Quick Guide On How To Organize An Undergraduate Dissertation Bibliography

It is a basic requirement for undergraduates to write a dissertation as part of their coursework. While writing the dissertation, it must contain the bibliography. A bibliography can be loosely defined as a list of all sources consulted or used while writing a thesis or dissertation. It is usually placed at the end.

There are several basic rules that must be followed when writing the dissertation. They include:

BEFORE FINISHING THE DISSERTATION

• Be consistent: stick to one referencing style

As you draft the dissertation, decide what referencing style will be used. This will save you a great deal of time when it comes to the last minute stretches. If you choose APA, stick to APA till the end.

• Be meticulous and note down your bibliography references

Research involves a lot of reading. It is important that students make a list of all the sources they deem necessary for their research. The danger of not listing the references is that they may not be at your disposal when you need them.

• Do not read everything

In the course of the research, students will be exposed to a lot of information and publications. However, it is important to resist the decision to read everything is not even possible. Academic dissertations focus on specializations and generalizations. Focus on what you think is important for your research.

• Encyclopedia and Dictionaries are not reference materials

Encyclopedias and dictionaries should not be used as reference materials unless they have been consulted in a certain way. For instance, they are ideal when some very specific definitions or information is needed, and that is the only reliable source.

HOW TO STRUCTURE THE BIBLIOGRAPHY

The bibliography to be drafted will depend on factors such as the type of research being conducted and instructions given to the students. Some of the basic rules include:

• Arranged alphabetically

The citations should be arranged in alphabetical order starting with the last name of the author. No numbering is allowed for individual citations.

• Follow the referencing rules

No abbreviations are allowed. The following should be italicized or underlined:

• Full title of the book/journal/website/proceedings etc
• Any other published work.

It is important to follow the given referencing method. There are several referencing options that students should use:

• APA
• MLA

What to include in a bibliography

• Any written works quoted or referenced
• Any other material used such as films, visuals, music

However, non –written sources that constitute part of the research should be listed separately.