1
1.0INTRODUCTION –WHY THE FORMATS?
These formats are prepared sequel to observation made by lecturers that many of the students have consistently been making mistakes in the write – up and presentation of their reports, projects and these. This eventually results in non-uniform appearance/presentation of copies for a class of students each time. Though students are told to use the shelve copies for previous students as guides in addition to lecturers’ instructions, the students still commit errors.
These formats, carefully edited will thereby constitute standards which the students must meticulously follow. They also provide guides for lecturers in assessing the students’ write-up. The following areas have been identified as common pitfalls in writing and presentation of students’ reports and theses:
1. Cover page (Back)
- Colour
- Texture-soft or hard
- Contents
- Lettering
- Options of binding- regular, spiral, spacing, clipping and stapling
- Lettering on the spine
2. Sequence of contents e.g Abstract, approval or certification, dedication, Acknowledgement, table of contents, list of figures, introduction, etc.
3. Page presentation
a. Size of paper – A4, F4 Quarto
b. Size of margin- top, sides and bottom
c. Line spacing
d. lettering
e. Paragraph
f. Headings and sub-heading- numbering, use of capital and small
letters
- style of presenting tables and figures/plates
- volume of contents
- Length of introduction
- Maximum number of page
- Referencing- citing and listing sentences (including style of listing)
- submission of theses after oral examination
2.0 GENERAL GUIDELINES
- The norm for printed write-ups is to use A4 size paper.
- Margins at the top, bottom and right side should be 2. 5cm and left side 3.5cm. These margins allow for trimming and binding.
- For paging, use the middle bottom. All pages should be numbered in except the title page. Prehistory pages preceding introduction should be numbered in small case Roman figures – ii, iii, iv, etc. All other pages should be in Arabic figures – 1, 2, 3.
- Regular lettering using Times New Romans should be done with 12pt font size on only one side of the sheet of paper. No page should be bordered.
- Italics must not be used indiscriminately at will. Italics can only be used for scientific names, terminologies, signs or languages other than English e.g. et al,ab initio, ad libitum alma mater.etc
- Double line spacing is the norm.
- Reports, projects and theses titles must be as short as possible, preferably maximum of 21 words.
- Avoid sentences that are too long. Break a sentence longer then five lines into two or three.
- Before using an acronym ensure you have earlier defined it, e.g. the body weight gain (BWG) was high in bird fed ad libitum. Do not start a sentence with an acronym e.g. BWG was measured for each lamb fed.
- Avoid one sentence paragraph, especially when the sentence is short (2 or 3 lines). Similarly, avoid too long paragraphs. There should be at least two paragraphs on a page.
- Every chapter must start on a new page.
- Every table must be on a separate page with its title written above the table e.g. Table 1: breeds of poultry. No Table should spill to the next page, except the footnotes
- every Figure must be on a separate page with its title written below the figure e.g. Fig 1: kinding rates of rabbits
- It can be many plates on the same page if they are jointly explaining a point or set of points; if not, a plate, like figure should be on a separate page
- Every Table or figure presented must be referred to in the write-up.
- Every heading, sub-heading, title of table or figure that is listed in the table of contents must correspond with that in the write-up word for word, and on the page listed.
- Every author cited in the write-up must be listed under References. Similarly, every listed reference must be cited.
- There should be no full stop (.) after any heading, sub-heading of title of table/figure. The tile of table or figure should be in sentence case (i.e. the first letter of the word alone is in capital) and bold
- Numbering of heading and sub-headings should be sequential and as simple as possible. Avoid complicated numbering e.g. 2.1.1.3.5, rather reduce complex numbering by listing with letters and Roman figures within the number, e.g. a, b, and i, ii, iii.
- Introduction Chapter should be short, maximum of 6 pages Ph.D thesis, 4 pages for M. Tech. 3 pages for PGD and B. Tech. introduction normally concludes with Aims and or objectives of the study. The objectives can be classified into General or Board objectives and specific objectives
- Abstract should be short, maximum of five pages for elaborate doctorial thesis. A one or two pages Abstract is adequate for others.
- Avoid repetitions especially within introduction, Literature review and Discussion.
- After oral examination, thesis must be carefully corrected to the satisfaction of the examines and promptly submitted within the following stipulated periods:
- Tech – 2 weeks
PGD- 2 weeks
- - 2 weeks
Ph.D.- 8 weeks
3.0B.TECH
3.1.0(A)GUIDELINES
- Cover page
- Colour – Dark navy blue (follow correct sample on the shelf)
- Texture – Hard cover
- Volume – 50 pages maximum, excluding the preliminary pages before introduction, which are in roman numerals and the Appendices.
