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Title：Essay and Thesis Writing Guide

Name: IRFAN MUHAMMAD

Student ID：202323105010001
Major: MS Theoretical Physics
Submitted On: 2024-01-10
Teacher： Prof. Shiheng Liang

SCHOOL OF PHYSICS, HUBEI UNIVERSITY

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A thesis is a significant academic document that presents original research and is usually submitted as the final
step of a master's program or a doctoral degree. It typically includes a title page, abstract, table of contents, list of
figures and tables, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, reference list, and
appendices. When writing a thesis, it's important to begin with a strong thesis statement that takes a stand on the
chosen topic. The thesis should be unique and share several common elements, including purpose and
significance of the study, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion. It's also essential to follow the
guidelines for writing theses and dissertations provided by the relevant academic institution. Students are
encouraged to work independently but may seek assistance with coding, data analysis, and other aspects of the
research process if needed. A well-structured and well-written thesis is a crucial requirement for completing a
master's or doctoral degree.

Here's a comprehensive guide of the thesis writing process:

1. Selecting a Research Topic:
When selecting a research topic, it is important to choose a subject that interests you. This will make the
research process more engaging and enjoyable. Additionally, consider the scope of the topic to ensure it is
neither too broad nor too narrow, and that it meets the requirements of the assignment. It's also essential to
ensure that there is enough existing research on the topic to support your work. To find a suitable topic,
you can brainstorm ideas, talk to your instructor or friends, and pay attention to current events. Ultimately,
investing time in finding a topic that is interesting, relevant, feasible, and worthy of your time is crucial
for a successful research project.
2. Outlines of the Thesis Structure:
Consider the standard structure for a thesis, which typically includes the following sections:
 Title page:
 Title (including subtitle), author, institution, department, date of delivery, research
mentor(s) and advisor, their institutions and email addresses.
 Abstract:
 A good abstract explains in one line why the paper is important. It then goes on to give a
summary of your major results, preferably couched in numbers with error limits. The final
sentences explain the major implications of your work. A good abstract is concise,
readable, and quantitative. Its length should be 1 to 2 paragraphs, approx. 400 words.
 List of Figures and Tables:
 List page numbers of all figures and tables
 The list should include a short title for each figure and table but not the whole caption

 Introduction:
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 You can’t write a good introduction until you know what the body of the paper says.
Consider writing the introductory sections after you have completed the rest of the paper,
rather than before. Be sure to include a hook at the beginning of the introduction. This is a
statement of something sufficiently interesting to motivate your reader to read the rest of
the paper, it is an important/interesting scientific problem that your paper either solves or
addresses. You should draw the reader in and make them want to read the rest of the paper.
The next paragraphs in the introduction should cite previous research in this area. It should
cite those who had the idea or ideas first, and should also cite those who have done the
most recent and relevant work. You should then go on to explain why more work was
necessary (your work, of course.)
 Literature Review
 Methodology
 Results
 Discussion
 Conclusion
 References
 Appendices (if required)
3. Literature Review:
A literature review is a survey of credible sources on a topic, often used in dissertations, theses, and
research papers. It provides an overview of current knowledge, identifies relevant theories and methods,
and highlights gaps in existing research. It usually includes an introduction, main body, and conclusion,
and offers a critical analysis of the existing literature. For a thesis or dissertation, a literature review may
be a full chapter and is usually at least 10-20% of the paper. It is not just a description of what has been
written, but also involves analyzing and critiquing the existing literature. A literature review can be quite
short (5% of a paper) or quite long (30% of a paper) depending on the type of research. It is an essential
step in performing the work necessary to write a good thesis.
4. Methodology:
When developing the methodology for a thesis, it is essential to clearly explain the research question and
the specific methods chosen. The methodology section justifies the chosen approach, links back to the
literature review, and describes the data collection and analysis procedures. It is also acceptable to draft
the methodology before conducting the research, as long as it is reviewed and potentially revised as the
research progresses. The methodology section is crucial for increasing the credibility of the research and
making the process transparent and reproducible. Describe the research methods and techniques you

