How to write dissertations & project reports

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