Chapter 1:   Introduction. The introduction has several purposes. Clearly one is to set the   scene for the project by giving a little relevant background information –   try to grab the reader's interest early. Another is to clearly elucidate the   aims and objectives of the project and the constraints that might affect the   way in which the project is carried out. If the project involves the solution   of a specific problem or the production of a specific system this should be   clearly specified in an informal way. Finally, the introduction should   summarise the remaining chapters of the dissertation, in effect giving the   reader an overview of what is to come.

The type of   project will dictate the content and structure of the following chapters and   you should discuss this with your supervisor. For example, for a theoretical   project it is likely that several chapters will be devoted to constructing   the theoretical foundations for the project and will consist of your own   interpretation and synthesis of existing work with suitable examples discussed   throughout. A sequence of chapters that cover theoretical framework,   conditions and assumptions and theory application and comparisons may be   appropriate. For an experimental project, the experimental goals, design,   execution and evaluation might be covered. What now follows is a typical   structure for a 'design and build' project.