When composing your dissertation, including a List of Abbreviations is crucial for clarity. This section is a reference point for any shortened forms such as acronyms, initialisms, or common abbreviations used throughout your academic writing.
Example List of Abbreviations
An Example List of Abbreviations might look like this:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| APA | American Psychological Association |
| UN | United Nations |
| EEG | Electroencephalogram |
| AAA | Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm |
| ABG | Arterial Blood Gas |
| ADL | Activities of Daily Living |
| AIDS | Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome |
| ALS | Advanced Life Support |
| BMS | Basic Life Support |
| BMI | Body Mass Index |
| BP | Blood Pressure |
| BPM | Beats Per Minute |
| BRP | Bathroom Privileges |
| BSA | Body Surface Area |
| BUN | Blood Urea Nitrogen |
| CBC | Complete Blood Count |
| CHF | Congestive Heart Failure |
| CNS | Central Nervous System |
| C/O | Complains Of |
| CPR | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation |
| CXR | Chest X-Ray |
| DHR | Discharge Home with Return Precautions |
| DNR | Do Not Resuscitate |
| DOB | Date of Birth |
| DT | Delirium Tremens |
| DVT | Deep Vein Thrombosis |
| ECG/EKG | Electrocardiogram |
| ER | Emergency Room |
Each entry is typically formatted with the abbreviation in one column, and its explanation is in full in the adjacent column.
Best Practices for Abbreviations and Acronyms
While using abbreviations and acronyms, adhere to the APA Style guidelines, which suggest:
Acronyms are formed using the first letter of each word in a phrase. When using an acronym for the first time, write out the full phrase followed immediately by the acronym in parentheses. After that initial introduction, you can use the acronym throughout the remaining text.
For example: “The patient is experiencing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).” After the initial mention, you can use the acronym ARDS throughout the rest of the notes.
Follow the same guidance for abbreviations: spell out the complete term first, then provide the abbreviated version in parentheses on that first usage. Once introduced, you can proceed with using just the abbreviation.
For instance: “The patient’s Intake and Output (I&O) was monitored closely.” Subsequent uses can then utilize the abbreviation I&O.
A commonly used and widely recognized acronym or abbreviation can be abbreviated without first spelling it out. However, if there is any doubt about how universally familiar the acronym or abbreviation is, it’s best to write the term followed by the shortened version in parentheses.
Widely recognized abbreviations like IV (Intravenous), NG (Nasogastric tube), or NPO (Nothing by mouth) can be used without spelling them out initially.
Additional Lists to Include
Apart from the main List of Abbreviations, consider labeling other lists separately, for example:
- List of Figures
- List of Tables
- List of Appendices
Each list provides an organized and easy-to-reference layout of various elements included in your dissertation.
Include Your Lists in the Following Order
When preparing your dissertation, organizing the preliminary pages is crucial for readability and coherence. These pages guide your readers through the various sections of your work, offering a clear roadmap from the beginning. Here is how you should order the key elements of your front matter.
Table of Contents
Your Table of Contents acts as the navigator of your dissertation, leading the reader to chapters, headings, subheadings, and important sections such as the literature review, discussion, and conclusions. Ensure all page numbers are accurately reflected. This must be placed right after your title page and before any lists or the main body.
List of Figures and Tables
The List of Figures and Tables offers a detailed index of visual and tabular data. Each item listed should be described with a concise caption and a page number to quickly find the figure or table. This section is optional, dependent on the discipline or department guidelines, but highly recommended for works containing numerous figures and tables.
Glossary
A Glossary provides definitions for specific academic writing terms or jargon relevant to your research. This section helps you understand specialized vocabulary or abbreviations used within your document. Place your glossary after your lists and before the main body of your dissertation to assist readers who are not familiar with the terminology of your field.