

What is a thesis?

What is a dissertation, getting started, staying on track.

A thesis is a long-term project that you work on over the course of a semester or a year. Theses have a very wide variety of styles and content, so we encourage you to look at prior examples and work closely with faculty to develop yours. 

Before you begin, make sure that you are familiar with the dissertation genre—what it is for and what it looks like.

Generally speaking, a dissertation’s purpose is to prove that you have the expertise necessary to fulfill your doctoral-degree requirements by showing depth of knowledge and independent thinking.

The form of a dissertation may vary by discipline. Be sure to follow the specific guidelines of your department.

• PhD This site directs candidates to the GSAS website about dissertations , with links to checklists,  planning, formatting, acknowledgments, submission, and publishing options. There is also a link to guidelines for the prospectus . Consult with your committee chair about specific requirements and standards for your dissertation.
• DDES This document covers planning, patent filing, submission guidelines, publishing options, formatting guidelines, sample pages, citation guidelines, and a list of common errors to avoid. There is also a link to guidelines for the prospectus .
• Scholarly Pursuits (GSAS) This searchable booklet from Harvard GSAS is a comprehensive guide to writing dissertations, dissertation-fellowship applications, academic journal articles, and academic job documents.

Finding an original topic can be a daunting and overwhelming task. These key concepts can help you focus and save time.

Finding a topic for your thesis or dissertation should start with a research question that excites or at least interests you. A rigorous, engaging, and original project will require continuous curiosity about your topic, about your own thoughts on the topic, and about what other scholars have said on your topic. Avoid getting boxed in by thinking you know what you want to say from the beginning; let your research and your writing evolve as you explore and fine-tune your focus through constant questioning and exploration.

Get a sense of the broader picture before you narrow your focus and attempt to frame an argument. Read, skim, and otherwise familiarize yourself with what other scholars have done in areas related to your proposed topic. Briefly explore topics tangentially related to yours to broaden your perspective and increase your chance of finding a unique angle to pursue.

Critical Reading

Critical reading is the opposite of passive reading. Instead of merely reading for information to absorb, critical reading also involves careful, sustained thinking about what you are reading. This process may include analyzing the author’s motives and assumptions, asking what might be left out of the discussion, considering what you agree with or disagree with in the author’s statements and why you agree or disagree, and exploring connections or contradictions between scholarly arguments. Here is a resource to help hone your critical-reading skills:

http://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/criticalread.pdf

Conversation

Your thesis or dissertation will incorporate some ideas from other scholars whose work you researched. By reading critically and following your curiosity, you will develop your own ideas and claims, and these contributions are the core of your project. You will also acknowledge the work of scholars who came before you, and you must accurately and fairly attribute this work and define your place within the larger discussion. Make sure that you know how to quote, summarize, paraphrase ,  integrate , and cite secondary sources to avoid plagiarism and to show the depth and breadth of your knowledge.

A thesis is a long-term, large project that involves both research and writing; it is easy to lose focus, motivation, and momentum. Here are suggestions for achieving the result you want in the time you have.

The dissertation is probably the largest project you have undertaken, and a lot of the work is self-directed. The project can feel daunting or even overwhelming unless you break it down into manageable pieces and create a timeline for completing each smaller task. Be realistic but also challenge yourself, and be forgiving of yourself if you miss a self-imposed deadline here and there.

Your program will also have specific deadlines for different requirements, including establishing a committee, submitting a prospectus, completing the dissertation, defending the dissertation, and submitting your work. Consult your department’s website for these dates and incorporate them into the timeline for your work.

Accountability

Sometimes self-imposed deadlines do not feel urgent unless there is accountability to someone beyond yourself. To increase your motivation to complete tasks on schedule, set dates with your committee chair to submit pre-determined pieces of a chapter. You can also arrange with a fellow doctoral student to check on each other’s progress. Research and writing can be lonely, so it is also nice to share that journey with someone and support each other through the process.

Common Pitfalls

The most common challenges for students writing a dissertation are writer’s block, information-overload, and the compulsion to keep researching forever.

There are many strategies for avoiding writer’s block, such as freewriting, outlining, taking a walk, starting in the middle, and creating an ideal work environment for your particular learning style. Pay attention to what helps you and try different things until you find what works.

