Writing as it is WritWriting as it is Writ Some Examples of Gems from HistorySome Examples of Gems from History

Each pronoun should agree with their antecedent Each pronoun should agree with their antecedent Just between you and I, case is important Just between you and I, case is important A preposition is a poor word to end a sentence with A preposition is a poor word to end a sentence with Verbs has to agree with their subject Verbs has to agree with their subject Don’t use no double negatives Don’t use no double negatives A writer mustn’t shift your point of viewA writer mustn’t shift your point of viewWhen dangling, don’t use participles When dangling, don’t use participles Join clauses good, like a conjunction shouldJoin clauses good, like a conjunction shouldDon’t write a run-on sentence because it is difficult when you Don’t write a run-on sentence because it is difficult when you got to punctuate it so it makes sense when the reader reads got to punctuate it so it makes sense when the reader reads what you wrote what you wrote About sentence fragments About sentence fragments

Do you have any others?Do you have any others?

From Go to ………..From Go to ………..Approaching the Finish Line: How Approaching the Finish Line: How

to Write a PhD Thesisto Write a PhD Thesis

ORORA man may write at any time, if he will A man may write at any time, if he will

set himself doggedly to itset himself doggedly to it

Samuel JohnsonSamuel Johnson

Outline of PresentationOutline of Presentation

A thesis is a journey and only one A thesis is a journey and only one part of your academic trainingpart of your academic training

How is a thesis structured, our viewsHow is a thesis structured, our views

Based on the field of biomedical Based on the field of biomedical science and social sciencescience and social science

QuestionsQuestions

Synopsis of the SessionSynopsis of the SessionBackground: the concept of a thesisBackground: the concept of a thesisRequirements for a thesis, and the journey thereRequirements for a thesis, and the journey thereSelf authorshipSelf authorship

COFFEE?COFFEE?Personal issues with creating a thesisPersonal issues with creating a thesisSome things to tell studentsSome things to tell studentsSpecial cases: internationals; trauma, illnessesSpecial cases: internationals; trauma, illnessesStrategies in therapy of avoidanceStrategies in therapy of avoidanceExaminers, editors, exemplarsExaminers, editors, exemplarsSome things students have told meSome things students have told meYour personal experiencesYour personal experiencesDiscussionDiscussion

About LaurieAbout LauriePhD in Human Rehabilitation (University PhD in Human Rehabilitation (University of Northern Colorado USA)of Northern Colorado USA)15 years at QUT15 years at QUTFaculties of Arts, Social Sciences, Built Faculties of Arts, Social Sciences, Built Environment and Engineering and Environment and Engineering and Creative Industries (2012)Creative Industries (2012)8 PhD (supervise) and 4 PhD (co-super)8 PhD (supervise) and 4 PhD (co-super)Research focus: with people!Research focus: with people!

About TerryAbout TerryPhD in Biochemistry (UQ)PhD in Biochemistry (UQ)Seven years U Pennsylvania USASeven years U Pennsylvania USAThree years Australian National UniThree years Australian National UniTwenty four years QIT/QUTTwenty four years QIT/QUTDirector Research Studies FaSTDirector Research Studies FaSTHead of School Biomedical SciencesHead of School Biomedical SciencesPersonal focusPersonal focus– Over two dozen graduated studentsOver two dozen graduated students– Research on structure and functionResearch on structure and function

What is a PhD?What is a PhD?A holder of a Ph.D. … should have knowledge, A holder of a Ph.D. … should have knowledge, skills, perspectives and understanding to be skills, perspectives and understanding to be capable of self-directed scientific work of a quality capable of self-directed scientific work of a quality satisfactory to others in the fieldsatisfactory to others in the field

IUBMB PhD StandardsIUBMB PhD Standards

Distinctive contribution to knowledge with Distinctive contribution to knowledge with evidence of originality shown by discovery of new evidence of originality shown by discovery of new facts &/or exercise of independent critical powerfacts &/or exercise of independent critical power

University of LondonUniversity of London

What Does a PhD Signify?What Does a PhD Signify?Recognition, formulation & resolution Recognition, formulation & resolution of a research questionof a research questionEvaluation of significance of solutionEvaluation of significance of solutionClear written Clear written & oral & oral presentationpresentation of of resultsresultsSelf-directed (original) significant Self-directed (original) significant contribution to knowledgecontribution to knowledgeStrong sense of research integrity Strong sense of research integrity and professional standardsand professional standards

What is a thesis?What is a thesis?

