This examination is based on your research proposal which should
represent independent work and should offer the doctoral committee
the opportunity to judge your ability to think creatively and
to formulate significant ideas for research.
Biochemistry students. The exam should be attempted in
the sixth quarter of residence.
Chemistry students. The exam should be attempted in sixth
quarter of residence provided that you have completed the written
qualifying exams (cumes) requirement by the end your first year.
All others. The exam must be taken by the end of the seventh
quarter.
Failure to comply with this time schedule may result in disqualification
from the Ph.D. program unless permission has been given by the
Area Advisor. The committee's decision to advance you to candidacy,
to allow you to repeat the oral, or to disqualify you will be
based on the quality of the written proposal, the adequacy of
the oral presentation, your overall record at UCLA as reflected
in coursework and examinations, and your research ability and
productivity.
THE DOCTORAL COMMITTEE
A Doctoral Committee, appointed with the approval of the Graduate
Division, will conduct the Oral Qualifying Exam. You are encouraged
to consult with your Research Director and/or Area Advisor during
your committee selection process.
According to Graduate Division policy, members of the Committee
are to be chosen keeping the following in mind:
-The Committee must consist of not fewer than four members (five
for Biochemistry).
-At least one member must be from a department other than Chemistry
and Biochemistry.
-One Chem/Biochem departmental member must be from a division
other than that of the student.
-At least two members must hold tenure rank.
In addition, there are departmental guidelines that also need
to be met:
1. You are required to complete and submit a DOCTORAL COMMITTEE
NOMINATION FORM. This form is available across from the student
mailboxes in the lucite file OR you can print it out by clicking
here. The Graduate Office will forward
this information
to the Graduate Division for approval. The deadline to submit
this form is TWO WEEKS prior to the exam.
2. The Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Office is to receive
two copies of your
written proposal. Copies should be submitted to the office around
the time that you
submit copies to the members of your Doctoral Committee (at least
one week
before the examination).
3. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule the room
for the exam date. You
may contact Denise Mantonya at (310) 825-4660 for assistance.
For your convenience, the departmental Room
Reservation Calendar is available online.
COMPLETION OF THE ORAL EXAM
At the end of a successful examination, the Chair and members
of the committee, in consultation with the student, shall determine
which of its members will guide, read and approve the dissertation.
A minimum of two members from the Chemistry & Biochemistry
Department and one outside member must act in this capacity. A
decision is also made as to whether a Final Oral Examination will
be required. The committee will submit a "Report on the Qualifying
Oral Exam" to the Chemistry and Biochemistry Graduate Office.
ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY
Advancement occurs when a successful "Report on the Qualifying
Oral Exam" is received by the Graduate Division. A $65.00
fee will be billed to your BAR Account.
ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY MUST OCCUR PRIOR TO THE FIRST
DAY OF THE QUARTER TO ESTABLISH ELIGIBILITY FOR THE ADVANCEMENT-TO-CANDIDACY
GRANT.
If you have any questions regarding the information listed above,
please do not hesitate to contact the Graduate
Office.
Last updated: 11/4/99