intend to use to address your research question. Whether your approach is quantitative, qualitative, or a
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combination of both, provide a detailed explanation of data collection, analysis, and any relevant ethical
considerations.
5. Data Collection and Analysis:
To collect data for your thesis, you can consider gathering theoretical data from sources like journals,
libraries, and online databases such as Google Scholar, ERIC, or Scopus. For empirical data, you may use
methods like lab experiments, surveys, or interviews. It's important to review the data before analysis to
determine the correct statistical tools to use. Additionally, when writing the data analysis chapter for your
thesis, carefully record and collect the data, and consider the most appropriate way to present and organize
the results to support your overall argument.
When collecting data for your thesis, consider the following:
- Gather theoretical data from sources like journals, libraries, and online databases.
- Collect empirical data using methods such as lab experiments, surveys, or interviews.
- Review the data before analysis to determine the correct statistical tools to use.
When writing the data analysis chapter for your thesis, carefully record and collect the data, and consider
the most appropriate way to present and organize the results to support your overall argument.
6. Creating a Coherent Narrative:
Creating a coherent narrative for a thesis involves several key steps. First, it's important to have a clear
and unifying idea that is evident throughout the entire work. This idea should be supported by a well-
defined thesis sentence. Additionally, the story should be unified, with all details contributing to the
central idea. It's also essential to arrange the story chronologically and indicate changes in time, location,
and characters clearly, even if the story is not told in a chronological order. Furthermore, including a
climactic moment where the ending is revealed or the importance of events is made clear can help
maintain coherence. Finally, using connectors and signposts to ensure a logical and coherent sequence of
ideas is crucial for creating a smooth and flowing narrative. When writing a thesis, it's important to ensure
that the narrative has a clear structure, a consistent tone, and a smooth transition between ideas. This can
be achieved by planning the writing carefully, using appropriate connectors and signposts, and avoiding
repetition and redundancy. Coherence and flow are essential elements of effective academic writing,
helping to communicate ideas clearly, logically, and persuasively to the readers.
7. Writing and Formulating Arguments:
When formulating arguments for a thesis, it's essential to create a strong and clear thesis statement that
presents the main argument of your work. A good thesis statement should be debatable, focused, and
assertive. It must take a position and clearly present the main idea of your essay. To achieve this, you can
follow these steps:
 Find a Focus: Choose a thesis that explores an important aspect of your topic.
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 Take a Stand: Your thesis should express your conclusions about the subject and be something that
reasonable people could disagree on.
 Be Assertive: Your thesis should take a position and clearly present the main idea of your essay.
By following these steps, you can create a strong and effective thesis statement for your argumentative
writing.
8. Formatting and Citations:
When writing a thesis, it is important to follow specific formatting and citation guidelines. The formatting
should include components such as the title page, abstract, table of contents, introduction, literature
review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. When citing a thesis in APA style,
include the author's surname and the publication year in the in-text citation, and format the reference list
entry with the author's name, publication year, title of the thesis, and other relevant details. Additionally,
it's crucial to list all the references consulted and ensure that the formatting of citations and references
matches the guidelines set forth in the thesis or dissertation guide. Always check the specific requirements
of the style manual or professional organization you are using for your thesis. Theses and dissertations can
be available from various sources such as databases, university archives, or personal websites, and the
citation format may vary based on the source.
9. Seeking Feedback and Revisions:
When seeking feedback and revisions for your thesis, it's important to be proactive in requesting feedback
at multiple stages of the writing process. You can compose a feedback request email to specify the stage
of your writing, the type of feedback you're looking for, and any specific questions you have. After
receiving feedback, it's essential to prioritize the suggested revisions, create a revision plan, and
incorporate the feedback into your writing. This can involve identifying patterns in the feedback,
synthesizing the suggestions, and making a plan for revising your draft based on the feedback received.
Additionally, seeking feedback from multiple sources, such as instructors, peers, or writing consultants,
can provide valuable perspectives to improve your thesis. It's also recommended to refine the opening and
conclusions of your thesis, ensure that it meets submission guidelines, and pay attention to details such as
grammar, structure, and coherence during the editing and proofreading process. Seeking and incorporating
feedback is an integral part of the writing process, especially for academic work like a thesis. It helps in
improving the quality and clarity of your writing, and ultimately contributes to the success of your work.
10. Proofreading and Finalization:
When finalizing your thesis, it's crucial to prioritize proofreading and incorporating feedback. Here are
some key steps to ensure the quality of your work:
 Proofreading: After completing major content editing, carefully review your thesis for technical
accuracy. Pay attention to word choices, consistency in abbreviations and capitalization, and
overall language quality. Consider breaking down the proofreading process by chapter, section, or
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paragraph, and utilize online tools like Grammarly for assistance.
 Incorporating Feedback: Be selective when seeking feedback and prioritize the suggested
revisions. Create a plan to address the feedback received and make necessary changes to your
thesis. It's important to seek feedback from multiple sources, such as supervisors, peers, or
professional editing services.
 Final Checks: Ensure that your thesis meets the formatting guidelines provided by your institution.
Review the layout, table of contents, and other structural elements. Additionally, perform a final
check for typos and errors before submission.
By following these steps, you can effectively proofread and finalize your thesis, ensuring that it meets the
highest standards of academic excellence.
11. Conclusion and Recommendations
When writing the conclusion for your thesis, it is important to clearly state the answer to your main
research question, summarize and reflect on your research process, and make recommendations for future
work on your thesis topic. The conclusion should be concise, engaging, and leave the reader with a clear
understanding of your main findings. It should restate the thesis, review key points, explain the relevance
of your work, and include a core take-away message for the reader. Additionally, the conclusion should
highlight the importance of your study and its implications, as well as provide recommendations for
further research and applications of the findings. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your
thesis conclusion effectively communicates the significance of your research and leaves a lasting
impression on the reader.
12. References
When writing a thesis, it is important to properly reference the sources used. The "Harvard System" and
APA 7th referencing style are commonly used for this purpose. The Harvard System recommends citing
the author's surname, initials, and year of publication for a thesis. On the other hand, the APA 7th
referencing style provides a basic format for referencing a thesis, including the author, year, title, and
level of the thesis or dissertation. The references section should be included at the end of the thesis, and it
is essential to maintain consistency and accuracy in citing references. Proper referencing is important to
avoid plagiarism accusations, distinguish one's own work from others, and credit the sources used in the
thesis. It also helps readers to identify and locate the original sources of the information presented in the
thesis.
Writing a thesis demands perseverance, organization, and a commitment to academic rigor. By following these
steps and guidelines, you can navigate the thesis writing process with confidence and produce a scholarly work
that contributes meaningfully to your field of study.
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Research Direction