A themed written argumentA themed written argument

Exposition of original research in Exposition of original research in contextcontext

Culmination of an apprenticeshipCulmination of an apprenticeship

Possibly largest (& most self-Possibly largest (& most self-indulgent) work students doindulgent) work students do

Something that could be published Something that could be published (is published)(is published)

Differences among DisciplinesDifferences among Disciplines‘‘Experimental’ ScienceExperimental’ Science– Thesis writing often late in candidatureThesis writing often late in candidature– Hypothesis formulated to test theoryHypothesis formulated to test theory– Aims/goals address hypothesisAims/goals address hypothesis

‘‘Social’ ScienceSocial’ Science– Thesis writing begins earlyThesis writing begins early– Formulation of research questionsFormulation of research questions– Data gathered, then analysed various Data gathered, then analysed various

waysways

Getting StartedGetting StartedEncourage you to Encourage you to

Pin the working title and hypothesis Pin the working title and hypothesis above the work areaabove the work areaRead some theses from your Read some theses from your group/areagroup/areaHave a plan and concept mapHave a plan and concept mapTake the lead – use their own words Take the lead – use their own words and ideasand ideasPlan the argumentPlan the argument

Things to Help PlanningThings to Help Planning

How to writeHow to writeContent – background, methods, results, Content – background, methods, results, conclusionsconclusions

Format – typeface, spacing, figuresFormat – typeface, spacing, figures

Style – language, logic and efficiency Style – language, logic and efficiency

Planning – do it today; yes, NOWPlanning – do it today; yes, NOW

Timing – estimate and double or treble itTiming – estimate and double or treble it

Editing – acceptable inputsEditing – acceptable inputs

Finishing – deciding to draw the line under Finishing – deciding to draw the line under the exercisethe exercise

Writing IS fun!Writing IS fun!CRUNCH TIME (when? – see later)!CRUNCH TIME (when? – see later)!

This is the hardest partThis is the hardest part

Allocate 2 to 3 times the amount of time to Allocate 2 to 3 times the amount of time to writing as to gathering materialwriting as to gathering material

Students must be Students must be writerswriters as well as a as well as a researchers - write wellresearchers - write well

Write early and write oftenWrite early and write often

Learn to draft and reviseLearn to draft and revise

‘‘Get it right, but get it written first!’Get it right, but get it written first!’

Simple Structure of a Thesis Simple Structure of a Thesis The Bellman’s Rule of ThreeThe Bellman’s Rule of Three

OverallOverallIntroduction – what the thesis says; context of the hypothesisIntroduction – what the thesis says; context of the hypothesisBody of the thesis – what makes the thesisBody of the thesis – what makes the thesisConclusion – what the thesis said; what it means for future directionsConclusion – what the thesis said; what it means for future directions

Each chapterEach chapterIntroduction – what this chapter says; where it sits in the themeIntroduction – what this chapter says; where it sits in the themeBody of the chapter – methods, resultsBody of the chapter – methods, resultsConclusion – what this chapter means; how it leads logically to the nextConclusion – what this chapter means; how it leads logically to the next

Each paragraphEach paragraphIntroduction – broaches an idea; links to previous ideasIntroduction – broaches an idea; links to previous ideasBody of the paragraph – describes the ideaBody of the paragraph – describes the ideaConclusion – concludes the idea (and links to next)Conclusion – concludes the idea (and links to next)

Not just repetition – linking, theme, rationale, integrationNot just repetition – linking, theme, rationale, integration

A Generic StructureA Generic StructureIntroduction/ThemeIntroduction/Theme Why am I doing this?Why am I doing this?

Literature ReviewLiterature Review What is known? What is unknown?What is known? What is unknown?

AimsAims What do/did I hope to find out?What do/did I hope to find out?

MethodologyMethodology How is/was it found out?How is/was it found out?

ResultsResults What did I find?What did I find?

DiscussionDiscussion What does it mean?What does it mean?

ConclusionConclusion What is the significance? What What is the significance? What applications? Where to next?applications? Where to next?

