黄色直播 the preliminary examination
The Preliminary Examination is a means to engage the PhD student in the development of the proposed research direction early in the PhD program. It is normally the first meeting of the full supervisory committee. It provides an opportunity for the supervisory committee to determine whether the student is capable of pursing PhD research in the Faculty of Agriculture.聽
The examination committee will provide feedback on the suitability of the research direction to ensure it meets the requirements of the PhD program and that it can be undertaken within the prescribed timelines of the program. This requirement includes:聽
- a written document that frames and describes the proposed research
- a presentation
- an oral defense in which the student defends the proposed thesis question, the method(s) required, and shows the level of knowledge required to explore the question.
The student will be asked questions related to the proposal and/or related to concepts relevant to the proposed research. The student is being examined for an ability to put together a viable research project and to defend both the rationale and the methodology. In the process, the student must demonstrate mastery of the science on which the work is based. A student may be questioned about general knowledge of methodology required for the project and theory relating to it.聽
The Preliminary Examination is normally completed within the first year of study.聽
Students who are not able to complete it within this timeframe must complete and submit a Preliminary Exam Extension Form. The discussion between an external examiner and the supervisory committee may identify areas that can be improved or suggest additional resources. The committee may find that the student is lacking in background in some areas and can suggest additional coursework or additional reading that would be helpful to the student in carrying out the proposed research. The committee may judge the student incapable of completing the PhD program.
The student must complete and submit a Preliminary Examination Extension Request Form with a detailed timeline for completion and the reason why the Preliminary Exam has to be delayed. This must be signed by the supervisor and is to be submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture Graduate Studies Office, who may grant a specified extension period after consultation with the supervisor. Students who have not completed by the end of the 5th semester may be required to withdraw on the basis of non- completion of an academic requirement (unless an extension has been provided). Students who have not completed the Preliminary Exam by the end of their 3rd semester will need to meet with the Graduate Coordinator.
The Preliminary Exam Extension Form can be found below.
The review essays and progress reports should be submitted electronically. Note that each examiner has the option to request a hard copy of the review essay and/or report.
The student will give a 15-20-minute oral presentation on the proposed research. This should include background context for the research problem, statements of objectives and hypotheses, description of the research methods to be used, and an account of the potential impact, significance, or benefit of the proposed research. It is unnecessary to give detailed descriptions of research methods and protocols in the verbal presentation.聽
The examination committee will ask the student questions related to the proposal and/or related concepts relevant to the proposed research. There will be two rounds of questions, with examiners being given up to 20 minutes and up to 10 minutes for the first and second rounds of questions, respectively. The external examiner will normally be the first to ask questions, although the order is at the discretion of the chairperson. The supervisor does not examine the student. The chairperson may participate in the questioning but is not required to do so.聽
After the examination, the student is asked to leave the room (or video call) and the committee will discuss and assess the student鈥檚 written proposal, oral presentation, and responses to questions. The supervisor may participate in the final assessment discussion after the examination and is/are expected to communicate helpful information back to the student. After a consensus is reached on the outcome of the examination, the student is then asked to return so that they can be informed of the results.聽
The examination is expected to be completed in 2-2.5 hours. The chairperson may adjust the time allotted for individual questioners in order to meet this timeframe. Examiners will be mindful that a detailed outline of research procedures is not required, but they may and should question the student's general knowledge of methodology required for the project and theory relating to it.聽聽
The examiners will also keep in mind that the Preliminary Examination is not a comprehensive exam and that questions will be derived from the content presented by the student and not range over the entire field. The student is being examined for competence by evaluating their ability to put together a viable research project and to defend both the rationale and the methodology. In the process, the student must demonstrate mastery of the science on which the work is based. The Chairperson is expected to intervene on behalf of the student if examiners' questions are not consistent with the purpose of the Preliminary Examination.
The Examination Committee consists of:聽
鈻 A Chairperson, assigned through the Graduate Studies Office聽
鈻 An External examiner聽
鈻 Members of the supervisory committee, consisting of the Supervisor or two Co-supervisors and at least two other individuals.聽聽
It is important that membership of the supervisory committee be established well in advance of the Preliminary Examination. Students and supervisors will review and follow Departmental and Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) guidelines on supervisory committee membership. For information about Supervisory Committee membership please review the Academic Calendar.聽
The external examiner is usually a regular faculty member in the Faculty of Agriculture or another Faculty at 黄色直播 who is a regular member of FGS. Adjunct FGS members at 黄色直播 may also serve as external examiners. The External may not be directly involved with the student鈥檚 proposed research area and should not be from the student鈥檚 department. Names of external examiners are suggested by the student in consultation with the supervisor; approval of suggested names is given by the Graduate Coordinator in advance of submitting their planning form to the Graduate Studies Office.
