THESIS THE NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MASTERS DEGREE THESIS HANDBOOK. By Dr. John P. Doucet Revised Spring 2007

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1 THESIS THE NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MASTERS DEGREE THESIS HANDBOOK By Dr. John P. Doucet Revised Spring 2007 This handbook is prepared for use by students preparing to complete requirements toward the Master of Science in Marine and Environmental Biology at Nicholls State University. Requirements herein have been established by the School of Graduate Studies and by the Masters Committee of the Department of Biological Sciences. I. Purpose of the Thesis: Demonstration of scientific proficiency and literacy through the reporting original research and scholarship. II. General Characteristics of the Thesis Comprised of disciplined writing and data presentation, as a scientific journal report May describe more than one topic or investigative strategies Reports all or most original data produced during student s masters degree training Reviews work that led to degree Reviews work that supports original findings Clarifies problem researched: Why selected, how answered, and what learned Includes literature review of background, supporting, and similar studies Includes conclusions and synthesis Abstract sometimes published separately III. Specific University and Department Requirements for Thesis Development & Review Must abide by Nicholls State University Graduate Studies Thesis Policy and Guidelines (rev. June 2003), available from the graduate school Thesis Committee

2 3-4 faculty members approved by Coordinator at least two from department of major, including adjuncts; all must hold the Ph.D. Thesis Proposal a formal proposal describing the scientific problem to be addressed during the graduate study, the methods to be employed, and a prospectus of results. due at end of second semester of study, following selection of major professor and committee requires approvals of all committee members, coordinator, department head, dean, and Director of Graduate Studies Final Examination consists of a committee oral examination and a public oral defense requires completion of Final Examination Report for a Thesis deadlines: see current University Calendar for specific calendar dates Final date to submit a thesis for thesis committee approval (typically eight days prior to the first day of finals) Final date to for filing a committee-approved thesis with the School of Graduate Studies (typically the first day of finals) IV. Contents of Thesis Mnauscript Title Page (specific format: See V Below) Copyright page Certificate (Final Examination Report) Acknowledgements (optional) Abstract (300 word limit) Table of Contents List of Tables (if included) List of Figures (if included) List of Abbreviations Body of Thesis One of two Major Forms, selected at discretion of major professor (See VI below) Bibliography Appendices Biographical Sketch (200 word limit) Curriculum Vita V. Title Page Format

3 The following lines or clusters of lines should appear with single line spacing, center justification, and separation by equal line spaces (typically eight, depending on the length of the title in lines) across the length of the page. Title of Thesis about eight lines A Thesis about eight lines Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Nicholls State University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science in Marine and Environmental Biology about eight lines By Your Name your previous degree(s), institution(s) granting previous degree(s), year(s) granted about eight lines Semester of Thesis Completion V. Two Major Forms of Thesis Body A. Traditional Style Introduction Purpose Literature Review Objectives Materials & Methods Results Discussion Conclusions B. Chapter Style, typically used when reports from the thesis research are journal-published prior to completion of the final thesis manuscript. Introduction Literature Review

4 Chapter I Abstract Introduction Materials & Methods Results and Discussion Literature Cited Tables and Figures Chapter II Abstract Introduction Materials & Methods Results and Discussion Literature Cited Tables and Figures Chapter III (etc.) Complementary Studies Conclusions VI. Specific Style Requirements for the M.S. in Marine and Environmental Biology All citations and bibliographic entries must follow the Name-Date Style of the Council of Biological Editors (CBE Style; see CBE website or a technical writing manual for details). All pages must be printed or photocopied on white, 25% minimum cotton (rag) paper (acid-free). All typefaces must be Times Roman 12-pt. Manuscript must be word-processed. Tables and graphs must be computer-generated. All photographs must be high quality (high pixel density) and reproducible. Each graphic (photos, figures, tables) and their cutlines and legends must appear on its own page. Margins must be 1.5 on the left and 1 on the right, top, and bottom. Page numbering must be bottom center. VII. Printing and Binding the Thesis. The Thesis manuscript may be printed or photocopied. You and your major professor will determine how many copies must be made. Unless otherwise noted by the major professor, printing supplies (including paper, photography, etc.) is the responsibility of the student. In all copies, all figures and photographs must be clear, readable, and interpretable. The Certificate, which like the thesis manuscript should be printed on acid-free paper (see VI above) should appear in all copies.

5 Copies are bound through a contract maintained through Ellender Memorial Library. Unless otherwise noted by the major professor, the cost of binding is the responsibility of the student. Current binding costs range from $5.00-$8.00 per copy. Bound copies are typically delivered within 30 days of receipt at the bindery. VIII. Avoiding Problems with Thesis. Get started early. Writing, interpretation, and conclusions take time to develop. You don t have to wait until your final semester to begin composition of the thesis. Check University Calendar (online) for specific dates for Final Date to Submit Thesis for Approval (to committee) and Final Date to File an Approved Thesis (to School of Graduate Studies) Learn bibliographic management software (like Endnote or Reference Manager) Maintain close, professional relationship with committee members. Ask questions and seek advice in advance. Carefully plan and compose Thesis Proposal. Use it as a guide to undertake and complete the thesis research. Maintain accurate, complete, and annotated data. Keep a permanent notebook that can guide your successors in the project. Write parts of thesis as work progresses. Don t wait until the last semester Make sure your final thesis manuscript is error-free before printing. The thesis will serve as an enduring document of your work, as well as the quality of education of the department and university. Complete the thesis manuscript before you leave the department and university for employment or further education.