Qualifying Exam

Vision Science students are expected to take their Oral Qualifying Examination (QE) in the fourth semester. If there are extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control, then the student can petition the Chair of the Vision Science Group for an exception to this time frame. The central goal of the QE is to evaluate and establish the student’s aptitude and readiness for completing a PhD research project.

Students should submit a research proposal that follows the NIH R21 format to all their committee members at least one week prior to the examination date. The Exploratory/Development Research Proposal does not require preliminary data but should provide a conceptual framework of the thesis research and background/justification through literature, other sources, and/or preliminary data. In some cases, students may wish to complete their QE by the end of the second semester. In such cases, presenting a fully developed research proposal may not be possible, and this will be taken into consideration.

Parts of the Exam

The exam consists of two main parts:

Oral Presentation
Covers the Exploratory/Development Research Proposal and related topics. This can include a PowerPoint/Keynote presentation.

General Questions
From the committee on three general subject areas that the student selects based on the proposed thesis research and expected field of knowledge.