Thesis

:This article is about the thesis in dialectics and academia. {{otheruses}}

Thesis defence

A thesis defence ("defending one's thesis") is a type of final examination for a Ph.D. candidate, and sometimes for a masters candidate. Certain undergraduate schools, whose students are largely expected to matriculate into graduate programs, also require students to defend theses.

Related Topics:
Examination - Ph.D. - Masters

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A thesis defence differs from a typical examination in several respects. The biggest difference is that the candidate often knows more about the topic than the examiners ("the committee," or the "jury"), having researched the topic extensively, typically over a number of years; some candidates may have devoted the better part of a decade to the work being examined. The purpose of the thesis defense is to test the candidate's knowledge of his or her subject area and thinking in related areas, and to test the candidate's knowledge of and ability to explain his or her dissertation.

Related Topics:
Committee - Dissertation

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The examining committee normally consists of professors from the university, including the candidate's primary supervisor (without whose presence the defense cannot proceed) and members of his or her advisory committee, as well as professors from other departments or faculties and, sometimes, an external examiner (someone not otherwise connected to the university). Each committee member will have been given a completed copy of the dissertation prior to the defense, and will come prepared to ask questions about the thesis itself and the subject matter.

Related Topics:
Professor - University

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The atmosphere is formal; the candidate typically gives a short presentation on his or her thesis, usually lasting no more than thirty minutes, after which the examiners are free to ask questions, usually starting with the primary supervisor and then proceeding by seating order. Thesis defenses are usually open to the public (they may be attended by friends or family of the candidate, members of the university (especially other students in the candidate's department) and members of the community); audience members are often permitted to ask questions when all the examiners have finished.

Related Topics:
Friend - Family

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Questions are typically about the content of the dissertation and the claims made therein. Examiners may need clarification on a point or points, or may ask the candidate to explain his or her reasoning or research further. Questions are often friendly, but may also challenge the candidate's views, methods, or conclusions. Part of the evaluation is based on how well the candidate can defend his or her work.

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At the end of the defence, the candidate and other persons who are not members of the jury are asked to leave the room. The committee then deliberates and reaches a unanimous decision (sometimes called a "verdict"), usually in the form of a number from one to five (this varies from school to school). Potential decisions include:

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• Accepted.

: The thesis is accepted as presented.

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• The thesis must be revised.

: Revisions (i.e. correction of numerous grammatical or spelling errors; clarification of concepts or methodology, addition of sections) are required. One or more members of the jury and/or the thesis supervisor will make the decision on the acceptability of revisions and provide written confirmation that they have been satisfactorily completed.

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• Extensive revision required.

: The thesis must be revised extensively and undergo the evaluation and defence process again from the beginning with the same examiners. Problems may include theoretical or methodological issues. A candidate who is not recommended for the degree after the second defence must normally withdraw from the programme.

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• Unacceptable

: The thesis is unacceptable and the candidate must withdraw from the program.

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:This verdict is given only when the thesis requires major revisions and when the thesis defence makes it clear that the candidate is incapable of making such major revisions.

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The candidate is immediately informed of the results.

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