There are typically six pages to the preliminary components. The copyright page contains a statement giving the university library the right to publish your dissertation. The declaration page holds a statement confirming that the submission is your own work. The title page lists the title, author, the degree, the university and date. The approval signatures of all dissertation committee members are on the approval page. The abstract page should state the research problem briefly, describe the methods and procedures used in gathering data or studying the problem and give a condensed summary of the findings. The acknowledgements page includes recognition of help received from particular people or a brief note of dedication.
An easy to read, consistent table of contents is an expected part of a dissertation. There is no specific format. It should be clear and have page numbers listed on the right side of the page. If illustrations, such as figures, tables, maps, diagrams, charts, tables or photographs, are to be scattered throughout the text then a separate list of figures must be included after the table of contents. Each list must be separate and begin on a new page.
In the introduction, describe the topic and explain why it is important to the field. Portray the problem in simple terms as interestingly as you can. Describe how your research and conclusions add to your discipline. The literature review is the place to answer where the problem came from and what is already known about it. Explain other methods that have been tried and any writing that has been done about the subject.
Write the description of what you have done and what you found as clearly and in as much detail as possibly. Another researcher may want to do an experiment to yours. Write the material and methods for the benefit of that researcher. When writing the theory section, concentrate at least as much on the physical arguments as on the equations. Explain what the equations mean and what the important cases are. The results and discussion sections are often combined in a dissertation. Make sure to describe the conditions for each set of results. Explain what was constant and other relevant parameters.
The first part of your conclusion should tie together important points and reinforce the thesis of your argument. Explain if your work suggests interesting avenues that could be improved by future study. Describe the practical implications of your work. A bibliography, works cited or reference section should follow the text and notes but should always begin on a new page. The appendices contain supporting data for your text. Appendices should be placed after the bibliography.