Superconductivity
Superconductivity is a fascinating phenomenon in physics where certain materials can conduct electricity with
zero resistance when cooled below a critical temperature. This means that electricity can flow through these
materials without any loss of energy, which has a wide range of practical applications and implications for
scientific research. The discovery of superconductivity dates back to 1911 when the phenomenon was first
observed in mercury by Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes. Since then, researchers have identified various
other materials that exhibit superconducting properties, including alloys, ceramics, and even some organic
compounds. The critical temperature at which a material becomes superconducting varies depending on the
specific material, and is a crucial factor in determining its practical utility.
The underlying mechanism of superconductivity lies in the behavior of electrons within the material. At high
temperatures, electrons move through the material and collide with atoms, leading to resistance and energy
dissipation in the form of heat. However, when the material is cooled below its critical temperature, something
remarkable happens. Electrons form pairs known as Cooper pairs, and these pairs are able to move through the
material without resistance, effectively eliminating electrical resistance. This behavior of Cooper pairs is
described by the BCS theory, named after its developers John Bardeen, Leon Cooper, and Robert Schrieffer.
According to this theory, the lattice structure of the superconducting material causes the material's electrons to
interact in a way that allows them to form these pairs and move together without scattering, thus enabling
superconductivity.
Superconductivity has numerous practical applications across various fields. In the realm of medicine,
superconducting magnets are essential components of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, providing
detailed images of internal body structures with exceptional clarity. The efficiency of these magnets is due to the
zero resistance of superconducting materials, which allows them to generate strong and uniform magnetic fields
without excessive energy loss. Superconducting materials also feature prominently in the construction of
powerful particle accelerators and fusion research facilities, where the absence of resistance is critical for
maintaining the intense magnetic fields required for these applications.
Another significant application of superconductivity is in power transmission and storage. High-temperature
superconductors, which can operate at relatively higher temperatures compared to traditional superconducting
materials, have the potential to revolutionize power infrastructure. Superconducting power cables could transport
electricity over long distances with minimal losses, reducing energy wastage and enhancing the efficiency of the
electrical grid. Additionally, superconducting materials can be employed in the development of advanced energy
storage systems, enabling the efficient storage and retrieval of large amounts of electrical energy.
Furthermore, superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) are utilized in a diverse range of scientific
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instruments, from sensitive magnetometers for studying the brain's magnetic fields to ultra-sensitive detectors for
exploring the cosmos. Their remarkable precision and sensitivity stem from the fact that they can detect
minuscule magnetic fields without being overshadowed by background noise, thanks to their ability to register
even the faintest signals due to the lack of electrical resistance.
Despite these remarkable applications, superconductivity still faces challenges that limit its widespread adoption.
One major obstacle is the need for extremely low temperatures to achieve superconductivity in many materials.
The cost and complexity of maintaining such low temperatures, often through the use of cryogenic systems, can
be a significant barrier to practical implementation. Research is ongoing to develop materials that exhibit
superconductivity at higher temperatures, as this would greatly expand the range of practical applications. High-
temperature superconductors, known as HTS materials, are a promising avenue of research in this regard. These
materials are ceramics that can achieve superconductivity at comparatively higher temperatures, albeit still
requiring cryogenic cooling. The discovery and development of high-temperature superconductors have sparked
excitement in the scientific community and raised hopes for practical applications that are more accessible and
cost-effective.