Efficient researching techniques are essential to avoiding information-overload. Here are a couple of resources about strategies for finding sources and quickly obtaining essential information from them.

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_in_literature_detailed_discussion/reading_criticism.html

https://students.dartmouth.edu/academic-skills/learning-resources/learning-strategies/reading-techniques

Finally, remember that there is always more to learn and your dissertation cannot incorporate everything. Follow your curiosity but also set limits on the scope of your work. It helps to create a folder entitled “future projects” for topics and sources that interest you but that do not fit neatly into the dissertation. Also remember that future scholars will build off of your work, so leave something for them to do.

Browsing through theses and dissertations of the past can help to get a sense of your options and gain inspiration but be careful to use current guidelines and refer to your committee instead of relying on these examples for form or formatting.

DASH Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard.

HOLLIS Harvard Library’s catalog provides access to ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global .

MIT Architecture has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.

Rhode Island School of Design has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.

University of South Florida has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.

Harvard GSD has a list of projects, including theses and professors’ research.

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How to navigate the PhD thesis

The PhD thesis may be a mountain to climb, but you can take it one step at a time. Luis R Rojas-Solórzano offers his guidance

Luis R. Rojas-Solórzano

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Embarking on the journey of writing a PhD thesis is both daunting and exciting. In this pocket-size guide, I’ve distilled my decades of experience in higher education into practical advice to help you navigate this challenging terrain and emerge with a completed work you’re proud of. 

Creating a detailed timeline with daily goals

Time management is crucial to thesis writing, yet it’s often underestimated. Many students feel overwhelmed by the volume of work involved but creating a comprehensive timeline allows you to break down the project into convenient tasks, track your progress and adjust your timetable as needed. Setting daily goals provides structure to your workday, helping you stay focused and productive.

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Writing a PhD thesis is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s natural to experience moments of doubt and frustration along the way. When you do, taking care of yourself and finding ways to stay motivated is essential. Take short breaks to rest, recharge and celebrate small victories. Remember that every thesis is unique and progress is not always linear. Instead of comparing yourself to your peers, focus on your journey and the valuable contributions you’ve made to your field.

Understanding the PhD thesis

The requirements for a PhD thesis vary significantly depending on your institution and field of study. It is crucial to familiarise yourself with your university’s guidelines and requirements early in the process.

Writing the thesis

Writing a PhD thesis is not simply an academic exercise – it’s a journey of self-discovery and intellectual growth. Here are my recommendations for writing with confidence: 

• Create a draft outline to guide your writing process. Use digital tools such as MS Office and Grammarly to streamline editing and save time.
• Start early to build momentum and confidence. Embrace your unique voice and opt for an active writing style. Let your ideas flow freely initially, refining them over time with rigorous edits.
• Remember to write in a voice that is authentic to you. Modern academia values the personal perspective, so don’t hesitate to express your thoughts and insights in the first person.
• As you approach the final stages of your thesis, you must organically merge all the relevant findings that support the novelty of your thesis into the final document. Typically, the wrap-up happens three months before the expected submission of your book, leaving time for your supervisor’s thorough revision.
• Wrap up with careful planning and disciplined execution. Start by updating the original outline to adopt the final structure of your thesis that progressively unfolds and tells the story of your investigation. The updated outline will serve as a roadmap for your final sprint, helping to shape your concluding research story.

Structuring your thesis

Craft your thesis like a compelling story, following the scientific method’s structure: abstract, introduction, literature review, methods, results and discussion, and conclusion. 

The abstract is typically a paragraph with no more than 400 words, portraying a concise summary that addresses your thesis’ subject, relevance, research questions, methodology and main findings. Generally, the abstract is continuously updated until the book is complete.

In the introduction, provide context for your research by outlining the problem you’re addressing and its significance. The literature review should demonstrate your understanding of existing research and highlight the gaps your study seeks to fill. Then, describe the methodology in the subsequent section and continue with your results and their thorough analysis. Finally, conclude with a summary of your main findings and their implications for your field of study. 

Managing referencing and bibliography

Proper referencing is critical to academic writing, ensuring your work is credible and properly attributed. Take the time to familiarise yourself with your chosen citation style, whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago or another format, and double-check all information for accuracy and consistency.

