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Design Choice and Problem Solving in an Engineering Dissertation

You can be proud of yourself if you are writing engineering dissertation, because according to the words of Albert Einstein: “Scientists investigate that which already is; engineers create that which has never been.”

What makes engineering dissertation differ from dissertations in other fields of research is design choice and problem solving. Knowledge of physics and mathematics is a must. Lack of appropriate experience can be substituted by fresh approach and determination to succeed. What else should a writer of engineering dissertation possess? Of course, he should be familiar with the process of writing:

1. Producing a title at the very beginning of your work on engineering dissertation may seem hasty. But this working title is helpful for organization of your research. It outlines the field of investigation and directs your efforts. You will have not just a pile of journals and notes, but you will see what useful tips you can pick up for your future engineering dissertation.  
2. Supervisors often advice to draft a plan of dissertation. It can contain names of sections (with or without titles) of your engineering dissertation and points you should include. Like "Introduction":

• the field of study,
• the research question,
• the hypothesis.

With the course of work you will substitute these general points with the actual content of your engineering dissertation.

3. When you start writing a main body of your paper, you should bear in mind that this is the first draft of your engineering dissertation. It will be revised by your supervisor. Maybe, you will be asked to change the first draft in order to improve it.
4. After you have received your supervisor’s comments on the engineering dissertation, it is high time to revise your paper, while these comments are fresh in your memory.
5. One more important point concerns meeting tight deadlines. Especially, if engineering dissertation demands drawings and models. Their preparation takes time and efforts for developing and testing. You should also have time for presentation. Defense of your engineering dissertation is the second important point after you have submitted the final draft.