GENERAL INFORMATION
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is a state-operated institution with campuses at Carbondale, Edwardsville and Springfield. The SIU at Carbondale campus has grown rapidly to a comprehensive university with an enrollment of approximately 24,000 students. The SIUC campus is located on the border of the Shawnee National Forest in the heart of the Southern Illinois recreational area. The Department of Physiology at SIUC is engaged in undergraduate, graduate, and medical education.
Graduate Education
The graduate program of the Department of Physiology provides course work and research opportunities leading to the Master's and Ph.D. degrees. The physiology graduate program offers an opportunity to the graduate students in three tracks: Physiology, Anatomy and Biophysics. Course offerings in the graduate program have been designed so that graduate students can obtain a broad basic knowledge providing them with both teaching and research experience in these areas. Teaching and research are required of all degree candidates in the Department.
Graduate students have a diversity of specialties from which to choose when selecting an adviser and/or a research problem. Refer to the Faculty Research Interests for further information concerning research specialties of faculty.
Facilities
Facilities available at SIU are excellent. The graduate program in Carbondale is housed in two well-furnished buildings which are adjacent to the University's library. Other units in these buildings include the School of Medicine and Departments of Plant Biology, Microbiology, Psychology and Zoology. A vivarium supported by the University and under the direction of a veterinarian provides both facilities for animal housing and expertise in animal handling and surgical procedures. Other associated University facilities include an electron microscopy center, a P-3 laboratory and a superconducting TN-NMR facility.
Financial Assistance
The Departments of Physiology offers financial assistance to qualified applicants accepted by the Department. The funds which provide this assistance come from a variety of sources which include: teaching assistantships from the Department; university fellowships which are applied for directly by the student; and research assistantships from grants obtained by the graduate program faculty. Students interested in financial assistance should request the appropriate application forms from the Department of Physiology office. Priority for financial assistance will be given to individuals maintaining a good academic status.
The Departments will support Master's students for up to 24 months and Ph.D. students for 48 months on Departmental assistantships. However, every effort will be made to encourage the student and his/her adviser to find alternative sources of funding. Continuation of support will be conditioned on satisfactory performance in areas of academics, research and teaching. Academic performance will be based on good standing in the Graduate School (3.25 GPA) and passage of the preliminary examination by the end of the 3rd year (Ph.D. students only). Satisfactory research performance will be based on the filing of an approved research proposal by the end of the first (Master's) or 2nd (Ph.D.) calendar year and after that time by an annual memo from the student's Advisory Committee indicating progress in the area of research. It will be the student's responsibility to provide this documentation to the GPC. Evaluation of teaching effectiveness will be carried out by the GPC from sources possibly but limited to the course coordinator, student evaluations, discussion with the TA being evaluated and by direct observation of classes by the GPC.
A departmental stipend for graduate student research may be available to physiology graduate students working in laboratories of regular Department faculty members provided that the student is making satisfactory progress in their research program and remains in good academic standing (as defined above).
Research Tools
Doctoral students must acquire competence in one research tool and are encouraged to attain competence with two tools. The requirements for a research tool may be satisfied by establishing proficiency in Advanced Statistics, Computer Science, Electronics, Advanced Mathematics, Electron Microscopy, Foreign Language (with suitability of a particular language being determined by the student's Committee), or some technique which is acceptable to the student's Advisory Committee. Courses which are normally part of a track requirement or are highly recommended for students in a particular track cannot serve as tools for students in that track. For example, students in the anatomy track cannot use electron microscopy, and students in the physiology track cannot use biophysics.
Approval of a given tool by the student's Committee will be granted
only if the student has demonstrated proficiency by taking a formal course
and receiving a grade (preferably B or better) or by passing a formal examination
given by an expert in that field (preferably a faculty member in the university
department where the subject is normally taught).
Requirements of the Degree Program
All physiology graduate program requirements are supplemental to and subject to the requirements of the Graduate School as set forth in the Graduate School Catalog.
MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM
Admission
The application and transcript(s) should be submitted to the Department of Physiology.
All applicants must submit a brief (300-600 words) typed statement of goals and ambitions indicating why they wish to do graduate work in one of the graduate program tracks and three letters of recommendation from instructors who know their potential. These letters should be written on forms supplied by the Department.
The Graduate School requires an earned grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 or better (A=4.0) on all undergraduate work. A minimum GPA of 3.00 (A=4.0) in all undergraduate and graduate work is needed for serious consideration.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required, and the score on the general part and one advanced part (Biology or Chemistry) must be submitted with the application.
The Graduate Program Committee of the Department will normally examine the credentials, which include the application form, transcript(s), letters of recommendation, goal statement, and GRE scores, only after all materials have been received. Please write or call (618-453-1544) to check that all materials have been received.
To request financial aid, a separate application is necessary and must be submitted to the graduate program chairperson. Available financial aid includes university fellowships and graduate assistantships. Request financial aid information from the Department of Physiology or Pharmacology office.
For foreign students, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 is required by the
Graduate School. The Department of Physiology strongly encourages
that the TSE and TWE (Test of Spoken English and Test of Written English
respectively) be taken. Priority for teaching assistantships will
be based upon English proficiency.
Advisory Committee
Within the first six months after arrival a student must select an adviser who will help plan course work and will direct research. One faculty member in the graduate program will act as an adviser to new graduate students until they select permanent advisers. The choice of an adviser is a very important step and should be carefully considered. The written consent of the prospective adviser must be obtained and filed in the Department office in order to work under his/her direction.
The functions of the adviser are:
1. To serve as chair of the Advisory Committee.
2. To advise on the selection of other members of the Advisory Committee (at least three, including one from outside the Department) in consultation with the student and with the approval of the graduate program chairperson. Members of the Advisory Committee should be able to contribute significantly to the area of the student's research program.
3. To direct the student's research and to provide the facilities required.
The Advisory Committee will be instrumental in planning the course schedule
and research activities of the student throughout his/her enrollment in
the Department. Immediately following the selection of an adviser,
the names and signatures of Committee members on the Graduate Faculty Committee
Approval Form of the Graduate School (available in the Department office)
must be filed with the Department secretary. The completed form will
then be forwarded to the Graduate School for final approval. (A copy
should be made and placed in student's file before sending to Graduate
School.)
Courses
1. M.S. (Physiology Track)
A balanced group of courses should be selected from representative areas in the graduate program in order to provide a well-rounded background. All graduate students are required to enroll in Advanced Seminar in Physiology (PHSL 500) every fall and spring semester and to present a seminar every academic year. Mammalian Physiology (PHSL410a, b), ten semester hours, is required of all students during their first year. Inferential Statistics (EPSY 506) or its equivalent is required and Multiple Regression (EPSY 507) is strongly recommended. Biophysics (PHSL 440) is strongly recommended. The Advisory Committee should insure that the distribution of other courses will enable the student to pursue research and be prepared for the final examination.
2. M.S. (Anatomy Track)
The anatomical sciences are also represented in the graduate program.
Microscopic anatomical research areas (including electron microscopy) enhance
the overall capabilities of the Department. Graduates of the M.S. program
may elect to teach anatomy at a two- or four-year college or may pursue
a Ph.D. or M.D. As minimum requirements, M.S. students should take
Advanced Human Anatomy (PHSL 401a, b), Electro Microscopy (PHSL 460), and
Mammalian Physiology (PHSL 410a, b). All graduate students are required
to enroll in Advanced Seminar in Physiology (PHSL 500) every fall and spring
semester and present a seminar every academic year. Biological Structures
(PHSL 570a) is highly recommended as are histology, neuroanatomy, developmental
biology, and statistics which are offered by other departments. An Advisory
Committee should be selected by the students; and in conjunction with this
Committee, the student should design a suitable program.
