|
|
Qualifying
Exam
The qualifying examination is generally taken during or towards the end of the spring
semester of a student's second year. The qualifying exam is an opportunity of the
students to read in depth in areas of interest that may be related to an eventual
dissertation topic and to acquire experience in the formulation and preparation of
coherent research proposals, and for the faculty to identify areas of strength and
weakness that exist in a student's knowledge. The Qualifying exam allows the student
to demonstrate his/her ability to think critically about areas relevant to the proposed
thesis project and field of inquiry.
| |
 |
The examination involves selected readings
with members of an examining committee in areas relevant, but not identical to, the
student's potential thesis project; from these topics the student develops, during
the reading period, a 8 to 10 page research proposal. The reading topics and examining
committee members are selected by the student in consultation with the student's
thesis advisor and the DGS. After submission of the written proposal, an oral presentation
is made to the committee. The faculty will then ask questions that allow the student
to demonstrate his/her abilities to think critically about knowledge relevant to
their field of inquiry.
Teaching
requirements
The teaching requirements of the Microbiology Program will be in accordance with
the general teaching requirements of the BBS program. First year students will not
be required to teach and the teaching requirements are expected to be fulfilled before
the end of the third year.
Dissertation
Prospectus
A dissertation prospectus, a clearly written statement summarizing the nature and
scope of the dissertation research, is required by the Graduate School together with
the provisional title for the dissertation by the end of the third year. The dissertation
prospectus is prepared by the student in consultation with her/his research advisor
and thesis advisory committee.
Admission
to Candidacy
After all pre-dissertation requirements are successfully completed (Course requirements,
Honors requirements, Qualifying Examination, Teaching requirement, Dissertation Prospectus),
a student will be admitted to candidacy for Ph.D. degree. These requirements are
usually met in three years.
Dissertation
and Dissertation defense
Students will be required to prepare a written document describing the Dissertation
research. According to the Graduate School policy, the Dissertation will be read
by three Faculty members, two from within the University and one outside the University.
Student Handbook PDF
 |