Climate Dynamics Ph.D. - Qualifying Exam
The qualifying examination demonstrates the student's mastery of the scientific principles and methodology of the field. It establishes that the student is qualified to undertake independent research. The qualifying examination for the Climate Dynamics Ph.D. has two parts: a core component to test basic and fundamental knowledge, and a specialty component to evaluate ability specific to the student's research interests.
The core component consists of a written examination administered by an examination committee, which is appointed each year by the chair of the Climate Dynamics Department. Typically, the core examination covers materials considered in the four fundamental climate course requirements. The core component will consist of 4 two-hour exams, each on a different core course, taken over two days. After completion of the written component, the examination committee will assess the student's performance and communicate the result to the Climate Dynamics Chair, who will then inform the student. If appropriate, individual committee members will schedule a meeting with the student to discuss his/her performance. Students will have two opportunities to pass the Qualifying Examination.
The specialty component will be administered by the student's dissertation committee. The committee will ensure that the specialty component meets the oral and computational requirements of the degree.
The dissertation comittee consists of 4 or 5 appropriately qualified individuals, 3 of whom must be tenured or tenure-track faculty in the School of Computational Sciences. The student's faculty advisor is a member of the committee. It is recommended that the committee include a member from outside the specific area in which the student expects to conduct research. The chair of the supervisory committee, who will also be the dissertation director, must be tenured or tenure-track in the College of Science. The committee must be approved by the Climate Dynamics Chair and the graduate coordinator.