The student prepares a 5-7 page Research Proposal, typically following a format similar to that described below. It should provide a general framework and rationale for the research problem being explored. An outline and context (e.g. hypotheses and experimental methods) for each research chapter should follow. Resources available and any practical limitations to the project should be explained, and the timeline for the student to complete the project and defend the thesis provided. All sections should reference pertinent literature, but the document is not expected to present a complete and thorough literature review. Methodologies described need not include every aspect of methodology.聽
The proposal is typically prepared in consultation with the supervisor only. The student should meet often with the primary advisor to discuss the rationale behind the proposed project, important background literature, resources available, practical limitations, and the nature of the examination. The student will independently write the proposal and prepare for the oral presentation. The supervisor is expected to review 1-2 drafts of the document.聽
Before the Preliminary Examination, consultation by the student with the rest of the Supervisory Committee will generally be limited to specific factual questions, and the committee members will generally not be expected to review drafts of the proposal. In cases where a committee member has expertise relevant to the project that is outside the expertise of the Supervisor's 鈥 for example, methods for a certain experimental technique 鈥 more extensive consultation with a committee member may be appropriate.
Students are expected to complete the Preliminary Examination within the first year of study. The student consults with the supervisor and completes Preliminary Examination Planning Form & Part 1. All forms are available on the Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate Forms page.聽
The student and/or supervisor should send the names and contact information of the suggested external examiners to the Graduate Coordinator by email for approval prior to submission of the planning form. After confirmation by the Graduate Coordinator that the external examiners are appropriate, the supervisor may begin coordinating with external examiners around scheduling.聽
At least four weeks in advance of the earliest proposed exam date, submit the Preliminary Examination Planning Form & Part 1 to the Graduate Program Assistant. The Graduate Program Assistant will schedule the examination and arrange for a Chairperson. The Graduate Program Assistant will notify the student and Examining Committee of final arrangements, including the date, time and room (or video call information) of the examination.聽
At least three weeks before the scheduled date of the examination, the student must submit electronic copies of the Research Proposal to the Graduate Program Assistant. Prior to submission, the student should consult their supervisor for suggestions for improvement.聽
Travel expenses incurred by the external examiner or any member of the supervisory committee to attend the Preliminary Exam will not be reimbursed by the Faculty of Agriculture or 黄色直播. The supervisor may choose to reimburse these costs and should discuss any specific arrangements for travel with the Graduate Program Assistant.
Paper documents are not required. An electronic copy of the Preliminary Examination Planning Form & Part 1 must be sent to the Graduate Program Assistant. The Research Proposal must be submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word file to the Graduate Program Assistant.
The committee will consider the following:聽
鈥 The merit and feasibility of the project for a PhD program and PhD thesis聽
鈥 Whether the resources are available for the project聽
鈥 If the student has the required background to be able to do the project, including experience or potential in employing various techniques or methods, and understanding relevant literature or theory around the research problem.聽聽
The student is expected to have put together a viable research project, to justify the background for the project and the general methods and be able to relate the methods and protocol to the objectives. This should be justified with appropriate reference to the literature, but a full literature review is not expected at this time. The examiners should keep in mind that this is not a Comprehensive Examination. Questions will arise from the scientific content of the work but will not range randomly over the entire field.聽
The Chairperson is expected to intervene on behalf of the student if an examiner鈥檚 questions are not consistent with the purpose of the Preliminary Examination.
