Preliminary Research Exam in Organic Chemistry

    An important part of the formal University "Prelim" requirement is the Preliminary Research Exam. At the end of the second year of graduate studies students prepare a written research report describing their research efforts. As a follow up to this report, third year graduate students are required to make a presentation on research progress to their mentoring committee. Students should prepare a 20-minute overview of research progress, with graphics (e.g., PowerPoint or overheads). Afterward the mentoring committee members will ask questions. Student performance will be formally evaluated, including assignment of a grade of Pass, Conditional Pass or Fail. Conditional Pass will require the student to participate in a second research meeting, after a time period determined by the mentoring committee. These meetings should occur in the latter half of September or in October. (Students who are giving their third-year Seminar in the early fall may postpone this research meeting until later in the semester.)

    The combined written report/oral presentation format is intended to encourage students to evaluate their own progress after the first year-and-a-half of research, and to provide an opportunity to formulate future plans. This is a great time for students to ensure that they have mastered the intellectual background for their research and that they understand the significance of their efforts and goals.