In addition to high-temperature superconductors, there is ongoing exploration of unconventional superconducting
materials such as topological insulators and organic compounds. The pursuit of these unconventional
superconductors aims to uncover new mechanisms and behaviors that could lead to superconductivity at even
higher temperatures or under more practical conditions. This area of research holds great promise for unlocking
the full potential of superconductivity in a wide array of technologies and industries. Conventional
superconductivity refers to the phenomenon discovered in 1911 where certain materials exhibit zero electrical
resistance when cooled below a critical temperature. These materials, such as elemental metals and some alloys,
were the first to be identified as superconductors and provided the foundation for the study of this remarkable
phenomenon.
The BCS theory, developed by Bardeen, Cooper, and Schrieffer, provides a comprehensive explanation for
conventional superconductivity in these materials. According to the BCS theory, the lattice structure of the
superconducting material causes the formation of Cooper pairs, which are pairs of electrons that exhibit quantum
mechanical behavior. These pairs of electrons are able to move through the material without scattering,
contributing to the zero resistance and high electrical conductivity observed in superconducting materials.
The mechanism of conventional superconductivity relies on the interaction between electrons and the lattice of
the material, leading to the formation of Cooper pairs and the subsequent state of zero electrical resistance below
the critical temperature. On the other hand, unconventional superconductivity refers to cases where the BCS
theory is inadequate to explain the behavior of superconducting materials. Unconventional superconductors
encompass a diverse range of materials and exhibit properties that differ from those predicted by the BCS theory.
These materials include high-temperature superconductors (HTS) and other compounds known for their unique
superconducting behaviors.
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High-temperature superconductors are a particularly well-known example of unconventional superconductivity.
Discovered in the late 1980s, these materials are copper-based compounds that achieve superconductivity at
temperatures significantly higher than those of conventional superconductors. While conventional
superconductors typically require cryogenic temperatures (near absolute zero) to exhibit superconductivity, high-
temperature superconductors can operate at temperatures that are relatively higher, though still very cold by
everyday standards. Another distinction of high-temperature superconductors is their complex crystal structures,
which exhibit novel electronic properties that are not fully explained by the BCS theory. These materials have
sparked significant interest and research efforts due to their potential for practical applications at more accessible
and cost-effective operating temperatures than conventional superconductors.
The unconventional nature of these superconductors has prompted the exploration of alternative theoretical
models to account for their behaviors. Some of the proposed mechanisms for unconventional superconductivity
include spin fluctuation-mediated pairing, d-wave symmetry in the superconducting order parameter, and strong
electronic correlations that depart from the assumptions of the BCS theory. Unconventional superconductors also
include organic compounds, heavy fermion materials, and other exotic materials that exhibit superconducting
behaviors that are not fully explained within the framework of conventional superconductivity. These materials
have led to the development of new theoretical models and expanded our understanding of the underlying physics
of superconductivity.
The distinction between conventional and unconventional superconductivity is crucial in advancing the study and
application of superconducting materials. Unconventional superconductors have broadened the scope of research
and have the potential to enable practical applications that were previously limited by the constraints of
conventional superconductors. Research into unconventional superconductivity continues to be a vibrant area of
study, aiming to uncover new mechanisms and behaviors that could lead to superconductivity at even higher
temperatures or under more practical conditions. The exploration of these materials and the development of new
theoretical models not only contribute to our fundamental understanding of superconductivity but also hold
promise for unlocking the full potential of superconductivity in a wide array of technologies and industries.