9/26/06
cmchrist@princeton.edu

Examinations and Thesis

Qualifying exams, given upon entrance in the fall, are used for placement in courses and to give an idea of the student's preparation for graduate level study. These examinations, offered in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, chemical physics, are diagnostic tools to help students choose a course program and area of study.

The general examination, an oral examination based on the thesis research area and related general knowledge, is taken in the fall of the second year of study. Students prepare a wrtten proposal based on their thesis research and defend it before the Generals Committee. The oral portion of the exam begins with a seminar-like presentation to the committee and followed by questions which test the candidate's preparation to do the thesis research.

The student’s research culminates in the writing of a thesis. The department faculty evaluate the thesis, and the student finishes the Ph.D. requirements by defending the thesis research in a final public oral examination. It normally requires four to five years to complete the Ph.D.

Teaching

Teaching is an integral component of a graduate student's academic experience. Most graduate students fulfill this requirement during their second year, but interested, qualified students can often teach in subsequent years as well.