Final Examination Guide for Thesis Masters
Thesis M.S. students are required to have an oral defense of the thesis. Only under extreme circumstances will the Convener of Graduate Studies waive this. However, all steps must be taken and all forms should be processed in a timely fashion, even if no oral defense is given.
Non-thesis M.S. students do not normally have an oral examination; however, an oral examination may be required by the student's Advisory Committee.
The Final Examination (thesis defense) will be publicly announced on the departmental bulletin board and posted on the Department Graduate Oral Exam Calendar. It will consist of a seminar, open to the public, during which the candidate will summarize their thesis research. Following the seminar there will be an oral examination to be attended only by the Examining Committee members.
Arrange day, hour and room for final exam at a time convenient for your committee. Schedule room as far in advance as possible. Check web site: http://www.bio.purdue.edu/resources/calendar/index.php for room availability before-emailing. Send an e-mail to calendars@bio.purdue.edu to schedule a room.
Request for appointment of examining committee
Submit a request to take the final examination no later than three (3) weeks prior to date of exam. The request to take the final examination will be submitted on G.S. Form 7, Report of Master's Examining Committee, by the Graduate Office. The research director signs the form. Leave the form in 1-120 for approval.
Thesis M.S. students, for whom the oral examination is waived, must also submit a request for Appointment of Examining Committee (G.S. Form 7, the report of Master's Examining Committee) The examination report must be filed for candidates to receive their degrees.
The report must be in the Graduate office no later than the date set by the Graduate School. These dates vary. Check with the Biology Graduate Office for the specific date each semester.
If the Examining Committee decides that the examination is unsatisfactory, a second examination is required. A new request form, G. S. Form 7, must be submitted to the Graduate School. At least one session must intervene before the second examination is taken.
Departmental Questionnaire
Biology Form BIOL-04A, Post M.S./Ph.D. Information must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator, LILY 1-120.
Prepare thesis
Schedule appointment with Grad Coordinator for Thesis/Dissertation Format approval. A pdf copy of the Thesis is required.
The Head of the Department, or Associate Head of the Department in the absence of the Head, signs the G.S. Form 9, Thesis Acceptance Page.
The thesis must be deposited no later than the date set by the Graduate School. This is usually the Friday of the last week of classes, but may very. Check with the Graduate Office for specific date each semester.