Preparing for the viva voce

The viva voce, or oral defence, is the final hurdle in the PhD journey. It’s an opportunity to defend your research and demonstrate your expertise in your field. To prepare, consider conducting mock vivas with your peers or supervisors to simulate the experience and receive feedback on your performance. Stay calm and composed during the examination, taking time to think before responding to questions. Remember, the viva voce is not just a test of your knowledge – it’s also an opportunity to engage in scholarly discourse and demonstrate your ability to think critically about your research.

You’ve completed your thesis – now what?

Finishing a PhD thesis is a significant milestone and celebrating your accomplishment is essential. Take a well-deserved break before embarking on the next phase of your career. Reflect on your goals and aspirations, considering how your research can contribute to your field and shape your future career path. Whether you’re pursuing academic opportunities or exploring options in industry, use this time to prepare for the next chapter of your journey.

The writing of a PhD thesis is a transformative journey, requiring strategic planning, perseverance and a positive mindset. By applying these insights and tactics, you can confidently navigate this journey and contribute meaningfully to your field of study.

Luis R. Rojas- Solórzano is associate provost for graduate studies at Nazarbayev University.

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How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement

The important sentence expresses your central assertion or argument

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A thesis statement provides the foundation for your entire research paper or essay. This statement is the central assertion that you want to express in your essay. A successful thesis statement is one that is made up of one or two sentences clearly laying out your central idea and expressing an informed, reasoned answer to your research question.

Usually, the thesis statement will appear at the end of the first paragraph of your paper. There are a few different types, and the content of your thesis statement will depend upon the type of paper you’re writing.

Key Takeaways: Writing a Thesis Statement

• A thesis statement gives your reader a preview of your paper's content by laying out your central idea and expressing an informed, reasoned answer to your research question.
• Thesis statements will vary depending on the type of paper you are writing, such as an expository essay, argument paper, or analytical essay.
• Before creating a thesis statement, determine whether you are defending a stance, giving an overview of an event, object, or process, or analyzing your subject

Expository Essay Thesis Statement Examples

An expository essay "exposes" the reader to a new topic; it informs the reader with details, descriptions, or explanations of a subject. If you are writing an expository essay , your thesis statement should explain to the reader what she will learn in your essay. For example:

• The United States spends more money on its military budget than all the industrialized nations combined.
• Gun-related homicides and suicides are increasing after years of decline.
• Hate crimes have increased three years in a row, according to the FBI.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk of stroke and arterial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).

These statements provide a statement of fact about the topic (not just opinion) but leave the door open for you to elaborate with plenty of details. In an expository essay, you don't need to develop an argument or prove anything; you only need to understand your topic and present it in a logical manner. A good thesis statement in an expository essay always leaves the reader wanting more details.

Types of Thesis Statements

Before creating a thesis statement, it's important to ask a few basic questions, which will help you determine the kind of essay or paper you plan to create:

• Are you defending a stance in a controversial essay ?
• Are you simply giving an overview or describing an event, object, or process?
• Are you conducting an analysis of an event, object, or process?

In every thesis statement , you will give the reader a preview of your paper's content, but the message will differ a little depending on the essay type .

Argument Thesis Statement Examples

If you have been instructed to take a stance on one side of a controversial issue, you will need to write an argument essay . Your thesis statement should express the stance you are taking and may give the reader a preview or a hint of your evidence. The thesis of an argument essay could look something like the following:

• Self-driving cars are too dangerous and should be banned from the roadways.
• The exploration of outer space is a waste of money; instead, funds should go toward solving issues on Earth, such as poverty, hunger, global warming, and traffic congestion.
• The U.S. must crack down on illegal immigration.
• Street cameras and street-view maps have led to a total loss of privacy in the United States and elsewhere.

These thesis statements are effective because they offer opinions that can be supported by evidence. If you are writing an argument essay, you can craft your own thesis around the structure of the statements above.

Analytical Essay Thesis Statement Examples

In an analytical essay assignment, you will be expected to break down a topic, process, or object in order to observe and analyze your subject piece by piece. Examples of a thesis statement for an analytical essay include:

• The criminal justice reform bill passed by the U.S. Senate in late 2018 (" The First Step Act ") aims to reduce prison sentences that disproportionately fall on nonwhite criminal defendants.
• The rise in populism and nationalism in the U.S. and European democracies has coincided with the decline of moderate and centrist parties that have dominated since WWII.
• Later-start school days increase student success for a variety of reasons.