Thesis by PublicationThesis by PublicationCommon practice in many countriesCommon practice in many countriesQUT has this optionQUT has this optionThesis has published manuscripts (as Thesis has published manuscripts (as chapters) with format of traditional chapters) with format of traditional thesisthesisDiscuss this with supervisor early Discuss this with supervisor early and plan out papers in advance and plan out papers in advance – one has to be accepted before thesis one has to be accepted before thesis

submissionsubmission

Planning the thesisPlanning the thesisWrite one sentence for:Write one sentence for: Example:Example:

IntroductionIntroduction A PhD is examined by a written A PhD is examined by a written thesisthesis

Problem addressedProblem addressed Many students do not complete Many students do not complete on timeon time

Literature/backgroundLiterature/background Late submission is highly Late submission is highly correlated with delay of start of correlated with delay of start of writingwriting

Methods to solve problemMethods to solve problem Create a thesis map and collect Create a thesis map and collect material for each chapter material for each chapter throughout studythroughout study

ResultsResults Non-linear approaches bring Non-linear approaches bring advances on many frontsadvances on many fronts

ConclusionConclusion Drafting and re-drafting chapters Drafting and re-drafting chapters is a normal processis a normal process

Developing the ThesisDeveloping the ThesisConvert plan/argument into chaptersConvert plan/argument into chapters– at least one chapter per sentenceat least one chapter per sentence

perhaps more than one, sometimesperhaps more than one, sometimes

Develop a physical “structure”Develop a physical “structure”– set up folders for each chapterset up folders for each chapter

have a plan for each chapterhave a plan for each chapter

Allow the plan to evolveAllow the plan to evolve– don’t be worried about changingdon’t be worried about changing

new results may require reinterpretationsnew results may require reinterpretations

Gathering materialGathering materialFieldwork, literature reviewFieldwork, literature review

Interviews; Methodology (6 months)Interviews; Methodology (6 months)

Proof of Principle (6 months)Proof of Principle (6 months)

Data analysis and validationData analysis and validation

Maintain notes (laboratory workbooks), but Maintain notes (laboratory workbooks), but also …also …– turn notes into thoughts from the startturn notes into thoughts from the start

A thesis takes about 60 mins a dayA thesis takes about 60 mins a day– this is about 6 monthsthis is about 6 months

It Takes MUCH Longer …….It Takes MUCH Longer …….

ChCh TitleTitle LengthLength TimeTime

11 Intro/AbstractIntro/Abstract 500500 3 months3 months

22 Lit Review (rev)Lit Review (rev) 20,00020,000 12 months12 months

33 MethodsMethods 10,00010,000 10 months10 months

44 Results 1Results 1 20,00020,000 10 months10 months

55 Results 2Results 2 20,00020,000 12 months12 months

66 Results 3Results 3 20,00020,000 18 months18 months

77 ConclusionConclusion 10,00010,000 12 months12 months

Based on experience of 28 PhD and Masters (Research) students

Bibliography – it doesn’t come lastBibliography – it doesn’t come last

Keep a database of complete Keep a database of complete referencesreferences– Use an accepted reference styleUse an accepted reference style

Use a tool (Endnote)Use a tool (Endnote)

– Get the detail right first timeGet the detail right first timeSpelling, page numbers, titles, publishersSpelling, page numbers, titles, publishers

Try to be consistent throughoutTry to be consistent throughout– Published & unpublished worksPublished & unpublished works

Explain variations up frontExplain variations up front

Special CasesSpecial Cases

International StudentsInternational Students– ExpressionsExpressions– CulturesCultures– Support networksSupport networks

Changing & Forming RelationshipsChanging & Forming Relationships– Friend or mentorFriend or mentor– External demandsExternal demands– Peer groupsPeer groups

Maintaining MomentumMaintaining MomentumStrategies in Therapy of AvoidanceStrategies in Therapy of Avoidance

Tricks for Staying FocussedTricks for Staying FocussedPractise often:Practise often:

the ‘pitch’ the ‘pitch’ 1 - 2 sentences that summarise what the thesis is about1 - 2 sentences that summarise what the thesis is about

the paragraphthe paragraph– the abstract of the thesisthe abstract of the thesis

the pagethe page– a chance to briefly outline an argumenta chance to briefly outline an argument

Align the exercises to current work and problemsAlign the exercises to current work and problems

If there are problems in any of these, it is a symptom of a If there are problems in any of these, it is a symptom of a lack of focus, structure and clarity!lack of focus, structure and clarity!

Problems with writing 1Problems with writing 1““How do I plan? When do I plan?”How do I plan? When do I plan?”

The best way and time is at the The best way and time is at the beginning:beginning:– Stage 2, Confirmation, Progress Reports, Stage 2, Confirmation, Progress Reports,

laboratory books (diaries/journals) are all part laboratory books (diaries/journals) are all part of thesis writingof thesis writing

PhD project management should PhD project management should include a strand for thesis writinginclude a strand for thesis writing

Consult, review, TODAY.Consult, review, TODAY.

