Writing in Engineering and Mathematics:

IEEE-Institute of Electrical and electronic engineers

The profession in which knowledge of mathematics and natural

sciences is applied with judgment to develop ways to benefit mankind:

• Civil
• Mechanical
• Computer
• Electrical
• Environmental

Types of Writing:

• Abstracts
• Executive Summaries
• Lab Reports
• Design Reports
• Proposals

Abstracts:

• Purpose
• Key Findings
• Significance
• Major conclusions

Executive Summary:

• 1-page long summary of proposal

• Purpose: problem or goal
• Essentials of program
• Total expense of project
• Qualifications (name, history, activities)

Lab Report:

• Title Page < 10 words

• Abstract
○ Note: Verb Tenses
○ Experiment in past tense
○ Theory, reporting of equipment in present
• Introduction
• Methods and Materials (or equipment)
• Experimental Procedure
 • Results
○ Calculations, tables, and figures
○ Interpret
• Conclusion
• References
• Appendices
• Further Reading (optional)

Design Report:

• Summary—call it a…
○ Abstract iff technical audience
○ Executive Summary iff management audience
○ Concise synopsis of the design itself, the motivation for
having the design, and the design’s effectiveness
• Introduction
○ Design problem, the objectives of the design, the
assumptions for the design, the design alternatives, and
the selection of the design being reported
○ Also included of the transition is mapping of the entire
report.
• Discussion
○ Presents the design itself, the theory behind the design,
the problems encountered (or anticipated) in producing the
design, how those problems were (or could be) overcome,
and the results of any tests of the design
○ This part usual consists of two, three, or four main
headings.
• Conclusion
○ Summarize design and testing work
○ If fails, note why
○ Gives perspectives for how design will be used in the
future.
• Appendices
○ Calculations and supplemental information
○ You should title appendix, place a heading on each table,
and place a caption beneath each figure

Proposal:

• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Project description or program
• Timeline and milestones
• Budget
• qualifications