Ph.D. Candidacy Examination
Content of the Candidacy Exam:
The Ph.D. Candidacy Exam will consist of a written and oral part. The candidacy exam should be treated as a proposal of your Ph.D. thesis research. Your thesis project must be original, contain clearly outlined goals, and demonstrate relevance to the field of chemical engineering. It should also be focused enough for completion within a 2-3 year time span. Presentation of preliminary results on your project, although a plus, is not required in the Ph.D. Candidacy Exam.
The written part of the Ph.D. Candidacy Exam involves the preparation of a detailed research proposal on the topic chosen by the student for his/her doctoral dissertation. The written thesis proposal should typically be 20 30 double spaced, typewritten pages including references. It should include, as appropriate, the following:
- Introduction to the research including rationale, hypothesis to be tested, general approach and specific aims.
- Critical survey and analysis of pertinent literature. Discussion of theoretical aspects including mathematical models and computer simulations.
- Experimental methods including design of apparatus, materials to be tested, operating conditions to be studied, and methods of data analysis.
- Necessary facilities including major analytical equipment, measurement, instruments, and computers.
- Safety considerations including biological and chemical hazards and safeguards against accidents. Tentative time table for completion of research.
In developing the document, the student may confer with his or her advisor regarding the availability of background materials, and the formulation of the research objectives. The writing and editing of the written proposal should, however, be the exclusive work of the student. The written thesis proposal will be used by the Department to satisfy the University's requirement for the English Competency Exam.
The oral part of the examination will involve a formal presentation and defense of the thesis proposal before a faculty committee. The oral exam will be scheduled after a period of at least two weeks following the submission of the written thesis proposal. Typically, the student will make a formal presentation of about 20 minutes duration. In addition to its technical content, the presentation will also be judged for its clarity, adaptation to the audience, organization, appropriate use of visual aids and effectiveness of delivery. Students are expected to demonstrate a broad understanding of their proposed research topic including the underlying theory, experimental techniques, pertinent literature, key research groups in the field, etc. Students other than the candidate may be present during the oral presentation, but will typically be asked to leave the examination when the candidate is questioned by the Committee.
No student will be allowed to take the Candidacy Exam more than twice.
Updated 11/28/07