Because the role of the thesis statement is to state the central message of your entire paper, it is important to revisit (and maybe rewrite) your thesis statement after the paper is written. In fact, it is quite normal for your message to change as you construct your paper.

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Theses and Dissertations

Before you can upload your thesis or dissertation to OhioLINK, you must have the format of your manuscript checked to be sure it conforms to the Graduate School's requirements.

This section will provide you with information about correctly formatting your document, resources to help you prepare your document, and important dates and deadlines you need to keep in mind.

Master's Thesis Template (docx)

• Doctoral Dissertation Template (docx)

File Format and Templates

Preparing your manuscript.

Your thesis or dissertation must be consistent with the guidelines set out below. In order to facilitate this, the Graduate School has front matter templates that must be used.

The manuscript will have the following requirements:

• Margins must be 1" (one inch) at the top, bottom, left, and right of each page).
• Line spacing of the manuscript may be either 1.0 (single-spaced) or 1.5 (space-and-a-half). You may not use 2.0 (double spacing) in your manuscript or the front matter of your document.
• Fonts must be at least 12pt, Times New Roman, Verdana, Arial, or Calibri. These fonts are found to be the easiest to read online. Pick one font for your document and use it consistently.
• The first page that has a visible page number will always be the abstract, which will start with the Roman numerals iii.  The page numbering in the template is correct and should remain intact.
• Footnotes (if you choose to use them) are easier for the reader to follow than endnotes. If you decide to use endnotes, include a hyperlink from each endnote to its citation.

Templates for both theses and dissertations are here and should be downloaded and used to format your paper. They are easy to use with drop-down boxes to select options and are formatted correctly to the Graduate School requirements. Please do not change any part of the template that does not require your completion. If you have any questions about the templates, please email  [email protected] .

• Master's Thesis Template  (docx)

The abstract should be written to give a concise account of your research so that a reader can determine if he or she wishes to read the entire work. It should state the problem, describe the procedure or methods used, and summarize the conclusions reached. The abstract for a thesis has a maximum of 200 words. The abstract for a dissertation may have up to 400 words. 

Page Numbering

The Graduate School requires that page numbers be placed at the bottom center of the page, 3/4 inch above the edge. The templates are numbered for you in Roman numerals (iii, iv, v). The manuscript will be numbered in Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3) and will begin at the introduction or first page of your manuscript. All pages of the body of your manuscript, including images, blueprints, appendices, and bibliography are counted and numbered at the bottom of each page. The page numbers should stand alone without any additions (such as -6-, Pg. 6, etc.).

Back matter

There is no template for the back matter. The back matter consists of the bibliography (or reference list) and appendices. Typically, the back matter follows the conclusion of your thesis or dissertation; however, some departments require reference lists at the end of each chapter of the dissertation. You should consult your departmental guidelines regarding bibliographies and appendices, in addition to the appropriate style guide you are using to prepare your manuscript.

Accessibility

All theses and dissertations submitted to OhioLINK must meet the following accessibility requirements. Access to Adobe Pro is needed to complete these requirements. For information on how to obtain this access, see Accessibility Resources.

• PDF file includes full text  - Your document’s text must be complete and not include sections of images of text.
• To access this option, go to File/Properties and choose the Security tab.
• Ensure No Security is selected in the drop down menu.
• Click OK to close the properties box.
• Open File/Properties
• Select the Advanced tab
• Under Reading Options, choose the language used in the drop-down menu for "Language"
• Select Ok to close
• Go to File and select Properties
• Edit the title in the description selection
• Choose Initial View from the menu at the top of the box
• Under Window Options, in the "Show" box, choose "Document Title" in the drop-down menu
• Select OK to close

Effective Fall 2023 , all submitted theses and dissertations must include the above requirements and use alt-text for any images included in the manuscript. This process can take time, so if you plan to graduate in December 2023, start looking ahead at what will be included in your final document.

• Alt text should not begin with  Image of  as the screen reader will do this.
• Use descriptions of what is in the photo, but include the verb or emotion to help relay the entirety of the photo.
• If you choose to create your  alt-text in Windows  before putting it into a pdf, be sure to read the tips shared by Microsoft.
• After running an accessibility checker, Microsoft shares further steps to save your document as a pdf .
• In the tools pane on the right side, select Accessibility
• Select Reading Order
• Find the image that needs text and right-click it, selecting Edit Alternate Text
• A box shows up to type in your text.
• Save this and scroll through your document to the next image and repeat these steps until you are done.