Course Loads
Maximum course work for full-time graduate students is 16 hours per semester; 12 hours is considered average. For a student with a half-time assistantship, 12 hours is the maximum, 6 hours the minimum. Course loads are described in the Graduate School Catalog.
Total Hours Required
A total of 30 semester hours at the 400- and 500-level is required for the Master's degree. Of the total hours completed, at least 21 of these must be graded (A,B,C) hours. At least 15 of the total 30 must be 500-level courses taken at SIUC. Of these 15, a minimum of 3 hours of PHSL 599 (thesis) is required. More than 3 hours of 599 may be taken, however only 6 may be counted toward the 500 level requirement.
Time Limits
A minimum of one year of full-time study is required, and the program should not take longer than three years to complete. Only credit earned within a six-year period preceding completion of degree requirements will be counted toward the degree.
Retention Standards
An overall grade point average of at least 3.00 in all graduate work
in the program is required for retention. Any student with an average
below 3.00 or who fails to meet the requirements of the Graduate School
will be placed on academic probation. Failure to raise the average
to 3.0 by the end of one semester will result in immediate suspension from
the program. Any grade below a B in a required course must be retaken
and an A or B grade earned.
Thesis Proposal and Thesis
A thesis proposal is required at least two semesters before completing the degree. The student should submit a Department of Physiology Cover Sheet for Graduate Thesis Proposal (available in the Department office) signed by their Advisory Committee and the Department Chair to the Department secretary for his/her file.
The thesis should represent a competent piece of original research carried out in a selected area under the adviser's supervision. It should include a statement of the problem, an adequate review of the literature, a careful analysis of results by whatever methods are appropriate, and an interpretation of the work and its significance.
The following steps must be observed in correct order to facilitate and ensure Graduate School approval:
1. The student should submit a preliminary draft of the thesis to their adviser at least 3 months prior to defense.
2. An adviser-corrected copy must be submitted to the other members of the Advisory Committee no later than two weeks before defense.
3. At this time, arrangements should be made for an oral defense of thesis and a Department seminar. Following a successful oral defense of thesis and assurance or verification from the student that recommended changes will be made:
a. It is the student's responsibility to have each member of his/her Advisory Committee complete and sign an Oral/Comprehensive Exam form of the Graduate School (available in the Department office).
b. It is also the student's responsibility to have their Committee members,
adviser, and chair of the Department sign the Thesis Approval form of the
Graduate School (available in the Department office). Two (2) Thesis
Approval forms need to be signed (copies will be accepted by the Graduate
School).
1.) These will accompany the two unbound copies of the thesis when
they are submitted to the Graduate School. It is the student's responsibility
to see that they meet the Graduate School deadline for turning in of the
thesis (this is approximately three weeks prior to anticipated graduation
date). Both the Grad. School and Dept. secretary have these dates.
2.) It is recommended that the completed Thesis Approval forms be kept in the student's file in the Departmental office until the time of the submission.
c. The completed Oral/Comprehensive Exam forms should be returned to the Department secretary. The originals will then be forwarded to the Graduate School and copies kept in the student's file.
d. Questions about Graduate School requirements for the thesis should be directed to the Associate Director of the Graduate School in Woody Hall B-112. The phone number is (618) 453-1570.
e. One bound copy of the thesis must be given to the Department office and one copy must be given to the student's adviser before the student is cleared for graduation. The Department copy does not have to be printed on a specific grade of paper (as is required by the Graduate School). In addition, the Department copy does not have to have an original completed Thesis Approval form (a copy is sufficient).
f. One copy of the completed Thesis Approval form should also be made for the student's file. This is strictly an extra precaution by the Department.
If the student has the Department copy bound by University Bookstore,
they must bring the receipt which they obtain back to the Departmental
secretary. This will enable the Department to pick up the book once
it has been bound. Questions about binding by University Bookstore
should be directed to them at (618) 536-3321.
ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ABOVE INFORMATION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE GPC CHAIRPERSON, OR DEPARTMENT SECRETARY.
Oral Defense of Thesis
A seminar must be announced at least one week in advance of the defense by sending out notices to physiology graduate program faculty, posting notices on Department bulletin boards and by sending notices to the department chairs of all science programs at SIU. Following successful presentation and defense of the thesis at a Department seminar, there will be a final oral examination. The examination will cover the subject of the thesis and other matters related to the discipline. Any member of the university community may attend the final oral examination and may participate in the questioning and discussion, subject to reasonable time limitation imposed by the Committee chair. Only the members of the student?s Advisory Committee may vote or make recommendations concerning acceptance of the thesis and the final examination.
As previously stated, it is the student?s responsibility to see that each Committee member complete and sign and Oral/Comprehensive Exam form of the Graduate School. In addition, it is also the student?s responsibility to have their Committee members, adviser, and chair of the Department sign the Thesis Approval form of the Graduate School.
The completed Oral/Comprehensive Exam forms should be returned to the Department. The originals will then be forwarded to the Graduate School and copies kept in the student?s file.
Two (2) Thesis Approval forms need to be signed (copies will be accepted by the Graduate School).
a. These forms will accompany the two unbound copies of the thesis when they are submitted to the Graduate School. It is the student?s responsibility to see that they meet the Graduate School deadline for turning in the thesis (this is approximately three weeks prior to anticipated graduation date). Both the Graduate School and Department secretary have these dates.
b. It is recommended that the completed Thesis Approval forms be kept in the student's file in the Department office until the time of the submission.
A student will be recommended for the degree if members of the Committee
judge both the thesis and the performance at the final oral examination
to be satisfactory. The examination may be repeated once at least three
months after the first examination. A second failure will result in dismissal
from the physiology graduate program.
DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAM
Admission
The Graduate School requires a grade point average in previous graduate work of at least 3.25 and acceptance by the academic unit offering the Ph.D. program. See the following pages for accelerated and direct entry options.
The Graduate Program Committee of the Departments of Physiology discourages applications for graduate study leading to the doctoral degree in physiology from students who have completed both their Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
The application and transcript(s) should be submitted to the Department of Physiology.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required, and the score on the general part and one advanced part (Biology or Chemistry) must be submitted with the application.
All applicants must submit a brief (300-600 words) typed statement of goals and ambitions indicating why they wish to do graduate work in one of the graduate program tracks and three letters of recommendation from instructors who know their potential. These letters should be written on forms supplied by the Department.
The Graduate Program Committee of the Department will examine the credentials which include the application form, transcript(s), letters of recommendation, goal statement and GRE scores (if applicable) only after all materials have been received. Please write or call (618-453-1544) to check that all materials have been received.
To request financial aid a separate application is necessary and must be submitted to the graduate program chairperson. Available financial aid includes university fellowships and graduate assistantships. Request financial aid information from the Department of Physiology office.
For foreign students, minimum TOEFL score of 550 is required by the
Graduate School. The Department of Physiology strongly encourages
that the TSE and TWE (Test of Spoken English and Test of Written English
respectively) be taken. Priority for teaching assistantships will
be based upon English proficiency.
Ph.D. Direct Entry Option
This option is presently available for admission to the Graduate School. Contact the Department of Physiology for further information regarding this option. The Department of Physiology may accept a post-baccalaureate student directly into a Ph.D. program provided that the student has:
1. a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.5 (A=4.0)
2. undergraduate course work in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics beyond the freshman level or an outstanding score on the graduate record exam (GRE) on (a) the general part, (b) the advanced part in biology, or (c) the advanced part in chemistry, physics, or mathematics.
