They must defend a research progress report and two original research propositions, which have been prepared and submitted before the exam. The research report summarizes research progress and accomplishments to date and outlines plans for future research. The two propositions should reflect the student's breadth of reading, creativity, and ability to identify valid scientific problems. After successful completion of the candidacy examination, students are recommended for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. Provided the course requirements have been completed, they may then devote their entire effort to research.
Most students complete the Ph.D. program in chemistry within five years.
Before the end of the fourth year, students convene their Ph.D. committees to discuss their research progress and plans for completing thesis research. The final Ph.D. examination is an oral examination held before a faculty committee, usually the student's candidacy committee plus one additional faculty member. A separate examination before the committee is held earlier, in which the candidate presents and defends three original research propositions. Choosing a Dissertation Subject and a Research Supervisor Students are encouraged to begin their research work as soon as possible, and mechanisms are provided to aid in selecting a research advisor and a research project. A series of orientation seminars introduces new graduate students to the research interests of the faculty.