Title page

Make sure that all essential information is included on your title page:

• Topic of the thesis
• Thesis / Master Thesis / Project Report for the degree Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or Master of Science (M.Sc.)
• By Jane Doe
• Supervisor: Prof. Prof. Dr. Firstname Lastname
• Nuremberg, DD.MM.YYYY (Summer Semester YYYY)

Examination declaration

The statutory declaration must not be missing from any thesis:

I, Jane Doe, Matriculation No. 123456789, certify that I have written this thesis independently, have not submitted it elsewhere for examination purposes, have indicated all sources and tools used, and have marked literal and analogous quotes as such.

Plagiarism Declaration in Accordance with Examination Rules: I herewith declare that I have worked on this thesis independently. Furthermore, it was not submitted to any other examining committee. All sources and tools used in this thesis, including literal and analogous quotes, have been identified.

Do not forget the date and your signature.

Publication declaration

This page must include the declaration according to § 19 para. 8 APO and the publication declaration of the thesis.

Here is the form.

Acknowledgements

The acknowledgements should not exceed one page. They may also be omitted entirely.

Summary

This section contains a brief summary of the most important results of your work.

Remember that this section is the “business card” of your work.

Structure and features:

• Total 250 to 300 words
• Purpose / Objective (5–10 sentences)
• Method (1–2 sentences)
• Results (2–3 sentences)
• Value / Benefit (2–3 sentences)

The summary is also called “abstract”.

For the Master Project Report, the summary should be written in English only.

Used symbols and abbreviations

This section lists all symbols and abbreviations used as a reference.

Always make sure to follow DIN EN ISO 80000.

Latin symbols:

Greek symbols:

Contents – example

Introduction

The introduction presents the background of your thesis.

It informs readers about the important scientific, economic, or ecological contexts of your task.

It should clarify which current problems exist and why you aim to solve certain tasks in your work.

The introduction typically spans 1–2 pages.

Your introduction should answer the following questions:

• Why is your work important?
• What contribution does your work make?
• What is the objective of your work? (research question, hypothesis, research goal)
• How was the research conducted?
• If applicable: How is the work structured?

Theory or state of the art

The “theory” or “state of the art” section provides information on the most important theoretical and practical foundations of your thesis.

Ideally, use descriptive titles instead of just “Theory” or “State of the Art.”

If applicable, multiple chapters may be useful: Optionally work with subchapters.

Here you present the results of your literature research.

This also includes a critical assessment and discussion of the literature. After this, the readers understand the current state of knowledge or state of the art in the task area.

This section allows your audience to understand the type of work conducted, the analyses, and the subsequent evaluation or discussion of the results.

Focus on the essential aspects of your thesis, not on generally known fundamentals.

Information that is not necessary for understanding your work or not applied should not be described here.

Chapters 1 and 2 should together comprise approximately one-third of your thesis: guideline is 15–20 pages.

Objectives and problem solving

Clarify with your supervisor whether a separate chapter for objectives and problem solving is needed or whether these aspects can be included in the introduction.

If you use a separate chapter “Objectives and problem solving”, make sure not to repeat the introduction.

If you decide to include this chapter for a better understanding of your thesis, ensure that it fully covers the objectives or task description.

If your thesis involves multiple tasks contributing to the overall solution, it is helpful for readers to understand which tasks need to be completed and how you intend to solve them.

Explain your strategy for solving the overall research question so that it is clear why you perform certain experiments or measurements.

Materials and methods

In this section, you document your experiments or measurements.

Separate the description of the equipment used from the explanation of the procedure.

The following questions should be answered:

• Which devices (manufacturer), chemicals etc. were used?
• Which techniques were applied?
• How exactly did you perform the work?
• Why was this specific setup chosen?
• How were the obtained results analyzed?
• Are there factors that could influence the research?

Equipment:

Indicate which chemicals (incl. manufacturer and purity used) / devices were employed and how the experimental setup looked.

Methods:

Describe how you conducted your experiments or measurements.

The description must be such that your procedure is understandable and reproducible for the readers.

This section documents the experimental procedure so that other professionals can reproduce the experiments.

Record all parameters relevant for later analysis (e.g. device parameters, eluents, preparation of standard and sample solutions etc.).

The traceability of your results is a strict requirement of quality assurance systems based on ISO 9000 ff.

Measurement results and interpretations do not belong in this chapter.

If you develop a method, indicate the starting and final method and if applicable relevant intermediate steps.

Results and discussion

Present your obtained measurement results – display them in tables!

Everything presented in tables, figures, or schematics must also be introduced and commented on in the text.

If you have many spectra, chromatograms, or similar data, show only selected examples.

Avoid overly detailed displays in huge tables or too many measurement charts. If necessary, these are better placed in the appendix.

