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The ATC must be done within the first six months of beginning the MSc Agriculture. It is preferable to do this within the first four months (within 18 months for part-time students). The ATC should be completed before actual experimental work is begun, although students may have done a pilot study.Ìý

It is realized that for students who begin in May, and who will be doing field work, that actual project work may need to start before the ATC is completed. However, students should be developing their ATC document at the same time and be able to justify the work done in the context of their overall project.Ìý

The external examiner and the discussion of the supervisory committee may identify areas that can be improved or suggest additional resources. The committee may find that the student is lacking in some background and suggest a course or additional reading that would be helpful to the student in carrying out the research.Ìý

If the ATC is not completed within the first six months, the student must submit a request for an extension with a detailed timeline for completion and the reason why the ATC has to be delayed. This must be signed by the supervisor. This is to be submitted to the Faculty Graduate Coordinator, who may allow for a certain period of extension after consultation with the supervisor. Students who have not completed the ATC by the end of their second semester will need to meet with the Graduate Coordinator. Students who have not completed by the end of the third semester may be required to withdraw on the basis of non-completion of an academic requirement.

• The student prepares a Research Proposal, following the format given below.Ìý
• The proposal is prepared in consultation with the supervisor and supervisory committee members.Ìý
• This should include the rationale for the proposed research, the general outline of the planned project, the resources available and any practical limitations to the project, and the timeline for the student to complete the project and defend the thesis.Ìý
• The document is not expected to have a complete and thorough literature review; the literature cited should set the framework for the project. The methods used should give the broad outline; it is not necessary to include every aspect of methodology.Ìý
• It is recommended that students have all members of their supervisory committee review, comment and edit, and critique the proposal before submission for the ATC exam.Ìý
• The external examiner will only receive the final copy of the ATC document.Ìý
• The supervisor is required to sign the Planning Form to indicate agreement that the student is ready to come forward for the ATC. (A student may choose to bring the ATC document forward without this signature, but arrangements will not be made without discussing this decision and approval by the Graduate Coordinator.) 

• The Committee consists of the supervisor, the members of the supervisory committee, an external examiner (who is nominated by the student/supervisor and requires approval by the graduate coordinator), and is chaired by the Faculty Graduate Studies Coordinator or designate.
• It is important that the supervisory committee be defined well in advance of the ATC, and it is strongly recommended that the committee has met as a whole before the ATC.Ìý
• »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ faculty who are  (login required) of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, but not in the student’s department, may act as external examiners for ATC examinations.Ìý
• Adjunct FGS members in the Faculty of Agriculture, or FGS members from another department at »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥, may also serve as external examiners.Ìý
• The external examiner may not be directly involved with the student's proposed research area.Ìý
• Names of external examiners are suggested by the student in consultation with the supervisor; approval of suggested names is given by the Graduate Coordinator.Ìý

Travel expenses incurred by the external examiner or any member of the supervisory committee to attend the ATC will not be reimbursed by the Faculty of Agriculture or »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥. The supervisor may choose to reimburse these costs and should discuss any specific arrangements for travel with the Graduate Program Assistant.

• The student consults with the supervisor and supervisory committee to arrange available dates (at least three (3) separate dates should be confirmed).Ìý
• The supervisor then contacts potential External Examiners (after approval by the Graduate Coordinator) to determine their availability on those dates.Ìý
• Once dates and External Examiner are confirmed, the student completes the ATC Planning Form & Part 1. This form must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office, Faculty of Agriculture, at least four (4) weeks before the proposed date of the ATC via email: gradagri@dal.ca.Ìý
• The Research Proposal must be submitted at least three (3) weeks prior to the date of the ATC. The Graduate Program Assistant will confirm the time of the examination with the student and examining committee. The proposed dates are not guaranteed. Students should have alternate dates in mind, particularly at busy times of the year.Ìý
• The Graduate Coordinator will approve the ATC Chair. For virtual exams, the Graduate Program Assistant will send the examining committee and student a calendar invitation with the appropriate meeting details and link.Ìý
• For in-person or hybrid exams, the Graduate Program Assistant will arrange for the room. It is the student's responsibility to obtain the necessary computer resources. The ATC is typically open to students, staff, and faculty.

Paper documents are not required. An electronic copy of the Planning Form, with digital signatures, may be sent to the Graduate Program Assistant via email: gradagri@dal.ca. This copy, along with additional instructions will be sent to all examiners and the chair of the exam.Ìý

The Research Proposal must be submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word file to the Graduate Program Assistant.

• The student will make a 15-minute oral presentation of the proposal, highlighting the goals and objectives of the research, the research strategy/methodology, and the impact, significance, or benefit of the proposed research.Ìý
• The external examiner and supervisory committee members will then question the student on the proposal and concepts relevant to the proposal.Ìý
• There are typically two rounds of questions. The external examiner will be the first to ask questions with the supervisor asking last. However, this order is at the discretion of the chairperson.Ìý
• The chairperson may participate in the questioning but is not required to do so.Ìý
• The examination is expected to be completed in two hours. The chairperson should allot time for individual questioners to meet this timeline.Ìý