Problems with writing 2Problems with writing 2 “ “I think I have writer’s block”I think I have writer’s block”

work on manageable pieceswork on manageable pieces write down the main points – revisit write down the main points – revisit your themeyour theme you don’t have to write it in orderyou don’t have to write it in order accept there are several drafts – get accept there are several drafts – get the ideas downthe ideas down complex ideas may not be linear – complex ideas may not be linear – draw a ‘concept map’draw a ‘concept map’

Problems with Writing 3Problems with Writing 3““I have trouble showing it is my idea”I have trouble showing it is my idea”

Recommended passive tenses can Recommended passive tenses can cloud attributions.cloud attributions.

Try making the authors the subject of Try making the authors the subject of the sentencethe sentence– use “in my opinion” if necessary.use “in my opinion” if necessary.

Don’t be afraid to play with sentence Don’t be afraid to play with sentence structure to get the idea acrossstructure to get the idea across– practice expression and interpretation as a practice expression and interpretation as a

team.team.

Examiners and EditingExaminers and Editing

Think about the ExaminersThink about the Examiners

Discuss them early with supervisorsDiscuss them early with supervisors

Examiners are busy (like you)Examiners are busy (like you)

Examining is a choreExamining is a chore– Make it easy; they might become Make it easy; they might become

colleagues & mentorscolleagues & mentors

Most theses are read in trains, boats, Most theses are read in trains, boats, planes and busesplanes and buses

““Oh no, not another one”Oh no, not another one”

What does an examiner do?What does an examiner do?

Typical scan of a thesisTypical scan of a thesis

Abstract

Conclusions

Contents listing

Figures

Major chapters

Introduction, literature review

Then – questions: Are they answered or considered? Is any of it published?

Corrections: some examiners think this is the only way to show they’ve read it; expect to have some

Finally, a quick read

Editing - Editing - know the different versionsknow the different versions

Three types:Three types:

substantive editing substantive editing

exemplary editing exemplary editing

proof-reading proof-reading

Supervisors are helpers and advisors,Supervisors are helpers and advisors,– not editors or proof readersnot editors or proof readers

Editing – how much is too much?Editing – how much is too much?

You are being trainedYou are being trained– Become familiar with reference texts on style; Become familiar with reference texts on style;

workshops on writing are availableworkshops on writing are available– Understand why expressions and structures Understand why expressions and structures

are changed – ambiguities, break down are changed – ambiguities, break down complex concepts, overly long sentences complex concepts, overly long sentences confuse, etcconfuse, etc

– Good ideas need clear EnglishGood ideas need clear English

Parsing, punctuation, precisParsing, punctuation, precis

““This publication will have my name on it”This publication will have my name on it”

SummarySummaryStart today, never laterStart today, never laterKeep title and hypothesis handyKeep title and hypothesis handyWrite down skeleton arguments clearlyWrite down skeleton arguments clearlyExpand arguments into chaptersExpand arguments into chaptersKeep concurrent folders for each chapterKeep concurrent folders for each chapterKeep the thesis plan a living planKeep the thesis plan a living planSimple sentences, simple ideas, linked structuresSimple sentences, simple ideas, linked structuresMaintain your project plan (manage, revise, update)Maintain your project plan (manage, revise, update)Don’t be afraid to cut and cullDon’t be afraid to cut and cullBe prepared for multiple draftsBe prepared for multiple draftsKnow your audienceKnow your audienceHelp the reader to understandHelp the reader to understandGet advice from others (reading drafts)Get advice from others (reading drafts)Finally, remember: You will probably know more about the thesis, Finally, remember: You will probably know more about the thesis, as a whole, than any of the examiners.as a whole, than any of the examiners.

Things I Have Been ToldThings I Have Been Told

Would you be comfortable Would you be comfortable with these titles?with these titles?

Multiple infections among newborns Multiple infections among newborns resulting from implantation with resulting from implantation with Staphylococcus aureusStaphylococcus aureusPreliminary canine and clinical Preliminary canine and clinical evaluation of a new anti-tumour evaluation of a new anti-tumour agent, Streptovitacinagent, StreptovitacinIsolation of antigens from monkeys Isolation of antigens from monkeys using complement-fixation using complement-fixation techniquestechniques

Efficiency of Expression - 1Efficiency of Expression - 1Many authors, including this laboratory Many authors, including this laboratory (1), have been engaged in the study of the (1), have been engaged in the study of the identification and detection of specific identification and detection of specific biologically active molecules by biologically active molecules by autographic methods. This problem has autographic methods. This problem has recently been reviewed (2).recently been reviewed (2).

