Schedule for Thesis Work

Prof. David C. Brown

This was originally addressed to people doing AI M.S. research, but with minimal translation is applicable to other areas, and to Ph.D. research. The rules and regs for Ph.D students are much more complex and are not included here {See the Computer Science Graduate Regulations for more information}.

Starting.
 	Have some idea what sort of thesis problem you want to tackle.
 	Attend appropriate Research Group meetings (eg. AIRG, AIDG, REFER).
 	Start reading related conference & journal papers.
 	Plan to take as many AI related courses as possible.
	Read my web pages for ptrs to helpful info for research students.

Ask about my list of possible topics.
  	Read it. Discuss it with me.

Map area to see what research has and hasnt been done.

Look at Workshops and Conferences to see what issues are hot,
    and what problems are open. 

Pick a Problem
  	Try to write about it (repeat until thesis done).
 	Research existing work on the topic.
  		Build a card/computer file of complete references.
 		Keep notes, and copies of the papers.
 		Look in obvious places, such as:
 		       IJCAI.
		       AAAI Nat Conf.
 		       AI Mag.
 		       IEEE Expert.
  		       AI in Design Conf.
		       AI Lab files and shelves.
 	Use available abstracts and survey publications.
	Use computerised bibliographic search system.
	Use the web (but not only the web!).
	Ask me what refs might be relevant.
	Ask others what refs might be relevant.
		e.g., LAB, MAG, CR, MOW, IC, SMS, SR, MS, SA
		and Other AI grads.
	Discuss problem with other faculty
		and other AI grads.

Consider a simple example on which to work out your ideas
	Use it in the proposal.
	Consider using it as a starting point for your implementation.
		i.e., a prototype + refinements

Consider what the goal is.
	-- completely solve a problem, or
	-- explore an area,
		(staged approach to research;
		 i.e., get as far as you can)
	   or, 
	-- evaluate alternatives

Write a Proposal
  	Get sample proposal from me
  	Get proposal guidelines from me
	      MS thesis proposals should be 5 pages. 
	      (PhD proposals are usually much longer)
  	Write proposal draft
  	Have me proof it
  	Correct it 

Find a Reader
  	LAB, CR, MAG, SMS, MOW, IC, NIH, SR, MS, SA are most likely

Submit Proposal to Dept. for Approval
	After I've approved it.
	To secretary (Kathy).
	You should submit a week prior to a CS Dept. faculty meeting.

Proposal Approved
	If not we revise and repeat.
	Put proposal on the Web under AIRG, AIDG or your page.

Rough monthly timetable for work
	Be realistic.
	Add 30% to your estimates.
	Allow 2 months for writing thesis.

More research by reading
	Know the other research inside and out.
	Write summaries (text/tables).
	Draw diagrams.
	Write comparisons.
	Check the web.

Consider the thesis "mix"
	e.g., 50% review + 50% new

Develop specification of thesis
	Exactly what will be solved or demonstrated.
	How will it be tested and evaluated.
	What sort of AI techniques used.
	Do not worry about implementation at this point.

Develop a model/theory/design
	Record it on paper (tables and diagrams!)
	Discuss it with others
	Keep a record of the decisions made, and reasons for choices.
		It helps when writing the thesis.
	Keep developing this throughout the thesis.
	Start making overhead slides from the start.

Present it to DCB and/or AIRG and/or AIDG,    Refine it (repeat)
	You dont know it unless you can teach it.
	Other people may see things that you didnt see.

Revise Rough timetable for work
	Determine Registrar's due dates for theses.

Develop a design for an implementation  

Select software tools

Develop additional software tools

Develop prototype system
	Decide what to implement now, and what to leave for "later"
	Develop documentation

Revise Rough timetable for work to be realistic

Complete the System
	Test & Evaluate
	Note that this will overlap with thesis writing

Copy into AI directory
	Program, and a User's Guide
	Useful functions
	Developers note (i.e., for possible extensions)

Declare Candidacy
	Get the right form(s).
	Get it in before the deadline.

Watch out for a possible place to publish your ideas/results.

Make sure Reader knows what you are doing
	Discuss thesis with him/her.
	Plan to give an AIRG/AIDG presentation.
	Check to see how reader wants thesis.
		(by chapt? whole?)

Read Hints For Writing Theses or Project Reports.

Copy everything into the AIRG directory  on CS.WPI.EDU

Expand the web pages with the Thesis or an abstract.

Arrange for MS Thesis Presentation
	Check with me or secretary (Kathy) to see who schedules them.
	Needs reader and advisor approval.
	Talk can be before completion of thesis.
	One simple overhead = 2 mins.
	Allow 10 mins for questions.
	When done, put slides on web page (ps or pdf format).
	Give me a set of slides.

Find out how to graduate
	Check on procedure
	   & get forms.
	You must be registered when you finish.
	Get forms
		Check with 
		       Registrar;   Library;  (Graduate Studies)
	Thesis
		How many copies needed
		   DCB, you, CS Dept., Library, reader?, parents, ??, spares
		On what quality paper
	Fees to pay?

Make sure people are going to be here to sign.
	DCB, Dept. Head, Grad Secretary  (different for PhDs)
        
Make all the copies

Done?
	Thesis complete
		Title pages signed (DCB, Dept. Head)
	Forms complete
		Signed
		Submitted at Registrar's office
	Everything paid

Don't forget that conference paper (or journal article)!!

Tidy Up
	Office
	Files in Computer Accounts
	Hand in Keys to secretary (Kathy)
	Leave forwarding address (Kathy)

Ask me and reader to act as a reference 
   	job applications
   	grad school applications

The real world.
	But keep in touch!