Abstract 1. Introduction Set the scene and problem statement. Introduce structure of thesis, state contributions (3-5). 2. Background Demonstrate wider appreciation (context). Provide motivation. The problem statement and the motivation state how you want the PhD to be judged - as engineering, scientific method, theory, philosophy, &c. 3. Related Work Survey and critical assessment. Relation to own work.
4-6. Analysis, design, implementation and interpretation of results 7. Critical assessment of own work State hypothesis, and demonstrate precision, thoroughness, contribution, and comparison with closest rival.
8. Further Work 9. Summary Conclusions Restate contribution
Appendix Bibliography