====== Rules Pertaining to Manuscripts ======

Generally, any documents composed by personnel at MCh needs to contain:
  * author's name
  * date of compilation
  * page numbering

When compiling documents in MS Word, always use:
  * font: Helvetica,
  * size: 12 pt
  * spacing: double spaced
  * alignment: justify

For ease of orientation, the following naming conventions for compiled manuscripts are enforced:
  * DOC file: YYYY_MM_DD_xy_#n_Vx.doc
  * PDF file: YYYY_MM_DD_xy_#n.pdf
  * figures only PDF: F_YYYY_MM_DD_xy_#n.pdf

Here, YYYY stands for year, MM for month, DD for day, xy is your initials, #n corresponds to manuscript number n, and Vx represents version x of the manuscript. Below is an example for a third version of a second manuscript compiled by Franz Kafka on 23.01.1900:
  * DOC: 1900_01_23_fk_#2_V03.doc
  * PDF: 1900_01_23_fk_#2.pdf

<WRAP tip round center 70%>
Generally, it is a good idea to add a leading zero when introducing information about version as it allows easier sorting. As long as the version number does not reach 100 (or more), a single leading zero is fully sufficient.
</WRAP>

When saving references as PDF files, follow this naming convention:
  * author_journal-abbreviation_year.pdf

===== Publications =====

This section covers general workflow when working on a publication manuscript, as well as how to approach manuscripts in work with external partners.

==== Workflow ====

  - compile manuscript skeleton:
    * first page:
      * RQ answered or addressed by the manuscript
      * overall story in 5+1 sentences (hypothesis, experiments + calculations, observation, explanation)
    * second page:
      * title of the manuscript
      * authors
      * target journals for publishing
    * subsequent pages:
      * include all figures with a concise description of the key data
  - upload skeleton & send it by email to JMS 
  - once the skeleton is agreed upon with JMS, draft the full paper:
    * format:
      * formatting: Helvetica 12 pt, double spaced, justified text
      * include figures, tables and captions in the text where they are discussed
      * figures formatted "In Line with Text"
    * always check spelling
    * printing:
      * in color
      * single page
  - first iteration:
    * upload manuscript & send it by email to JMS
    * upload PDF files of all references to [[https://rwth-aachen.sciebo.de/login|sciebo]]
    * put unstapled printout with date stamp in blue plastic cover in JMS mail folder
  - subsequent iterations:
    * track changes with "Show All Revisions Inline" option
    * implement all changes from JMS and coauthors - if you do not like the suggested changes, implement them and add your comment
    * never delete comments from JMS
    * for printouts, always include previous versions
  - once the manuscript gets published:
    * send the final publication in PDF to Dr.-Ing. S. Münstermann with CC to G. Strauch and JMS
    * upload the final publication with full bibliographic details at [[https://publications.rwth-aachen.de|RWTH Publications]]

==== External Cooperations ====

This set of rules applies to all manuscripts that are being compiled in cooperation with persons outside MCh:
  * there is only one version with comments from MCh
  * prior to sending any iteration of the manuscript to external partners, JMS must approve it

==== Uploading Online ====

The following rules generally apply when uploading your research articles to online platforms such as ResearchGate:
  * upload only open access publication
  * <wrap em>do not upload any non-open access publications</wrap>

===== Theses =====

In case of the main seminar (Hauptseminar), mini theses or BSc and MSc theses:
  * the advisor has to announce all their thesis projects before start to Dr.-Ing. S. Münstermann
  * the paperwork (which differs for different study courses) has to be filled at least in copy with Dr.-Ing. Münstermann

==== Length ====

  * internship/student work (Studienarbeit): max. 30 pages
  * BSc thesis: max. 30 pages
  * MSc/diploma thesis: max. 60 pages
  * PhD thesis: max. 120 pages

==== PhD Thesis ====

  * focus: agreed RQs
  * duration: 48 months
    * incl. teaching, service analysis, course administration, examination board, equipment responsibility etc.
  * half-time research presentation for MCh and the external examiner
    * time limit: 30 min
    * try to answer these questions:
      - What have you understood in the last 24 months?
      - What do you still need to understand?
  * publications as the main author:
    * min. 2 accepted as the thesis is handed in
    * min. (3-n<sub>accepted</sub>) submitted
  * grades:
    * mit Auszeichnung = with distinction ((In accordance with Faculty V rule, this grade can be awarded to only 5-10% of all dissertations.))
    * sehr gut = very good
    * gut = good
    * genügend = sufficient
  * [[mchadmin:phdcontent|list of content]]

[[mchadmin:jmsrules|Back to the overview]]