The THESIS In Partial Fulfillment of the Master of Science in Marine and Environmental Biology at Nicholls State University

Purpose of the Thesis Demonstration of Scientific Proficiency and Literacy

General Characteristics of the Thesis Disciplined writing, as a scientific paper May describe more than one topic All or most data produced during student’s training Reviews work that led to degree Review of all previous work Clarifies problem, why selected problem, how attacked problem, what learned from studies Lit rev, report of original research or professional project, synthesis Abstract sometimes published separately

Specific Thesis Requirements AT NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY Nicholls State University Graduate Studies Thesis Policy and Guidelines (rev. June 2003) Thesis Committee: 3-4 members approved by Coordinator 2 biology, including adjuncts; all Ph.D. Approval of Thesis Proposal Format TBA Due at end of second semester, concurrent with choosing major professor Requires committee and subsequent approvals Final Examination (Committee Examination and Public Defense) Final Examination Report for a Thesis* Deadlines (University Bulletin) Final date to submit a thesis for approval (eight days prior) Final date to for filing an approved thesis (first day of finals) Thesis Form and Style (committee decision)

Specific Thesis Requirements AT NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY Thesis Form and Style Title Page (specific format) Copyright page Approval Page (Final Examination Report) Acknowledgements (optional) Abstract (300 word limit; may be publ separately) Table of Contents List of Tables (if included) List of Figures (if included) List of Abbreviations (recommended) Body of Thesis (Two Major Forms) Bibliography Appendices Biographical Sketch (100 word limit)

Two Major Forms of Thesis Body AT NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY Traditional Style Introduction Purpose Literature Review Objectives Materials & Methods Results Discussion Conclusions Chapter Style Introduction Literature Review Chapter I Abstract Introduction Materials & Methods Results and Discussion Literature Cited Tables and Figures Chapter II AIMRLT Complementary Studies Conclusions

Specific Requirements for MAEB AT NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY CBE Style (“Scientific Style and Format”) All citations and bibliographic entries uniform Name-Date Style Minimum 25% cotton (rag) paper (acid-free) Times Roman 12-pt type Word-processed; computer-generated tables and figures Curriculum Vitae following Biographical Sketch High quality (density), reproducible photographs 1.5” left margin, 1” margins top, bottom, right Page numbering bottom center

Avoiding Problems with Thesis Get Started Early Learn bibliographic management software (like Endnote or Reference Manager) Maintain Professional Relationship with Advisors Carefully Plan Proposal Maintain Accurate, Complete, and Annotated Data Write Thesis as Work Progresses Complete Error-Free Final Copy Stay Attentive to Deadlines Finish Before You Go Away

BIOL 568 Assignment Write Introduction to Thesis Purpose Clarification of Problem Why Problem was Selected Approach to Problem Literature Review Objectives Same Deadlines as ENGL 468 Literature Review

Graduate Student Handbook Next Week at 9:30 AM

CLARIFICATIONS FROM LAST WEEK THESIS COMMITTEE APPROVAL: Coordinator of Graduate Studies. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: 3-4 members, 2 from biology (including adjuncts); all must hold the Ph.D. (or otherwise obtain approval of Graduate Council). PROPOSAL: Due by end of second semester; approvals of all committee members, coordinator, department head, dean, and Director of Graduate Studies; format to be determined. ORAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM: Concurrent with final committee meeting; questions on thesis research; questions from coursework topics at discretion of major professor. THESIS STYLE: Traditional Style or Chapter Style, at discretion of major professor.