Final oral examination

Preparation

It is highly recommended that all students meet with their thesis committee at least six months in advance of their planned graduation date. It is the responsibility of the student, in consultation with the thesis advisor, to provide a detailed review of research progress, future plans and a time table for completing the final thesis. Typically, the student will present this to the committee in the form of an oral presentation.

After reviewing the student's progress and plans, the committee will form a recommendation regarding any remaining requirements for completing the degree. After the doctoral candidate has satisfied all other requirements for the degree, and upon recommendation of the thesis committee and advisor, the Program Chair will ask the Graduate School to schedule the final examination.

Normally, at least three months must elapse between the comprehensive and final oral examinations.

The student, in consultation with the thesis advisor and the Genetics Program, is required to meet all graduation requirement deadlines as indicated in the Graduate School Academic Calendar. These include deadlines for:

•  Activating the "Intent to Graduate" on ELion (early in the final semester)
• Submitting a draft thesis for format review by the Graduate School Thesis Office
• Completing the final examination and final thesis submission.

A major aspect of the final examination should be an oral thesis defense. Prior to the final examination, the last draft of the thesis should be approved by the advisor and distributed to the thesis committee (preferably two weeks in advance of the final examination).

The format of the thesis must conform to strict guidelines determined by the Graduate School and the thesis submission must comply with Graduate School deadlines.

The following points may be used as guidelines for evaluation

1. Is the research original?
2. Are proper experimental designs, appropriate techniques, and interpretation of results described in the thesis?
3. Is the candidate able to defend the methods, findings, and conclusions of the research?
4. Is the candidate sufficiently knowledgeable of the literature to place his or her contribution in proper context?
5. Is the thesis research worthy of publication? (students are highly encouraged to publish thesis work)

The decision of the committee will be reported to the Program Chair and to the Graduate School on the forms provided by the Graduate School.

After the thesis defense

Following successful completion of the final thesis incorporating any revisions required by the committee, the thesis is signed by the committee and forwarded to the Program Chair for final approval.