Accessibility Resources

Below are resources you can access to help you make your submission accessible.

Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription Program

If you don’t have an Acrobat Pro account, you will need access to it. The library has licenses available to enrolled students and it does not require you to be on campus. With a little planning and time management, you can check out an Adobe Creative Cloud license from the library  for 14 days at a time. There are limited licenses available and you may have to wait a few days for a license to become available.

Computer Labs

Miami has on-campus devices that can be used. These can be found at the following locations:

• King Library - Check in with the staff for use of one of their devices.
• 264 Bachelor Hall
• Middletown - 013 Johnson Hall Room (Lab)
• VOA - 100 (Lab)
• Hamilton - 319 Mosler (Lab)

Personal License

If you choose to have your own Acrobat Pro or Creative Cloud license , there are options available for students. There is a 14-day trial available and a monthly subscription for $19.99/month. You may be able to complete your submission using the 14-day trial, however, depending on how many other submissions have been made, it may not be enough time to successfully complete your format check and upload. Submissions will be managed in the order they are received and if changes need to be made, your trial may run out before your document is published.

If you need assistance with your document or need more detail on tips to be accessible, you can visit Miami's  AccessMU Center . They also include best practices for formatting documents , which may be helpful. They also share information on alt-text .

When you believe your document has been formatted correctly, please email your PDF to [email protected]  to begin the format check process. You must be aware of the format check and OhioLINK deadlines.

Once you have completed the format check, you will be advised regarding the upload to OhioLINK. You may not upload to OhioLINK without permission from the Graduate School. You will receive information about the OhioLINK upload by email once your formatting has been approved.

If you have a very large PDF, you may want to optimize it to reduce the file size. You will want to pay attention to the quality of your document. While OhioLINK allows you to upload large files, if it takes someone fifteen minutes to download your PDF, they will probably forgo your research.

It is mandatory that you create an ORCID if you do not already have one. You may create this when you’ve been given instructions to upload to OhioLINK or do it in advance. If you already have the ID, please be sure to use that identifier when submitting your document to OhioLINK.

Once your paper is in the ETD Center at OhioLINK, it will be available for public viewing and download. Miami University students may not choose the option of uploading the abstract only! You must choose the first option that says you are uploading your bibliographic information, abstract, and full text. You are not permitted to choose the second option, even if you are requesting a publication delay! Your electronic thesis or dissertation will be indexed by Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, and other Internet search engines.

When you upload your PDF to OhioLINK, you will be asked if you want to have OhioLINK forward your thesis/dissertation to ProQuest . ProQuest is a comprehensive collection of theses and dissertations from around the world. There is no extra charge to do this and it is optional. Doctoral candidates are encouraged, but not required, to have their dissertations uploaded to ProQuest.

Delay of Publication

You should request a delay of publication only when it is absolutely necessary. If you think you might need a delay of publication, you should discuss this with your advisor and then submit the Delay of Publication form . On the OhioLINK website, you will be given up to two years to delay the publication, but if you are requesting more, simply write in the comment box that you are requesting 3, 4, or 5 years. When a Miami University ETD administrator reviews your submission, this will be overridden in OhioLINK based on the years and dates submitted on the Delay of Publication form.

While your publication is embargoed, the public will be able to see your abstract. However, your manuscript will not be available for viewing or download until your delay of publication expires. 

When you upload your dissertation/thesis to OhioLINK, you will be asked about copyright options . You will need to choose one of three options, and they will be explained. There are links on the submission form to additional information for each option. The Graduate School does not recommend one particular copyright option and suggests that you review this carefully. Many students choose the first option which is “Copyright, all rights reserved” which allows your document to be available under the fair use  terms of copyright law.

Remember, if you do not want your document immediately available, you can complete the Delay of Publication form.

There is a copyright notice included in your front matter template. Since your thesis or dissertation is copyright protected, you should complete that information in the template. If you like, you may also apply for an official copyright of your work via the U.S. Copyright Office for a reasonable fee.

