What are the components of a thesis?
Each thesis, whether it's an engineering or master's thesis, consists of five parts. It starts with an introduction, which should include a review of the most important research conducted on the thesis topic. This section should refer to previous studies, citing their results. The introduction ends with the purpose of the presented work. Then, there is a description of the applied method. This part should contain all information about the technology used, frameworks, algorithms, etc. Next, the results are presented. This is just a presentation of the most important results of the work (e.g., in the form of tables, figures) but without their interpretation. In the discussion, the obtained results should be discussed and compared with other works. If the subject of the thesis is an application (and there are no results to compare), differences between the created solution and others that are similar should be indicated. The conclusion should highlight the most important features of the work and describe its practical application.
How long should a master's thesis be?
The entire thesis should be between 50 to 70 pages. The individual parts of the thesis should have the following lengths:
Introduction - approx. 15 pages.
Method - approx. 5 pages.
Results - approx. 10 pages.
Discussion - approx. 10-15 pages.
Summary and implications - approx 5 pages.
How long should an engineering thesis be?
The entire thesis should be between 35 to 50 pages. The individual parts of the thesis should have the following lengths:
Introduction - approx. 10 pages.
Method - approx. 5 pages.
Results - approx. 5 pages.
Discussion - approx. 10 pages.
Summary and implications - approx 5 pages.
Does a diploma thesis have to be "innovative"?
A diploma thesis does not have to contain results that have never been conducted by anyone before. A diploma thesis is meant to prove that the student has mastered their chosen field of computer science to the extent that they can independently design and conduct research in this area. If you want to conduct research that nobody has done before, it will definitely be a big asset to your work. In such a case, you can count on a high grade during the defense and the possibility of publishing your results.
Can a diploma thesis be done in a team?
A diploma thesis can be done in a two-person team. Remember, however, that in such a case the chosen thesis topic must be complex enough to justify a team effort. The thesis should include parts that were done together. In cases where a specific part of the thesis was done only by one person (for example, the theoretical introduction), this must be clearly indicated. A team-written thesis should be about 20-40% longer compared to a thesis written by one person.
This is my last semester and I won't be able to complete my thesis on time. What should I do?
First of all, contact the dean's office, explain your situation, and ask for guidance. If you don't deliver the thesis accepted by the supervisor on time, you won't be able to get credit for the master's seminar. Delivering and having the thesis accepted by the supervisor for defense is a condition for passing the master's seminar if this is your last semester of studies. If you fail to deliver the thesis in such a case, you will probably have to submit an application for an extension from the master's seminar and defend in the next semester.
What does the defense of a diploma thesis look like?
If your thesis has been accepted by your supervisor, you have a positive review in Gakko, and a defense date has been set, you can prepare for the defense. Arrive at the university punctually, preferably a little ahead of time. During the defense of your thesis, you will be asked to briefly summarize your work (up to five minutes). Then, the committee consisting of the chairman, your supervisor, and the reviewer, will ask you questions related to the thesis and your studies. This part of the defense can last from several to several dozen minutes. You will be asked to leave the room, and after a short break, the committee will present its assessment.
I want to defend my thesis according to the study plan in July. When do I need to submit my work?
By April 30, submit the title page, abstract, theoretical introduction to the work (with literature), and method description. In the following week, your first part of the work will be reviewed, and you will receive suggestions for changes and feedback. In the meantime, plan and conduct research for the empirical part of your work.
By May 14, submit the final version of the title page, abstract, theoretical introduction to the work (with literature), and method description.
By May 31, submit the results, discussion, and summary. In the following week, your second part of the work will be reviewed, and you will receive suggestions for changes and feedback.
By June 18, submit the final version of your diploma thesis.
June 19 – acceptance/rejection of the work by the supervisor, entry into the Gakko system, selection of reviewers by the supervisor, plagiarism check, delivery of the work to the dean's office, etc.
Does the diploma thesis have to be printed?
Yes, the diploma thesis must be printed and delivered to the Dean's Office and to the Library. The way of printing the thesis does not affect the grade (it can be a version printed in a print shop, at a Xerox point, or simply on a home printer - it doesn't make a difference to me). You can find more information here. The thesis also needs to be recorded on a CD.
