Valid starting Autumn Quarter 2009.
THE GENERAL EXAMINATION
Format
The General Examination is an oral exam administered by the
student's supervisory committee, usually taken before the end
of the third year. It has the following three components:
- A written thesis proposal.
The student is expected to outline a research topic which has
the potential of leading to a PhD dissertation in applied
mathematics. This written proposal should contain an outline
of a thesis project, as well as an overview of the existing
relevant literature. The written proposal should be made
available to the supervisory committee one week before the
general exam.
- A thesis proposal
(open to the public) consisting of a thirty minute (maximum)
presentation on the content of the written proposal.
During and after this public proposal the student will take
questions from the general audience.
- The thesis proposal is followed by a rigorous
oral examination (not open to the public)
where the supervisory committee verifies that the student
is ready to undertake the proposed work.
Goal
The General Examination is administered after the student has passed
the Qualifying Examination. The purpose of this examination is
fourfold:
- To determine whether the student has acquired the necessary
background appropriate for his/her proposed research,
- To determine whether the student is able to draw on this
background to make progress in the proposed research,
- To determine whether the student is familiar with existing
literature relevant to the proposed research,
- To determine whether the proposed research topic and approach
have the potential of leading to an acceptable dissertation.
The student will receive a pass of fail depending upon his/her
performance. The General Examination can be taken up to a maximum of
two times.