Ph.D. Examinations
Examinations
The student must pass a preliminary examination and a comprehensive examination. The preliminary examination is a written examination that measures achievement by the student of an acceptable breadth and depth of knowledge in the biomolecular sciences. The comprehensive examination is a defense of a research proposal on a topic that is distinct from the anticipated dissertation research, and may be taken only after successful completion of the preliminary examination. Failure of either examination normally results in administrative withdrawal of the student from the program. In rare cases, and according to Graduate College policy, a student who has failed an examination may be allowed a second and final attempt to pass.