Your experimental results should be analyzed with respect to the fundamentals described in section 2 and, if possible, supported by statistical data, e.g. coefficient of variation, confidence interval, statistical significance of differences, number of replicates etc.

Remember: a picture is worth a thousand words.

In the discussion, evaluate the results. Discuss how well the results fit theoretical frameworks or models, and how well they correspond with known literature results.

Also discuss the consequences of the results with respect to the research question.

It is often useful to combine results and discussion in one chapter and use a thematic structure.

This ensures that the obtained results are immediately interpreted and the derived conclusions are applied to further development.

Results: Neutral (!) presentation; no interpretation or personal opinion; concise and precise numbers, data, and facts; illustration of results using tables or charts (must be introduced in the text and have self-explanatory captions).

Discussion: Discussion based on derived diagrams, tables etc.; interpretation of results; What do the results mean? Why are they interesting? What can we learn from the results? Discussion must answer the research question! Discussion is more than personal opinion; What does the literature say? How can the results be explained or reconciled with the literature? Where are differences compared to the literature? Why do they exist?

Contents of a discussion: Point out similarities and differences; describe causes and effects; compare with literature, derive, confirm or refute hypotheses; support your discussion with derived data (diagrams), calculations, or models.

Conclusion

Provide – in a maximum of two pages – information about the results you have achieved regarding the fulfillment of your research question and the consequences you derive from these results.

The conclusion should consist of three parts:

• Summary
• Limitations
• Outlook / Further Work

Summary:

• Summary of the most important findings from the work
• Should not contain new aspects
• The “promises” from the introduction must be kept

Show once again how great your work is (but do not exaggerate and always stay neutral).

– Prof. Dr. Dirk Sachsenheimer

Limitations:

• Specify limitations of your research (methodological, temporal, data collection)
• 3 to 5 aspects

Outlook:

• What would / could you research next based on your findings?
• 3 to 5 aspects

Literature

All sources used (textbooks, publications etc.) must be cited.

At the end of your work, include a complete literature list that details all sources.

More information on citing in chemistry and the literature list can be found in this article: Citing in Chemistry.

Used tools

All tools used (programs, AI-tools etc.) must be indicated.

This also includes Word, Excel, calculator etc. with version and exact name indicated.

Coordinate with your supervisors regarding whether and to what extent you may use generative AI-tools in your final thesis.

If you have questions or uncertainties, you can always contact your supervisors.

Appendix or attachment

All information necessary for understanding the work, which due to its volume or lower relevance does not fit into the main sections, is placed in the appendix.

Frequently asked questions

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Captions

All figures and tables must be captioned and numbered. As a rule, tables have headings, while figures or diagrams are provided with captions. These captions must be self-explanatory, i.e., each figure must be understandable from its caption without having to read the surrounding text. Reference all figures and tables in the text. Figures and tables without references in the text must not occur. Make sure that the caption is on the same page as the figure.

Ensure that the font size of the text in the figure resp. in the table is sufficiently large. For the figure itself, the principle applies: Often less is more – the essential content should be shown large and clearly. Therefore, crop figures appropriately if necessary.

Typical mistakes

• Low-quality mobile phone photos and poor scans are used. Instead, create clean, simple figures.
• Figure captions are missing or not self-explanatory.
• A large figure shows an important detail that is hardly visible. Rather crop the image and scale the essential detail larger. Always make sure that the figure quality is sufficient so that it does not become pixelated.

Frequently asked questions

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Formatting

For binding your thesis you should choose a hardcover binding.

The structure of your thesis

Your thesis does not only consist of the content part you have written. The other formal elements should be arranged in the following order:

• Blank page
• Title page
• Declaration according to § 19 (8) APO (for Bachelor’s/Master’s theses)
• Abstract/Summary
• Table of contents
• List of abbreviations and/or formulas (depending on relevance)
• Content part
• Works Cited
• List of figures and tables (optional)
• Appendix

See also the article: Structuring the thesis.

Page numbers

Not all pages in your thesis will be numbered. Note the following instructions regarding pagination:

• The title page counts as page 1, but is not numbered.
• The declaration is also not numbered.
• The subsequent text pages are provided with page numbers at the bottom right.
• A (possible) foreword after the declaration is not included in the page numbering, as it is not part of a thesis.
• Page numbers: Arabic page numbering begins with the introduction; preceding page numbers are Roman.
• The table of contents begins with Chapter 1.
• For PDFs, however, the table of contents also serves as navigation – then it may be useful to include the parts before the introduction individually in the table of contents as well.

Frequently asked questions

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What do lists of tables or figures look like?

The lists contain a chronological compilation of the titles and page numbers of all figures or tables in the text. They are titled “List of Figures” or “Figures” or “List of Tables” or “Tables” and are not given a number in the table of contents.

