Methodology for Planning and Performance of a Scientific Project in Electronics

1. ITB/Electronics Master’s Thesis

2. 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

3. Fundamental levels: A level B level Engineering diploma Higher levels: C level Bachelor degree D level Master’s degree Academic levels

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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

16. Three players in the examination drama • Respondent = you • Opponent = also you, but... • ...in another student’s seminar • Examiner = the referee

17. 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. The Respondent’s tasks

18. 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. The Opponent’s tasks

19. 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 The Examiner’s tasks

20. 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 The Examiner’s tasks

21. 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 The Examiner’s tasks

22. 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 author’s 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? Opposition

23. elaborate thoroughly on the idea allocate resources for e.g. supervision of the thesis work formally sign an agreement on the employer’s sincere intention of supporting the student in order to achieve results efficiently Application form The application form is forcing the employer who came up with the idea of the thesis work or his/her superior to: if the assigned supervisor says It is your insurance ”I don’t have time for that!”

24. Application form Fill the Thesis Application Form carefully!