Qualifying exam

The qualifying examination concludes Part A of the PhD studies. The PhD student must pass the qualifying examination to continue his or her PhD studies in Part B. Through a progress report and an oral examination, the PhD student must demonstrate solid progress on the research project, present an ambitious and realistic plan for Part B of the PhD studies and show an ability to communicate scientific work. 

The examination consists of the following elements:

1. The progress report
2. An examination on the research activities of Part A taking its starting point in the progress report, and a discussion of the plans for Part B. 

The examination committee consists of the main supervisor, the internal examiner (chair) and an external examiner (censor)

The role of the main superviser:

• chooses the censor and arranges the date and time of the exam. Remember to clear the schedule with the internal examiner (chair) first
• books a room for exam, can be also booked through the secretariat (Lene Conley)
• hotel for the censor (if needed) can be booked through the secretariat (Lene Conley)
• lunch for the committee before the exam can be booked through the information office

The role role of the internal examiner

• is a member of the Chemistry PhD committee
• his/her task is to lead the examination and ensure that the examination is impartial and consistent
• coordinates the written statement of the exam

A document written in English by the PhD student with a detailed account of the status of the supervised research project and a discussion of the research plans for Part B. The total length of the progress report must not exceed 30 pages.

The exam can last up to two hours and consists of:

• welcome by the internal examinator
• an oral presentation by the PhD student, approx. 30 (-40) min
• questions by the external examiner, approx. 30-40 min
• questions by the supervisor, approx. 10-15 min
• maybe a few questions by internal examiner
• evaluation of the examination
• feedback to PhD student

More information can bee found:

• in the email sent by the Graduate School before the exam
• https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-phd-students/progress-report-qualifying-exam