The evaluation decision is by consensus of the examining committee. Each member of the examining committee (except the Chair) will independently complete and sign PhD Preliminary Examination Form PART 2 (Examiners Report). These are collected by the Chairperson who enters the results on a consensus form, PhD Preliminary Examination Form PART 3 (Chair Report). The examiners discuss the evaluation with the Supervisor; the Chairperson enters the decision, all useful comments, and an overall evaluation on Part 3, which is then signed by all present, to indicate their concurrence. The completed and signed forms (Part 2 and Part 3) are returned to the Graduate Program Assistant. Digital signatures are acceptable.聽
The outcome will be Pass or Fail. The Preliminary Examination is only considered as passed when all conditions outlined by the examining committee are satisfactorily completed. A Pass may be accompanied by Recommendations or by Conditions. These may include requirements to take additional courses or to do supplementary reading. Required courses must be defined in the context of available courses, and normally must be completed by the end of the next academic year. A student may be required to re-write the Research Proposal if this is not satisfactory.聽
A Recommendation is to be considered by the student and supervisor in consultation with supervisory committee members.聽
A Condition will be verified by the Graduate Coordinator. This must be completed before the student will be allowed to proceed to the Comprehensive Exam.聽聽聽
A Failure is given when the student's performance in the examination indicates that they are not suitable for PhD studies in Agricultural Sciences. Failure may result in academic dismissal (according to FGS Regulations). If the student wishes to be readmitted, they should apply to the Graduate Coordinator to petition FGS for readmission. If readmitted, the student must repeat and pass the Preliminary Examination within 12 months.聽
The broad format of the proposal must be followed. However, any scientific study may require alteration of methods as the study progresses. Such changes are made by consultation between the student, supervisor, and supervisory committee.聽
If it becomes necessary to make major changes to the proposal, or if the timeline of the project is affected, the supervisor and student should consult with the Graduate Coordinator. A new Preliminary Examination may be required.
The proposal should be no more than 5-7 pages excluding reference list, cover page, figures, tables, timeline, and appendices. Text should be single space and 12-point font size. Margins should be no less than 1.5 cm.
The proposal should include: a cover page, table of contents, reference list, any necessary figures or tables, and the timeline for completion. The timeline should include all requirements for the PhD in Agricultural Sciences program, e.g. courses, comprehensive examination, thesis writing, thesis submission, and defence. The format and referencing should be consistent with publications in the student鈥檚 area of study.
An Introduction section should be a synthesis of what is currently known or unknown as it relates to the research problem being examined in the thesis. There should be clear context for the purpose of study, its rationalization, and an explanation of how the proposed research will contribute to the discipline. This section should close with clear statements of what the student is attempting to demonstrate, analyze, investigate, or examine. An overall objective, hypothesis, or prediction, with a list of specific project aims should be included.
In most cases it is recommended that the student develop Research Approach or Methodology sections in the research proposal that reflect the projected research chapters of the thesis. Here the student may provide additional context, formulate specific hypotheses to be tested, and describe how they will achieve each aim, the experimental approach, and design. Discuss resources available (special equipment, software or material) and any practical limitations, barriers or pitfalls.聽
A final Expected Outcomes or Significance section can indicate the importance of the proposed research, highlighting originality, knowledge contribution, potential benefits, and application of knowledge. Describe expected outcomes and what you expect the proposal will deliver.
The student may find the to be a useful resource in preparing the research proposal. The student is encouraged to consult with Library staff at an early stage to assist in researching the literature. Students may also wish to consult the Agricultural Campus Writing Centre for general assistance. The Writing Centre is located in the
Comprehensive examination (PhD students only)
黄色直播 the comprehensive examination
PhD students must undertake a comprehensive examination as part of the PhD in Agricultural Sciences. Students are encouraged to complete the exam in their second year of study, but no later than 30 months of entering the program and at least one year prior to the thesis defence. A comprehensive exam will reflect the breadth of the program, including topics outside of the thesis, and will give the student the opportunity to demonstrate increased range of knowledge gained during their program related to their general area of research.
The examination will consist of three parts:
- A written assignment that shall include an essay that critiques a particular subject or question of relevance to the thesis topic.
- An oral defense of the literature review and research progress, showing mastery of the field of study, and plan for the program completion.
- A progress report.
The Comprehensive Examination Committee will normally consist of the Supervisory Committee and an External Examiner. The Supervisory Committee will provide suggestions for potential external examiners with expertise in the field of the thesis. The External Examiner will be approved by the Graduate Studies Coordinator. All members of the Examination Committee, excluding the External Examiner, must be members of the 黄色直播 Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).聽
The exam will be chaired by a member of the Graduate Studies Committee or a Regular faculty member within the Faculty of Agriculture approved by the Graduate Studies Coordinator. The chairperson will not vote except in the case of a tie. The comprehensive exam is judged on a pass/fail basis. In the event of a failed exam, students have the option to request, within one month of the exam decision, permission for a second attempt at the exam. In the event of an unchallenged failed first attempt or of a failed second attempt, the result is an academic dismissal (, Graduate Calendar).
