ME Graduate Programs

Project/Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Instructions

The proposal is to be prepared by the student and is intended to serve two purposes:  To require the student to formally state the problem he/she intends to study, as well as the scope of work and method of approach, and to inform the Committee members of the intent of the student’s research work.  Under normal conditions the proposal should be five to ten pages long.  It is recognized that the scope, and possibility the purpose of the work, may change as the research progresses.  The Committee members should be kept informed of any changes. In order to cover the necessary topics, the following outline is suggested.

1. Title Page.

3. Introduction - This section should include motivation and purpose.  Expected engineering value should be discussed.

4. Review:

• Literature Survey - This should be kept brief, but should include the most pertinent references.  It should contain only articles that definitely contribute information required to understand and support the proposal. 

• Related investigations in progress - This should describe any known related investigations that are being conducted at the present time.  For example, the advisor or student may be aware of a related investigation through personal contacts at some government agency.

• Summary - This should summarize the present available information and discuss existing limitations and needs.

4. Proposed Investigation.

• System - Discuss the system to be investigated, including scope and range of parameters.

• Theory.

• Plans - Include the proposed approach, mathematical analysis to be undertaken, apparatus required (where applicable), and procedure.

• Expected results.

• Estimated cost of equipment, supplies, and technicians.

• Estimated completion date.

5. References.

7.