Thesis Research

Catalog description

METEO 494M Thesis Research (3). In this course, students will write a professionally structured thesis that is grounded in a solid research foundation. In the process, students will learn the elements of excellent technical science writing and effective oral presentation. This course continues the thesis research topic developed in Meteo 494H. This capstone course integrates the key elements of any well-conceived research project: a) a thorough background literature search that identifies the current understanding of a question or topic; b) the articulation of a research hypothesis that is informed by the literature search; c) the design and implementation of a plan to test the hypothesis using theoretical, experimental, and/or computational approaches; and d) conclusions regarding the validity of the hypothesis based on the data obtained in the course of the research. The main characteristic of this course is the execution of the research plan articulated in METEO 494H , interpretation of the data generated by the research in the context of the original hypothesis, and the preparation of the thesis. Research is generally performed in collaboration with faculty and graduate research assistants, using equipment and facilities in the Meteorology and Atmospheric Science department or other departments involved in the research endeavor. Occasionally, the nature of the research may require the student to collaborate with researchers outside of Penn State, perhaps even spending some time in residence at other facilities. The course culminates in the preparation of a thesis detailing the relevance and findings of the research and, at the discretion of the thesis advisor, an oral presentation about the research findings. Close coordination with the thesis advisor is a key to success in METEO 494M . Ideally, a student should meet with the advisor regularly and drafts of parts of the thesis should be shared with the advisor for feedback. Assessment of the student's progress is via grading of all components of the thesis which include the literature review and background, the statement of the problem, the design of the experimental plan, the results and discussion, the conclusions, any recommendations for future work, the reference list, and any appendices and figures. The diligence of the student in performing the research in a professional and timely fashion will also be considered.