General Purpose:
PhD students are expected to develop breadth of knowledge in their broad discipline in addition to the focused expertise they gain through inquiry into their specific research problem and composition of their thesis. The writing of the essay as part of the comprehensive exam will allow the student to synthesize, critique, and/or provide a unique perspective on a topic related to the PhD dissertation research. The essay will allow the student to examine an appropriate body of literature while evaluating it in writing, may draw attention to current advances, and can speculate on future directions of a certain topic, incorporating personal opinion. Students are encouraged to offer their scholarly perspective through, for example, writing a unique viewpoint on an existing problem, fundamental concept, or prevalent notion on a specific topic; proposing and supporting a new hypothesis; or discussing the ramifications for science or society of an innovation or policy. The essay should help the student mature as a writer and 鈥渇orm their voice鈥 as it relates to their potential scholarly impact in their discipline. More fundamentally, the essay will allow the student to develop skills needed later in writing the thesis, and help the Supervisory Committee identify the need for assistance or practice in written presentation and synthesis of information. Ideally, the essay would serve as a critical review, commentary, or perspective piece intended for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.聽
Length
There are no set page limits for the essay and students should bear in mind that assessment of their work will not be based on quantity. A total text length of 20-30 pages, typed double-spaced on letter-size paper (1鈥 margins) plus references is a reasonable length. Students are encouraged to include tables and figures, if appropriate. Please note that more than 40 pages total is excessive and may be considered justification for rejection by examiners.聽
Content
Although a thorough review of the literature on a topic will be necessary and students will need to cite relevant literature on their topic, students need to be mindful that they are not being tasked with writing a literature review. On the other hand, a mere survey or summary of the literature is not enough. The essay needs to present and evaluate the current state of knowledge (including conflicting evidence) and the student should also strive to be critical and offer a unique viewpoint on a topic. The essay may take previously disconnected problems or ideas in agriculture and synthesize them into a new framework for future research or innovations. The student and Supervisory Committee may choose to incorporate the essay into the dissertation as a thesis chapter. Therefore, it may be written in a style appropriate to the thesis.
聽Academic Integrity
The Academic Integrity website provides information on plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. As stated on the website, 鈥溁粕辈 expects all students to be responsible learners, which means that you will complete assignments yourself and acknowledge sources of information and ideas when they are not your own.鈥 Students must never transcribe content in its original form into their essay. They must restate facts and ideas using their own words and cite original sources. Supervisors are expected to help students improve their writing through careful critique of drafts of the essay for grammar, formatting, flow, and arguments or propositions. Other members of the Supervisory Committee may also help if they are willing to do so. The Writing Centre provides academic support for improving writing skills.
Progress Report
The written report should detail progress and plans for completing the research project and an update on progress towards completing other program requirements (e.g. courses, teaching assistantships). The report should include an overview of the thesis research problem, a description of methodologies and/or experimental designs, a summary of the results to date (tables or figures are acceptable, as appropriate), conclusions derived from those results, and references. The progress report should be concise, but sufficient for the examiners to make critical judgement on the quality of the thesis research thus far, and overall program progress. Peer-reviewed papers published, accepted, or in preparation for submission to journals, abstracts or proceedings from conferences, extension materials developed (e.g. fact sheets or posters for industry partners), and similar relevant examples of productivity are useful appendices. The written report should not exceed five single-spaced pages (12 pt font, 1鈥 margins), excluding references and appendices.
The oral presentation will complement and reflect the contents of the essay and written report. The presentation will be 30 to 40 minutes, consisting of an overview of the content presented in the essay, followed by, and focusing mostly on, research results to date and next steps.