- Numbering of copies for submission
- Pre-oral examination – Four copies (one with soft binding with light blue color and others in files) which will be distributed as follows:
i.Internal examiner (Supervisor) – 1 copy
ii.External examiner - 1 copy
iii.Head of Department - 1 copy
iv.Student - 1 copy
The four pre-oral copies must be signed by the supervisor on the page titled: ‘PROVISIONAL APPROVAL’
- Post-oral examination – Six copies (Hard cover binding with dark navy blue color) which will be distributed as follows:
i.Department - 1 copy
ii.SET Library - 1 copy
iii.Main Library - 2 copies
iv.Supervisor - 1 copy
v.Student - 1 copy
The post-oral copies must be signed appropriately on the page titled: ‘CERTIFICATION’
4.Sequence of arrangement
Front page (cover)
Blank page (free sheet)
i.Title page
ii.Certification (or PROVISIONAL APPROVAL for pre-oral copies
iii.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
iv.DEDICATION (OPTIONAL)
v.ABSTRACT
vi.TABLE OF CONTENTS
vii.LIST OF TABLE
viii.LIST OF FIGURES (if any)
ix.LIST OF PLATES (if any)
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2 – LITERATURE REVIEW
CHAPTER 3 – MATERIALS AND METHODS
CHAPTER 4 – RESULT AND DISCUSSION
CHAPTER5–CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
REFERENCES
APPENDICES (if any)
3.1.1SAMPLE OF PROJECT COVER PAGE
EFFECT OF LIGHTING ON BUILDINGS
MUHAMMED ADAMU
ARC/03/1520
April, 2009
3.1.2 SAMPLE OF PROJECT TITLE PAGE
EFFECT OF LIGHTING ON BUILDINGS
MUHAMMED ADAMU
ARC/03/1520
A PROJECT
SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AT THE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF B. TECH ARCHITECTURE
OF THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
April, 2009
3.1.3SAMPLE OF CERTIFICATION PAGE
The certification page will follow the recent format of the school of post-graduate studies with little modification (Approval by HOD) as presented below:
CERTIFICATION
BY THE STUDENT
I certify that this work has been presented elsewhere for the award of a degree of any other purpose.
………………… ……………………. …………………..
Student’s Name SignatureDate
BY SUPERVISOR
I certify that this work has been carried out by Mr. Muhammed Adamu Department ofArchitecture Federal University of Technology, Akure.
…………………… ………………… ………………
Supervisor’s name SignatureDate
APPROVED BY HEAD OF DEPARTMENT (HOD)
……………………………………….…………………..
HOD’s name SignatureDate
3.1.4SAMPLE OF TABLE OF CONTENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE i.
CERTIFICATION ii.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii
DEDICATION iv
ABSTRACT v
TABLES OF CONTENTS vi
LIST OF TABLES vii
LIST OF FIGURES viii
LIST OF PLATES ix
CHAPTER ONE 1
1.0INTRODUCTION 1
CHAPTER TWO 4
2.0LITERATURE REVIEW 4
2.1Effect of lighting on the buildings4
2.2Effect of light on the rooms6
2.3 Factors affecting the lighting system 7
CHAPTER THREE12
3.0MATERIALS AND METHODS12
3.1Materials 12
3.2Methods13
CHAPTER FOUR 16
4.0RESULT & DISCUSSION16
4.116
4.220
4.325
CHAPTER FIVE 28
5.0CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS28
5.1Conclusion28
5.2Recommendations30
REFERENCES31
APPENDICES37
4.0 M. TECH. AND PH.D
4.1RESEARCH PROPOSAL SEMINAR, PROGRESS REPORT, END OF PROJECT SEMINAR AND THESIS
4.1.1Research proposal seminar
Before research work commences on any given topic by M. Tech and Ph.D candidates, an open seminar must be presented before staff and other students (undergraduates and postgraduates) available. This enables Departmental staff to join the supervisors in making inputs on the proposal.
4.1.2Progress report seminar
In the course of the research work, each student is expected to give at least one progress report annually during a seminar. Such seminar may not have formal write-ups.
