Examinations

Final M.S. Examination

The final oral examination is conducted by the student’s Graduate Committee which is chaired by his/her advisor. The examination for Plan “A” is a defense of the student’s research thesis. The examination for Plan “B” is based upon the course work required for the MS degree, with a focus on the topic selected for the final report. A typed version of a thesis/report must be circulated to the student’s Graduate Committee at least two weeks before the final examination. All CMB faculty are invited to attend. The graduate student has the responsibility to check with each committee member to schedule a suitable time and place for the oral examination, and to inform the CMB Administrative Assistant so that the CMB faculty can be notified at least two weeks in advance of the examination.

Preliminary Examination for Ph.D. Degree

After completion of the required courses, a comprehensive preliminary examination is administered to determine if the student is qualified to continue toward the doctorate degree. This examination should ascertain the student’s potential to become a research scientist capable of making significant contributions to his/her field of. Therefore, during the examination the student will be expected to demonstrate his/her ability: 1) to interrelate knowledge and concepts acquired in the completed graduate courses and 2) to apply these concepts to a fundamental research investigation.

This examination is administered no sooner than one year after formal acceptance into the CMB Program and after completion of all the required courses. It must be administered no later than the end of the second year and at least two semesters before the final examination. The examination includes both oral and written components. The format and conduct of the examination is the responsibility of the student’s advisor and Graduate Committee.

Final Ph.D. Examination

The examination is primarily an oral defense of the written research, dissertation and is open to all members of the University community and the public at large. A typed version of a dissertation must be circulated to the student’s Graduate Committee at least two weeks before the final examination.