The comprehensive examination will incorporate an oral presentation by the student, questions from the examiners, deliberation by the Examination Committee concerning the student鈥檚 performance on the oral (presentation and answering of questions) and written (essay and progress report) components, and communication to the student on the result of the examination. The exam will not be open to the public.聽
- A Chairperson;
- An External Examiner
- Supervisory Committee members (Supervisor or two Co-supervisors and at least two other members of the Supervisory Committee).聽
All members of the Examination Committee, excluding the External Examiner, must be members of the 黄色直播 Faculty of Graduate Studies. All members of the committee must be present for the exam.聽
The comprehensive exam will be chaired by the Graduate Studies Coordinator, a departmental representative from the Graduate Studies Committee, or a faculty member appointed by the Graduate Studies Coordinator. The External Examiner, from outside the Faculty of Agriculture, is selected based upon suggestions from the Supervisory Committee.聽
The External Examiner should have the expertise and knowledge in the area of research to qualify for the comprehensive exam and must not have been involved in the thesis work or other research of the student or Supervisor.聽
The Chairperson will introduce the student and the members of the Examination Committee and explain that the student will give a presentation followed by two rounds of questions from the examiners. The student will be examined for mastery of all aspects of the thesis research including its background. The examiners should be satisfied that the student has a thorough understanding of concepts and methods needed to complete the project, as well as the intellectual ability and independence expected of a PhD candidate.聽
The Chairperson should assign time for questions to allow all examiners to have an equal opportunity, considering the size of the examination committee. The External Examiner will ask questions first. The suggested time limit is 10-15 minutes in the first round and 5-10 minutes in the second round. The Chairperson and Supervisor may also participate in the questioning. In total, comprehensive examinations preferably last no longer than 2.5 hours.聽
Following the question period, the student will be asked to withdraw and wait outside the room or leave the video call as they will be asked to rejoin the Examination Committee following their deliberations to discuss the outcome of the exam.聽
The result of the examination will be conveyed to the student formally by the Chairperson. The student will have an opportunity to discuss the outcome of the exam with the Examination Committee, with the Chair present to facilitate the discussion.聽
A copy of the evaluation summary report, along with a formal letter, will be sent to the student by the Graduate Studies Office after the exam.
PhD students should take the comprehensive exam in the second year of their program. The examination must be completed by the 30th month after commencing the graduate program and one year before the thesis can be defended. All courses should be completed before the comprehensive exam.
Extensions will only be granted in special circumstances by written application to the Graduate Studies Coordinator, with justification and Supervisor's support. Students requiring an extension, approved by the Supervisor, are to complete the Comprehensive Examination Extension Request Form聽[PDF - 175KB]. No more than two such extensions will be permitted.
The student should anticipate, plan, and prepare for the comprehensive exam well in advance of the exam date and must use the Comprehensive Examination Planning Form聽[PDF - 175KB]. The process is the following:聽
i) The student and/or Supervisor sends the names and contact information of the three suggested external examiners to the Graduate Studies Office by email for approval by the Graduate Studies Coordinator prior to submission of the planning form.聽
ii) The student, in consultation with the Supervisor(s) and Supervisory Committee, selects at least three potential dates and times for the exam and prepares the planning form. After confirmation by the Graduate Studies Coordinator that the external examiners are appropriate, the Supervisor coordinates with external examiners around scheduling.聽
iii) At least four weeks in advance of the earliest proposed exam date, the Comprehensive Examination Planning Form is submitted to the Graduate Studies Assistant, who arranges for a Chairperson and schedules the examination. The Graduate Studies Assistant notifies the student and Examination Committee of final arrangements, including the date, time and room or video call information of the exam.聽
iv) At least three weeks before the scheduled date of the exam, the student submits electronic copies of the progress report and essay to the Graduate Studies Assistant for circulation to the Examination Committee. Students must submit hard copies of either document to any examiner that requests one. Prior to submission, the student should consult their Supervisor for suggestions for improvement.
Students who do not complete the essay and oral examination requirements by the examination date will be deemed to have failed the exam. The Graduate Studies Coordinator will notify the student and Supervisor in writing.
After the examination, the student will leave the room or video call and each examiner (excluding the Chairperson) will independently complete an evaluation form (Comprehensive Exam 鈥 Part 1). These are collected by the Chair who later enters the average scores and a summary of comments from each examiner on a consensus form (Comprehensive Exam 鈥 Part 2). All forms are signed and returned to the Graduate Studies Assistant.
The Chair will ask the Supervisor to comment on the examination and examiners will then discuss the evaluation amongst themselves. The examination can have only two outcomes: pass or fail. All examiners participate in this discussion and in the final decision. The Chair will accept the view of the majority of examiners. If there is an impasse, the Chair will cast the deciding vote.
Students who fail the comprehensive examination may apply within one month of receiving this decision to the Graduate Studies Coordinator for re-examination. Faculty of Graduate Studies regulations allow a second attempt within one year of the first examination. The Chair will inform the Graduate Studies Coordinator and the student as to the reasons for failure. Scheduling of a second comprehensive exam and the composition of the Examination Committee will be at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Coordinator after consultation with the original Examination Committee and Supervisor(s). If the student fails upon re-examination or if no request for re-examination is received, the Graduate Studies Coordinator will inform the student鈥檚 Department Chair and the Dean of Graduate Studies and recommend that the student be dismissed from graduate studies.