Assignments

SES # TOPICS ASSIGNMENTS
1

Introductions

Proposal Specific Writing Issues

Introduction to Information Sources

Do this Before Ses #2

Find a thesis advisor; read his/her published work; let your thesis advisor know the timeline for your proposal work.

Fill out a thesis intent form and turn it in to the mechanical engineering undergraduate office. (If you have not done so already.)

Get a thesis notebook.

Scope the 2.ThA archives for similar projects; surf the web for similar masters/PhD proposals; use these sources to determine what sorts of background information you will need for your thesis; jot down these information requirements in a format that is legible to others. (In your notebook would be fine.)

Fill out the "MadLib" thesis proposal outline.

Complete the research assignment; see handout.

2

Progress Reports

Follow up on Information Sources

Information Sources "Hands-on" Exercise

Graphics

Do this Before Ses #3

Prepare a significant draft of your thesis proposal for scrutiny in class. Emphasize the introduction and background sections.

Prepare the graphics that will become your presentation slides.

3

Proposal Workshop

Graphics Show and Tell

About Oral Presentations

Do this Two Full Days Before Ses #4

Based on the feedback in class, revise your proposal draft; turn the draft in via e-mail to the instructor.

Do this Before Ses #4

Prepare to deliver a 5 minute overview of your thesis project. Emphasize problem, motivation, context, and structure. Let the audience know what it is that they are supposed to get out of the talk.

4

Shorter, Less Formal Presentations

Review of Presentations

Possible Additional Topic(s)

Do this Before Ses #5

Further revise your proposal based on the instructor's feedback for workshop in class and formal peer review.

Prepare the slides for your longer, more formal presentation.

5 Workshop II

Do this One Day Before Ses #6

Peer review two of your classmate's proposals.

Do this Before Ses #6 and #7

Prepare to deliver your longer, more formal presentation.

Do this Before Ses #7

Further revise your proposal; this draft should be nearly perfect.

6-7

Longer, More Formal Presentations

Subject Evaluation Forms

Do this Before the End of Registration Day

Turn in your signed thesis proposal cover sheet and your thesis proposal (hardcopy and e-copy) to the instructor.