Notes for scientific work

1. processing

Work on a topic begins even before the respective task is announced. You should already know in advance which area you would like to work on. Preparing the topic also includes writing a synopsis.

Once you have been assigned the topic, you should study it intensively. This includes an intensive literature search on the current state of research, using all the resources available to the modern student (see also: Notes on literature research). It is important to lead up to the scientific question by means of a coherent, self-contained presentation.

The methodological approach is determined on the basis of the research question. To this end, a decision must first be made between a qualitative or quantitative approach.

In the empirical part, the necessary analyses are carried out, which are then evaluated in the results section.

Despite the assistance, consultations etc. provided, students are expected to work largely independently. They are expected to work on the topic and present it in an independent scientific paper.

The supervisors have the task of guiding them through the topic. They give their advice and suggestions for good reasons and therefore these should also be taken into account when working on the topic. In particular, this does not mean that assistance is conclusive - it is only intended as a suggestion! You should recognize problems and questions yourself and bring them into the discussion. Use the opportunity and take the initiative to advance yourself and the topic! It is recommended that you present at least the three work statuses "structure of the thesis", "methodology used" and "operationalization" to your supervisor.

2. design of the thesis

• Length of Bachelor's and Master's theses: 50 - 60 or 70 - 80 pages incl. tables and figures, plus indexes and appendices if applicable

• Guidelines for the written preparation of the thesis:
  see brochure "Working and writing academically"

Essential aspects are already included in the template for theses.

You can also findcriteria for assessing the thesis here.

Further information on academic writing can also be found on the pages of the TU Dresden Writing Center.

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