Figures and tables are listed in separate listings, and these listings are also included in the table of contents with page numbers.

Examples for indexes

Make preparations

Before creating a list, all tables and figures in your text must be correctly labeled. The label includes the abbreviation “Fig.” along with a consecutive number, the title, and if necessary a short reference when you need to provide a source. For tables it is very uncommon to use the abbreviation “Tbl.”, so you should avoid this.

If you use MS Word, the labeling is done via the function Insert Caption. Enter a precise description (e.g. Table 1: Overview of the experimental results).

Number the labels automatically to keep the numbering consistent. Word will do this for you!

Create a list of tables and figures automatically

Once all tables and figures are labeled, you can have your word processing program create the lists automatically.

Place the cursor where the list should appear (e.g. after the table of contents). In MS Word, go to References → Insert Table of Figures and then choose the desired category Table or Figure. If necessary, you can still adjust the layout.

If you later add or move tables or figures, you should update the list. Click on the list and choose Update Table. Decide whether to update only the page numbers or the entire list.

Citing sources in captions for figures and tables

Figures and tables you include from your sources in your academic paper are treated the same way as direct quotes regarding citation – that is, they are given a short reference in the caption and a full citation in the bibliography.

Creating your own figures and tables

Of course, you can also create your own visual elements to support the understanding of the text. Figures and tables are inserted into the text and labeled appropriately.

Some lecturers want the caption to include the note: own illustration. Others consider this unnecessary because everything in your academic paper that is not cited is attributed to you. It’s best to ask!

The list of figures or tables is an optional part of the structure of a scientific paper.

Frequently asked questions

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Contents and structure

Macrostructure. The macrostructure of a text refers to its division into chapters, subchapters, sections and paragraphs. Ask yourself the following questions to improve the macrostructure of your academic text:

• Are the research question, results, and objective of the work clear and comprehensible throughout the entire text? Is the topic sufficiently narrowed down?
• Structure: Is the sequence of chapters logical and self-explanatory? Are the research question, results, and objective of the work clear, comprehensible, and visible in the outline? Where is the common thread?
• Are the chapter titles self-explanatory? If there are subpoints, are there at least two?
• Has the current state of the art as well as the state of knowledge and research been taken into account?
• Check scientific quality: What is the unique selling point of the work – is there a gain in knowledge? Is the work objective – are different perspectives, conflicting positions, and results addressed? Is the relevance of the work described and proven?
• Sources: Readers must be able to classify the source and find it themselves. How many sources does the bibliography contain? Are all sources academic, reliable, and up to date? Are citation style and bibliography consistent?

Microstructure. The microstructure of a text refers to the logic of the argumentation. Ask yourself the following questions to improve the microstructure of your academic text:

• Are the main statement and argumentation each clear and comprehensible?
• Is the connection between intermediate results, final results, and the research question clear? Is the objective in each main chapter explicitly recognizable?
• Are there cross-references, back-references, and transitions?
• Are the chapters clearly separated from each other? Which ones may be unnecessary or could be combined? Is the order logical and comprehensible?
• Are main chapters, subchapters, and paragraphs each logical and comprehensible in themselves?

Language

Sentence structure:

• Are all sentences clear? If necessary, split overly long sentences and avoid nested or inserted subordinate clauses.
• Avoid excessive nominalizations and passive constructions (instead of The implementation of the research led to exciting results try Implementing the research led to exciting results).
• Check your grammar.

Word choice:

• Look at your word choice. Have you used common technical terms?
• Remove filler words and repetitions such as “of course”, “naturally” etc.
• Do you remain neutral and specific? If necessary, remove judgmental and vague words.
• Either choose to use “we”,
• Make a conscious decision to use “we” or “I” – or deliberately avoid them.
• Check your spelling and punctuation.

Formal requirements

Does your work meet these requirements?

• Is the bibliography available, complete, and consistent?
• Does the chosen citation style match your supervisor’s preferences or the conventions in your field?
• Is the layout appealing and understated? Have you followed the guidelines regarding line spacing, justified text, page numbers, margins, etc.?
• Are the cover page, appendices, and all required lists (abbreviations, figures, etc.) available?
• Does your work contain a declaration of authorship? If required, have you included a data carrier?

Frequently asked questions

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This belongs in the introduction

The introduction should lead to your topic. As a starting point, present the initial situation, for example by naming a current research problem to which your investigations relate, or by giving a specific case study that illustrates a problem. The introduction clarifies the aim of your paper and shows your approach.

Think about why it is relevant for you to address precisely this research question.

An important role is also played by the framework conditions under which your research takes place:

• Which test facilities are available to you?
• When and how can you use certain facilities?
• Special delivery and related waiting times for materials used should also be included in this section.

