The PhD Comprehensive ExamThe Comprehensive Exam is a key
part of the PhD program. The objective is to determine if you are
sufficiently prepared to undertake advanced studies in botany. This
exam consists of two parts. The first part, which is written, tests the
breadth of your knowledge about botany. The second part, which is oral,
probes deeply into subjects that are closely related to the area in
which you will conduct independent research. The Botany
Department has a strong policy regarding the deadline for taking this
examination. If you fail to comply with the deadline requirement, you
will be dismissed from the graduate program. Deadline - First attempt in the 3rd or 4th semester in the PhD program.
- Up to a one-year delay with written approval.
Written Examination (General Comprehensive Exam)The
written part consists of two, three-hour exam sessions, one session in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Each session
consists of an exam that is a mixture of short answer and essay
questions. The exam for each session is designed to take two hours, but
three hours are allotted in which to answer the questions. Questions
from the first session can not be re-visited during the second session. The basis of the written exam is the latest edition of the textbook by Raven, Evert and Eichhorn., The Biology of Plants. The Botany 601 and 602 courses are intended to help you prepare for the written examination.
A computer will be available during the exam if you prefer to type your answers. The
written exam is offered on the Wednesday preceeding the first day of
classes each semester. The first session starts at 9 AM and the second
session at 1 PM. The venue for the exam will be announced prior to the
exam date. You must contact the Graduate Chair prior to the exam
to reserve a seat if you expect to take the written part of the
comprehensive exam. Please note that if you pass the written exam
portion, you are expected to schedule an oral exam with your graduate
committee later in the
same semester. Oral Examination (Disciplinary Comprehensive Exam)The oral portion is an in-depth examination of areas that are related to your intended research. The
topics that will be covered in the oral exam are determined by you and
your graduate committee. Three or more topics are chosen that
represent different facets of your intended research investigation.
Usually, these are a mixture of broad and narrow topics. You are expected to know the history of these topics and the current literature that pertains to each. The oral exam is scheduled to last two hours, but it may extend as long as three hours. All
member of your graduate committee are required to attend this
examination. In the case that a committee member is unable to attend,
an appropriate substitute member must be arranged well in advance. Any
member of the graduate faculty is allowed to participate in this exam. Notice of this exam must be distributed at least two weeks prior to the exam. This should be coordinated with the Graduate Program secretary.
Two-Try Rule The
Comprehensive Exam consists of two parts. If you fail either the
written or oral part, you are allowed a second chance in the following
semester. Graduate Division regulations permit only two attempts to
pass the Comprehensive Exam. A second failure of either part will
result in your dismissal from the graduate program.
Attachments
If you have any questions regarding this policy or the procedures by which it is administered, please direct them to the Graduate Chair. | 