Style Manuals

The Graduate School will accept theses and dissertations prepared in the format recommended by the style manual published by your discipline’s professional society. Other style manuals recommended are the following:

• A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by Kate Turabian (8th Edition, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2013)
• The Chicago Manual of Style  17th Edition, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2017.
• Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th Edition, Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2009)

Additional Information

Some departments have additional guidelines for preparing manuscripts. It is your responsibility to follow department-specific guidelines together with those found in this guide when preparing your manuscript. The final responsibility for the format of your thesis or dissertation rests upon you as the author. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar must be used correctly. The Graduate School reserves the right to refuse any manuscript that does not observe these fundamentals and that does not follow the format guidelines found within.

If you find your plans change and you have already applied for graduation , you will need to email [email protected] . Your application will be canceled and you can reapply for a new term when you are prepared.

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• BA Thesis Process

The BA Thesis Seminar is for students who are interested in pursuing independent study and deepening their research skills. This seminar is well suited for students who plan to pursue graduate degrees.

The BA Thesis Seminar guides students engaged in research design, data collection and analysis, and thesis writing. For students pursuing the thesis capstone option, registration for the BA Thesis Seminar PBPL 29800 is required in Autumn Quarter of the final year of study in the major, though the thesis process continues through Spring Quarter.

Successful completion of the BA Thesis capstone option involves passing PBPL 29800, while also meeting related thesis requirements, including participation in the BA Thesis Symposium in February, and the timely submission of an acceptable polished draft in March and final BA paper in April.

Only students who successfully complete a BA thesis are eligible for honors.

On this page:

Expectations for the ba thesis.

• BA Thesis FAQ

BA Thesis Process, 2023-2024

Enroll in the BA Seminar: Public Policy (PBPL 29800) for credit in autumn. Although you only register in the autumn quarter of your final year, the seminar meets once per week throughout Autumn, and then in small group meetings with a preceptor, and/or one-on-one in winter and spring quarters. Grades for the course will be calculated on the basis of performance and progress through Autumn, Winter, and Spring, and will be assigned in the Spring, following the submission of the BA Thesis.

• Double majors, joint students, and students on extended status can opt out of their Autumn BA seminar registration with a waiver approved by the PBPL department (non-enrolled students will be paired with a Public Policy preceptor). To substitute for the PBPL Thesis Track, students must submit the waiver, a policy-relevant thesis and earn a full credit and a quality grade in a thesis seminar, There are no substitutes for the PBPL Project Track.
• Double majors writing one BA for two majors should also submit the Single Bachelor's Paper for Two Majors petition and obtain the signature of both majors' directors
• Consider recruiting a Second Reader from UChicago faculty for the Public Policy BA Thesis as additional support; other experts can be approved as Second Reader on a case-by-case basis

Important Deadlines  

Autumn 2023

Early fall: Submit IRB protocols for human subjects research (please see IRB handout for details about the process and about human subjects research). In order to collect data with human subjects, it is highly recommended you submit this protocol as early as you can.

Mid-December:  BA Thesis Long Write-Up, formerly Autumn Draft, due (about 15 pages).

The College Center for Research and Fellowships provides opportunities for research funding and other supports. Please, visit their webpage for additional information.

Winter 2024

Students do not register for the BA Seminar in the Winter quarter , but continue to meet with their preceptors on a regular basis. Students on extended status must inform the Public Policy Administrator about their change of status and must continue to meet regularly with their preceptors and submit assignments. 

Important Deadlines

Early February: Annual Senior BA Symposium

• This is a required academic conference at which students will present their research to faculty and peers in 10 min presentations followed by Q&A

Early March:  Polished Draft and Second Reader Forms due to preceptor

• Polished Drafts (and final theses) tend to range between 35-60 pages

Around 1-2 weeks after submission:  Preceptors will provide feedback on Polished Drafts 

Spring 2024

Mid-April:  Final Draft of BA Thesis due

• BA theses need title page, including name of preceptor (& second reader if you have one), date of submission, and abstract, and are submitted electronically
• Following thesis submission, determinations are made for honors & the Taub Thesis Prizes
• In order to receive honors, student must have an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher, and receive honors recommendation on the BA Thesis
• The preceptor and second reader can both make nominations for honors and the Taub prize; the Public Policy faculty committee then makes the final determinations
• The thesis evaluation is based on extent and originality of research, argumentation, writing quality, etc.

