Structure and characteristics of postgraduate dissertations of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Introduction. Dissertation is one of important available information resources, especially in libraries. In fact, dissertation reflects the accepted university pattern for research presentation and evaluation of dissertation subjects during a period presents the university research strategy. Methods. All postgraduate dissertations of IUMS during 1368-78 were evaluated using a checklist for their structure (i.e. introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion) and subject (Basic, Basic-Applied, Applied/Experimental, Quasiexperinetal, Observational). Results. 83.9% of dissertations were for MD. , 8.9% for Ph.D., 6.3% for MS and 0.9% for Medical specialty degree. Our results showed that 96.6% of these dissertations were applied and 34% basic- applied and its distribution was variable among different faculties (faculty of Dentistry had the most applied dissertations). 47.7% of Dissertations were descriptive, 22% descriptive-analytical, 0.6% analytical, 0.6% quasi experimental and 26% experimental research. There were great differences in dissertation structure among different faculties. Discussion. The results of this study indicate the importance of shifting thesis subjects to basics and analytical researches. Also, it could be used as a guide for planning dissertation subject’s strategy. Thesis structural differences between different faculties emphasis more on the need for designing an “ acceptable unique pattern of thesis writhing” in the whole university.