The Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination consists of two parts, one based on your core class work and one whose emphasis is your research project. 

1.  Written exam

The written comprehensive exam is designed to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your competence in the different disciplines within chemistry. This exam covers material in the core courses that you selected. This exam will be administered as a take home exam. You will be required to answer questions in 2 of the core classes you have taken.  You should inform the core class instructor at least one week prior of your intention to take the exam at which time you will be provided information or study guides. This exam will be prepared and graded (pass or fail) by the instructors of the core courses. 

2.  Oral exam

The oral comprehensive exam will be conducted by members of your thesis committee and will take the format of a committee meeting and oral defense of your research program. It is the student’s responsibility to set up the oral exam time and location.  The student will give a brief presentation of the research plan and results to date, and then committee members will ask questions and make suggestions. The committee will assign a grade of pass, fail or conditional pass.  Conditional pass may require additional work which must be completed by the end of the following spring semester before a passing grade will be administered.  This exam should provide an opportunity for committee members to have input into the project while it is still in the early stages, with the goal of making the project the best possible research.

If you have any questions please see Dr. Kieber