Mid-May:  Celebration! Senior Public Policy Dinner, Speaker Presentations, & Capstone Prizes

Note: If you are planning to graduate prior to Spring quarter please contact the Public Policy Administrator for your BA draft due dates.   

Back to top

BA theses should be more comprehensive in both information gathering and analysis than a term paper. As distinct from a term paper, the BA thesis requires primary data collection and analysis . We emphasize developing a good policy question, settling on an appropriate methodology and utilizing analytical tools to answer the question.

Honors Papers & Honors Eligibility

To be eligible for honors, students must satisfy two requirements:

• Have an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher to be considered eligible for honors initially
• Receive honors recommendation from the Public Policy faculty committee

The Albert C. Svoboda Fellowship

The Albert C. Svoboda Fellowship provides summer research fellowships for rising fourth-year College students majoring in Public Policy to engage in faculty-guided research in the Chicago area on Chicago-based topics.

Awards are for various amounts, typically between $1,000 and $4,000, based on the research proposal and proposed budget. Svoboda Fellows are responsible for submitting a post-research report at the end of the summer.

BA Thesis FAQ

Your thesis can build upon work you have done elsewhere. However, the BA thesis should be an original paper.

You cannot double count a paper you have written for another course (this also means that you cannot just extend a paper written for another course). Whatever is being used from previous work should be disclosed and cited as such in the thesis. Please note that failure to do so will be considered a violation of academic integrity (i.e., plagiarism). It should be clear that the BA thesis develops new insights that are distinct from those developed in previous work.

Keep in mind that the BA thesis should be structured around the analysis of primary research . Given that most of the papers you have written are based on secondary data, it is likely that papers you have written for other courses would be primarily useful for background, and for helping to develop your research question. If you are considering building on work done for another class, please consult your preceptor.

Public Policy majors writing a BA thesis are strongly encouraged to link their specialization with their BA thesis, though such a link is not formally required.

No. A second reader/faculty adviser is beneficial for providing additional support for your BA thesis work, but they are not required to receive honors for your BA paper.

Note:  All Public Policy BA papers are eligible for honors whether or not students work with a second reader.  Students have successfully graduated with honors in Public Policy without having a 2nd reader/faculty adviser. 

Students having second readers are required to complete the  Second Reader Information and Confirmation form . 

• All University of Chicago Faculty
• Harper-Schmidt Collegiate Assistant Professors
• University of Chicago Lecturers
• University of Chicago Graduate Students (approved on a case by case basis)
• Faculty from other colleges or universities (approved on a case by case basis)

Your BA thesis is read by your preceptor and your second reader/faculty adviser who evaluates your paper as 1) acceptable; 2) not acceptable: or 3) acceptable with an honors recommendation.

A student who satisfactorily completes the BA Thesis Seminar (autumn and winter) but does not complete a BA thesis receives 100 course credit, but is not eligible to graduate unless the student completes the BA Project Seminar (PBPL 29500).

Learn more about the BA Project Seminar.

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• Dissertation
• Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on November 21, 2023.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to your field.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organizational structure of your thesis or dissertation. This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

Table of contents

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis and dissertation outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

• Working Title
• “Elevator pitch” of your work (often written last).
• Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
• Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
• Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope , population , and data collection ).
• Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
• Answer the research question in a concise way.
• Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

For a more detailed overview of chapters and other elements, be sure to check out our article on the structure of a dissertation or download our template .

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilizing some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the “IS-AV” (inanimate subject with an active verb ) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The “I” construction

Another option is to use the “I” construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and “I” construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as “discuss,” “present,” “prove,” or “show.” Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

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When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2023, November 21). Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/dissertation-thesis-outline/

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2024 Design Show website

The Division of Design launched the 2024 Design Show website featuring the Bachelor of Design (BDes) capstone projects and Master of Design (MDes) thesis projects.

View the 2024 Design Show website

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School of Materials Science and Engineering

Thesis defense – joseph kern.

MRDC Room 3515 and Virtually via MS Teams Meeting ID: 253 298 189 29 Passcode: 4i2x7u

• Dr. Rampi Ramprasad, Advisor, MSE
• Dr. Karl Jacob, MSE
• Dr. Sunderasan Jayaraman, MSE
• Dr. Blair Brettmann, ChBE
• Dr. Chao Zhang,  CSE

Plastics have become indispensable in our modern world, serving diverse purposes from packaging to electronics. However, the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, with microplastics now ubiquitous across the globe, poses serious threats to both environmental and human health. Despite this, conventional recycling methods often fall short due to cost constraints and technical challenges, necessitating a shift towards innovative, eco-friendly polymer solutions.