Many authors (1-4) have used autographic Many authors (1-4) have used autographic methods to detect and identify biologically methods to detect and identify biologically required molecules (for review see ref 4). required molecules (for review see ref 4).

Efficiency of Expression - 2Efficiency of Expression - 2Using L. arabinosus, detection of about 10-3 µg of Using L. arabinosus, detection of about 10-3 µg of pantothenic acid was possible utilising the tetrazolium plate pantothenic acid was possible utilising the tetrazolium plate technique, meanwhile detection of 10-4 µg and even less technique, meanwhile detection of 10-4 µg and even less was achieved by the slide method advocated here. was achieved by the slide method advocated here. However, E. coli produced a somewhat more satisfactory However, E. coli produced a somewhat more satisfactory growth response than L. arabinosus, for this species forms growth response than L. arabinosus, for this species forms more compact and easily observed microcolonies upon more compact and easily observed microcolonies upon incubation at suitable growth temperatures. incubation at suitable growth temperatures.

With L. arabinosus, the “tetrazolium plate” technique could With L. arabinosus, the “tetrazolium plate” technique could detect 10-3 µg of pantothenic acid whereas the slide detect 10-3 µg of pantothenic acid whereas the slide method could detect as little as 10-4 µg. The growth method could detect as little as 10-4 µg. The growth response with this organism was, however, more difficult to response with this organism was, however, more difficult to observe than with E. coli, which forms more compact observe than with E. coli, which forms more compact microcolonies on incubation.microcolonies on incubation.

Efficiency of Expression - 3Efficiency of Expression - 3The slide method reported appears to offer a possible The slide method reported appears to offer a possible useful application in identification of unknown paper useful application in identification of unknown paper chromatogram spots. Since the lowest concentration chromatogram spots. Since the lowest concentration of most amino acids detectable as spots lies in the of most amino acids detectable as spots lies in the range of 10-1 µg to 5.0 µg and this method will range of 10-1 µg to 5.0 µg and this method will detect as little as 10-2 µg (Table 1), it would perhaps detect as little as 10-2 µg (Table 1), it would perhaps be possible in many cases to cut a spot area into two be possible in many cases to cut a spot area into two or more pieces and screen it against several different or more pieces and screen it against several different organisms with varying amino acid requirements. organisms with varying amino acid requirements. The very high specificity of nutrient requiring mutant The very high specificity of nutrient requiring mutant bacteria would provide a precise means of bacteria would provide a precise means of identification which may often be applied in identification which may often be applied in circumstances wherein limitations of time or circumstances wherein limitations of time or availability of sample are prohibitory to identification availability of sample are prohibitory to identification of spots by more conventional methods.of spots by more conventional methods.

Efficiency of Expression - 3aEfficiency of Expression - 3aThe method may perhaps be applied to the The method may perhaps be applied to the identification of unknown compounds on paper identification of unknown compounds on paper chromatograms; spots cut from such chromatograms; spots cut from such chromatograms could be incubated with chromatograms could be incubated with auxotrophic bacteria having highly specific auxotrophic bacteria having highly specific nutrient requirements. Spots of amino acids that nutrient requirements. Spots of amino acids that are detectable with spray reagents contain at are detectable with spray reagents contain at least 0.1 to 5.0 µg, and since the slide method least 0.1 to 5.0 µg, and since the slide method will detect as little as 0.01 µg (Table 1), a single will detect as little as 0.01 µg (Table 1), a single spot from a chromatogram could, if necessary, be spot from a chromatogram could, if necessary, be divided and tested against several organisms divided and tested against several organisms with different amino acid requirements. This with different amino acid requirements. This bioassay would be rapid, sensitive and specific.bioassay would be rapid, sensitive and specific.

ReferencesReferencesBooksBooks

Truss, L. Truss, L. Eats, Shoots and LeavesEats, Shoots and Leaves Profile Books, London, 2003. Profile Books, London, 2003.Day, R. Day, R. How to write a scientific paperHow to write a scientific paper ISI Press 1979 ISI Press 1979Cribb & Hartomo Cribb & Hartomo Sharing Knowledge: A Guide to Effective Sharing Knowledge: A Guide to Effective

Science CommunicationScience Communication CSIRO Publishing 2002 CSIRO Publishing 2002 (more about general communication than theses)(more about general communication than theses)

Web SitesWeb Sites (accessed 10/05/2012) (accessed 10/05/2012)

www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~jw/thesis.htmlwww.learnerassociates.net/dissthes/learningforsustainability.net/research/phd_research.php