4.1.3End of Project seminar
After completing the research work, before the title of the thesis is registered, the student must present an end of project seminar to access the work done. Both seminars and progress report are open for staff and student to freely attend. It is however mandatory for the department lecturers to attend
4.1.4Format for the research proposal
Cover page
Provisional Approval (To be signed by supervisors)
Table of contents
Introduction (with brief literature review) which will end with objectives of the research and the justification
Materials and Methods
References
4.1.5Format for the end of project seminar
Cover page
Provisional Approval (To be signed by supervisors)
Table of contents
Abstract
Introduction (with brief literature review) which will end with objectives of the research and the justification)
Materials and Methods
Table and Figures (Representing Results and Discussions)
Conclusion and Recommendations
References (only first page of the References)
Samples of the cover pages are given in next two pages
4.1.6SAMPLE OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL COVER PAGE
EFFECT OF LIGHTING ON BUILDINGS
MUHAMMED ADAMU
PGD (FUTA, ) M.TECH (FUTA)
ARC/03/1520
A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
PRESENTED AS PART OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMENCING THE PH.D RESEARCH
AT THE
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE,
FEDERALUNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE, ONDOSTATE
06TH April, 2009
4.1.7SAMPLE OF END OF PROJECT COVER PAGE
EFFECT OF LIGHTING ON BUILDINGS
MUHAMMED ADAMU
PGD (FUTA, ) M.TECH (FUTA)
ARC/03/1520
END OF PROJECT SEMINAR
PRESENTED AS PART OF THE REQUIREMENTS PRECEEDING THE PH.D ORAL EXAMINATION
AT THE
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE,
FEDERALUNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE, ONDOSTATE
06THAugust, 2009
4.2.0EXTRACTS FROM THE 44TH STATUTORY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES ON FORMAT FOR PRESENTATION OF THESES
The following are extracts sent to Departments from the Secretary to the Board of Postgraduate Studies. They are on formats to be followed by postgraduate students in presenting uniform thesis for submission to the postgraduate school.
A.THE COVER OF THE THESIS:
i.The color shall remain deep purple for both Masters and Ph.D thesis.
ii.The titles of thesis shall be written in capital letters, including biological or scientific names, but these (biological names e.g Gallus domesticus) shall be italicized
iii.The names of the candidate shall be written in full: surname first, followed by other names
iv.The year of defence shall be written at the bottom right corner on the cover
v. The spine shall bear the surname and initials of the candidate the programme and year of research (year of oral defence)
B.APPROVAL PAGE
There shall be a blank page, which be stamped, signed and dated by the secretary of school of postgraduate Studies after a thesis has been approved by senate, before distribution to appropriate places.
C. (i)TITLE PAGE
The title of thesis and names of candidates shall be written as on the cover.
The candidates’ previous degree(s) and matriculation number shall come under the names.
On the same page, under the name, the following shall also be written: ‘A thesis in the Department of ……………………………Submitted to the school of postgraduate studies, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of …………….. in ………………………. Of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria (as earlier presented in preceding pages)
(ii)CERTIFICATION
- (By the student)
This work has not been presented elsewhere for the award of a degree, or any other purpose.
Candidates Name…………………………….Signature……………….Date ………….
b.By the supervisor(s)
(I) We certify that this work has be carried out by Mr/Mrs/Miss………………
In the Department of …………………………….of the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Supervisor’s name:……………Signature:……………..Date:……………
(a)
(b)
(c)
(iii)AKNOWLEDGEMENT
(iv)DEDICATION
(v)ABSTRACT
(vi)LIST OF CONTENTS
(vii)LIST OF TABLES
(viii)LIST OF FIGURES
(ix)LIST OF PLATES
D. BODY OF THESES
The board decided that the body of theses could be presented in either of these two ways:
(i) the first model, which would have General introduction, General literature Review, followed by presentation of experiments in article form, followed by General Discussion, conclusion, recommendations, references and appendices.
(ii)In the second model, there would be
a)introduction
b)Literature review
c)Research methodology
d)Results and or Discussion
e)Conclusion and Recommendation
E.WRITING OF REFERENCES
References within the body of a thesis shall follow chronological order, in cases where there is more than one reference.
At the end of the thesis, references shall be written in alphabetical order, in case where there is more than one reference.
Titles of journals shall be written in full. Order of presentation of article references shall be:
(a)Name of author and year of publication
(b)Title of the article
(c)Name of the journal to be written in full to be followed by volume, then colon (:) and then the pages use for the research.
For edited books, the order shall be as follows:
(a)Name of author and year of publication
(b)Title of book
(c)Edition
(d)Publisher of the book
(e)Majortown of the publisher.
(e)Pages of chapter(s) cited or pages of the book
For edited books or proceedings the order shall be as follows:
(a)Name of author and year of publication
(b)Title of the article (pages used)
(c)Proceedings of…………………….. Edited by ………………
(d)Name of publisher and
(e) Majortown of publisher
Referencing shall be double-spaced and indentation shall be four (4) letters from the name of the author.
5.0 CONCLUSION:
Thisterm paper has treated a lot of areas of students /lecturers interest, which will assist in preparation and final submission of any kind of theses within the university.
The paper went further to attached relevant samples and the approved extract from the 44th statutory meeting of the board of postgraduate studies on format for presentation of theses.
6.0 REFERENCES:
1.Prof. Ogunsote, O.O (2009). Research method in Architecture M. Tech I Lecture note.
2.Osuala, E.C. (1987).Introduction to Research methodology. Second Edition. African – FEP publishers Limited, Onitsha, Nigeria.
3. Prof E.A.O Laseinde (2005). Format for writing reports, projects and theses in the department of Agriculture (undergraduates and postgraduates)