This thesis delves into a vast chemical landscape, spanning hundreds of millions of commercially available and theoretical monomers–a number impossible to explore experimentally–in pursuit of novel polymers capable of addressing the shortcomings of traditional plastics. Employing digital reaction pathways, advanced genetic algorithms, and cutting-edge machine learning models, we aim to identify polymers that not only meet stringent recycling criteria but also possess the mechanical and thermal properties requisite for practical application.

Our exploration extends to predicting polymer solubility, streamlining experimental data analysis, and leveraging machine learning algorithms to assess monomer toxicity, thus refining the selection process. By navigating this intricate hypothetical polymer design space, we strive to provide insight to our polymer chemist collaborators, assisting them in uncovering the elusive "needle in a haystack" polymer that could revolutionize the plastics industry and mitigate the global burden of plastic pollution.

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School of Computing and Information Science

Dr. wörsdörfer published in “philosophy & technology”.

Manuel Wörsdörfer, assistant professor  of management and  computing ethics , recently had a paper accepted for publication in  Philosophy & Technology,  one of the world’s leading computer ethics journals. The paper is titled “Biden’s Executive Order on AI and the E.U.’s AI Act: A Comparative Computer-Ethical Analysis.”

From the abstract:

“AI (ethics) initiatives are essential in bringing about fairer, safer, and more trustworthy AI systems. Yet, they also come with various drawbacks, including ineffective governance mechanisms, window-dressing, and ‘ethics shopping.’ To address those concerns, hard laws are necessary, and more and more countries are moving in this direction.”

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Elektrostal

Elektrostal Localisation : Country Russia , Oblast Moscow Oblast . Available Information : Geographical coordinates , Population, Altitude, Area, Weather and Hotel . Nearby cities and villages : Noginsk , Pavlovsky Posad and Staraya Kupavna .

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Elektrostal

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Elektrostal , city, Moscow oblast (province), western Russia . It lies 36 miles (58 km) east of Moscow city. The name, meaning “electric steel,” derives from the high-quality-steel industry established there soon after the October Revolution in 1917. During World War II , parts of the heavy-machine-building industry were relocated there from Ukraine, and Elektrostal is now a centre for the production of metallurgical equipment. Pop. (2006 est.) 146,189.

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June 13th, 2024 - The competition was first introduced by the University of Queensland, whereas 3MT was organised by the Council of Malaysian Postgraduate Deans in response to the widespread interest and enthusiasm among Malaysian universities and students.

The inaugural Malaysia 3MT competition was held in 2015, with the aim to cultivate research presentation and communication skills among postgraduate students. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) co-organised the first competition, which featured participants from over 20 Malaysian public and private universities.

This year, the tradition continues with UKM as the main organiser and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) as the co-organiser. The competition was held on 13 June 2024 at UKM, with participants comprising of 66 contestants from 22 universities across Malaysia, competing in two categories namely Science, Engineering, and Technology; and Social Sciences.

Hamidah Mohd Zain, a student from the Advanced Medical and Dentistry Institute (AMDI) USM clinched First Place in the Science, Engineering, and Technology category with her presentation "Nano-Propolis From Kelulut: Extinguishing the Flame of Inflammation”. This victory qualifies Hamidah to represent Malaysia at the Asia-Pacific 3MT Competition at the University of Queensland, Australia, in October 2024.

Congratulations and thank you to our UPM representatives on their efforts and participation in 2024's National Level 3 Minutes Thesis Competition held on 13th June 2024 at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Participants from UPM 1. Sina Abdipoor Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology

2. Lee Li Xin Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences

3. Yasmina Ahmad Uzhir Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

4. Safura Adeela Sukiman Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology

Congratulations to Mrs. Safura Adeela Sukiman from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, who has won 1st Runner Up in 2024's National Level 3 Minutes Thesis Competition, Social Science Category. Well done to the winners as well as all participants who successfully represented their respective universities with their research ideas. Special thanks also go to all responsible officers and departmental management who assisted throughout the implementation of the 3MT program this year.

Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang ,Selangor

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