Culminating
Events:
Culminating event for the degree program
Dissertation
Dissertation Advising Committee Information
The Dissertation Advising Committee is formed to oversee the student's doctoral research and is comprised of at least three Graduate Faculty members. Two members, including the Chair, must be from the Chemistry Department. Committee compositions must be approved by the department's graduate committee. The Chair is responsible for overseeing and guiding the student's progress, coordinating the responses of the Committee members, and informing the student of his or her academic progress.
Dissertation Examining Committee Information
The Dissertation Examining Committee evaluates the student's dissertation and oral defense. This committee is comprised of the Doctoral Advising Committee and at least one additional Graduate Faculty member from outside the Chemistry Department. The Outside Examiner should be identified no later than the beginning of the semester in which the student will defend the dissertation.
Advisor/Committee Information
If a student needs to change a member of a Committee, the new member must be approved by the department's graduate committee and registered with the Graduate Secretary and the Graduate School.
Preliminary Exam Description
The preliminary examinations, including the passing of 6 cumulative examinations, involves the presentation and defense of an original research proposal, and the presentation of one departmental seminar on a literature topic.
At what point in the program is the student expected to take the preliminary examination
The student should complete their preliminary examinations within 42 months of martriculation.
Writing the Questions for the Preliminary Examination
Cumulative examinations (a major part of the preliminary examinations) are written by the graduate faculty and are given 3 times a semester in each of the different degree tracks.
Evaluating the Preliminary Examination
Each cumulative examination is evaluated by at least two graduate faculty members.
Criterion for Passing the Preliminary Examination.
Students are evaluated on their mastery of the material under review.
Administering, Scheduling, and Proctoring the Preliminary Examination
Cumulative examinations are given on a regular schedule. It is up to the student to schedule their original research proposal.
Dissertation/Monograph Philosophy
The Doctoral Dissertation is an original study that makes a significant contribution to the field of chemistry. It should expand the existing knowledge and demonstrate the student's knowledge of both research methods and a mastery of his or her primary area of interest. Dissertations should be rigorously investigated, uphold the ethics and standard of the field of chemistry, demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the primary area of interest and the broader field of chemistry, and be prepared for publication in a professional journal.
Philosophy of the Proposal
The dissertation proposal should contain a description of the research that the student will pursue for their Ph.D. The student must consult with their research advisor for guidance prior to writing this document. It is understood in writing this document that a general experience in research will help evolve new chemistry as a consequence of observations made during the course of an ongoing research problem. This document needs to be approved within 42 months of matriculation.
Criterion for Passing the Dissertation and the Defense.
The Committee will evaluate the student's ability to express verbally his or her research question, methodological approach, primary findings, and implications. The Committee will vote to pass or fail the dissertation and the defense.
Dissertation Defense Scheduling
Students who are preparing to defend their dissertation should confirm a time and date with their Dissertation Advisory Committee and register with the Graduate Secretary at least 15 days before the defense is to be scheduled. The Graduate Secretary will arrange the time, date, and room within two working days, and forward to the student the appropriate forms.
Announcing the Dissertation Defense
After the Graduate Secretary has arranged the time, date, and room, for the defense, the student must send to the Graduate School (501 Carnell Hall) a completed "Announcement of Dissertation Defense" form at least 10 days before the defense. The Department will post fliers announcing the defense.