The introduction can already briefly describe the methodological approach or reconstruct the current state of research. In such a case, it may be advisable to divide the introduction into further sections.

The length of the introduction is usually at least one page. However, it should not be longer than three to four pages. The aim of the introduction is to spark the reader’s interest.

The writing style should be generally understandable, i.e., technical terms should be used sparingly, and mathematical formulas should be (largely) avoided. People who have not studied your field should also be able to understand what you have been working on for half a year after reading the introduction.

Common mistakes in the introduction

Avoid these common mistakes in your introduction:

• The objective of the paper is not mentioned in the introduction.
• The introduction makes it clear that the topic is too broad, without clarifying that only a partial aspect is being addressed.
• The introduction consists of too many elements that do not fit together.
• The introduction contains elements that belong in the main body of the paper. The introduction should only introduce the content that will be discussed in detail in the main body.
• The technical context and the relevance of the question are not evident.
• The introduction only explains the further structure of the paper –  this is already visible in the table of contents.
• The introduction lacks motivation: Why was this paper written with exactly this objective?
• If you wrote your paper in cooperation with a company: The company is presented in too much detail, and the company description reads like an advertisement.

Example of an introduction

The introduction is a mandatory part of The Structure of a Thesis in Engineering and Natural Sciences.

Frequently asked questions

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Formatting

The table of contents carries the title “Table of Contents.” It lists all sections of the paper, including the bibliography, any other lists, and appendices. However, the table of contents itself is typically not listed as an item.

In the digital age of PDFs, it can be useful to include the page number of the table of contents itself in the listing so that readers can navigate more easily.

Only the content sections receive numbering – Arabic numerals are preferred. Page numbers are aligned to the right.

The logical flow

The table of contents must be complete and logically consistent: It reflects the structure of the paper, which should present the topic in a meaningful, systematic, and logically coherent order. In a good outline, subpoints relate to each other instead of following one another without connection. The table of contents should make this “common thread” clearly visible.

The quality of your paper’s structure is an essential criterion in its evaluation.

Goals and headings

YThis structure, reflected in the table of contents, should be understandable without further explanation. The goal is for readers to gain an initial impression of what the chapters and subchapters are about from the heading alone.

For this reason, clear chapter headings usually do not consist of just a single word.

Formulate headings briefly but as precisely and meaningfully as possible.

Nominal style is often used, but you may deviate from it. However, avoid mixing styles if possible.

In nominal style, actions are expressed using nouns: “The Analysis of …”; in verbal style, they are expressed using verbs: “Analyzing ….”

An academic paper is aimed at specialists with general knowledge and an overview of the issue. Accordingly, only terms and concepts that deal with the topic in depth need to be explained. However, avoid these in the table of contents if possible.

Division into subpoints

Depending on the scope and topic of the paper, dividing it into a maximum of three to four subpoints can make it clearer. Often, two levels are sufficient. However, you should never list just one subpoint.

Too many subpoints fragment the paper and show that related topics have not been combined meaningfully.

The length of the individual sections depends on the content, and they should be proportionate to each other.

Avoid these mistakes

• The table of contents reflects a faulty or unfavorable structure of the paper
• The division principle is not followed, i.e., main points do not form a content bracket for the subpoints, or subpoints do not exclude each other
• The table of contents contains leftover categories such as e.g. “Further Categories” – check whether and where these contents can be meaningfully integrated
• Page numbers are missing

This is how it’s done

• The heading states the division principle for the following subpoints, i.e., one outline level forms a logical bracket around the subpoints below it
• The subpoints are mutually exclusive in content
• If a chapter has subpoints, there must be at least two
• The content weighting of the subpoints is balanced

The table of contents is a required part of The Structure of a Thesis in Engineering and Natural Sciences.

Frequently asked questions

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Listed here are: both Latin and Greek upper- and lowercase letters, as well as those from other alphabets, and special characters.

The formula symbols are listed in alphabetical order in the directory, and the directory itself is placed in your paper after the table of contents, but before the introduction.

The formula symbol directory is an optional part of the structure of a scientific paper.

Frequently asked questions

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Adjust the standard structure

Adapt the standard structure shown below to your topic and the approach you have chosen. Combine e.g. “Summary” and “Outlook” and replace the heading with meaningful titles without changing the meaning. You may omit elements that are not needed. In any case, discuss your outline with your instructors.

During the course of the work, the structure will be revised and adjusted repeatedly.

Formal elements before the main content

Main content

Formal elements after the main content

“Remember that every good structure adapts to the type of thesis. If deviating from a ‘regular’ structure benefits understanding, you may and should adapt it accordingly.”

– Prof. Dr. Matthias Hopf, Faculty of EFI, TH Nuremberg

Frequently asked questions

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