A student admitted to the doctoral program under this option is subject to all existing requirements for the doctoral degree including retention, residency, examinations, dissertation, and all applicable time limits. Students admitted under this option will be required to fulfill all core requirements (see below) for their track (area of emphasis). The Advisory Committee may add extra requirements based on the student's background and program (e.g., course work, etc.). Students who have taken one or more core courses at another accredited university may be given credit toward their core requirements if such courses are deemed equivalent to our core courses by the Graduate Program Committee and if Departmental grade requirements are met.
Ph.D. Accelerated Entry Option
The Departments of Physiology offers the Ph.D. accelerated entry option to graduate students who have made an early commitment to a doctoral degree and meet certain criteria.
At the end of at least one year of studies at the Master's level, the graduate student's Advisory Committee will review the student's credentials in order to establish eligibility to enter the doctoral program under this option. The student's Committee will then make a recommendation that the student continue in the Master's program or advance to the doctoral program. In the instances of severe deficiencies in grades or evaluation, recommendation for termination may also be made.
The student's Advisory Committee must establish that the student is prepared and able to conduct research at the doctoral level. For example, this can be established by publications, presentations at meetings, and/or seminars, and preparation and oral presentation of their research proposal.
Further, the student must have a GPA of at least 3.25 (A=4.0) in graduate course work and letters of reference attesting to the student's ability and potential to perform doctoral research.
Upon approval of the student's eligibility, the adviser and/or the Advisory Committee will prepare a written review of the student's qualifications and submit it for approval to the Graduate Program Committee. They will submit a recommendation to the chairs of the Departments of Physiology who will submit it to the Graduate School for waiver of a Master's Degree or Master's equivalency before entry into the doctoral program.
The student will need to submit a letter from the Graduate Program Chairperson, an application to the Graduate School (indicating Ph.D.), and the completed Notification of Accelerated Entry Option Students form of the Graduate School.
A student admitted to the doctoral program under this option is subject to all existing requirements for the Ph.D. program including retention, residency, examinations, dissertation, and all applicable time limits.
Please note that only courses taken after admission to the doctoral program will count toward residency.
Advisory Committee
After the first six months of acceptance into the doctoral program a student must select an adviser who will help plan course work and will direct research. One faculty member in the graduate program will act as an adviser to new graduate students until they select permanent advisers. The choice of an adviser is a very important step and should be carefully considered. The written consent of the prospective adviser must be obtained and filed in the Department office in order to work under his/her direction.
The functions of the adviser are:
1. To serve as chair of the Advisory Committee.
2. To advise on the selection of other members of the Advisory Committee (at least four, including one from outside the Department) in consultation with the student and with the approval of the graduate program chairperson. Members of the Advisory Committee should be able to contribute significantly to the area of the student's research program.
3. To direct the student's research and to provide the facilities required.
The Advisory Committee will be instrumental in planning the course schedule and research activities of the student throughout his/her enrollment in the Department. Immediately following the selection of an adviser the names and signatures of Committee members on the Graduate Faculty Committee Approval Form of the Graduate School (available in the Department office) must be filed with the Department secretary. The completed form will then be forwarded to the Graduate School for final approval. (A copy should be made and placed in student's file before sending to Graduate School.)
Core Requirements
All students in the Physiology graduate program at the doctoral level regardless of track (e.g., Anatomy, Biophysics or Physiology) will demonstrate competence in a core curriculum. All tracks will be required to take PHSL 410A & B and CHEM 451A & B. Competence may be demonstrated by course work with a maintained GPA of 3.25 (A=4.0) or by special examination approved by the Graduate Program Committee in one out of the four following subject areas at the level of:
Anatomy PHSL 401
5, 5
Pharmacology PHSL 420
3, 3
Biophysics PHSL 440
3, 3
Cell Physiology PHSL 430
2, 2
Requirements may be more stringent in particular tracks (see specific track requirements below)
Courses
1. Ph.D. (Physiology Track)
All doctoral students are required to take (or have already taken) Mammalian Physiology (PHSL 410a, b) or their equivalent; Biochemistry (CHEM 451a,b) or their equivalent; Inferential Statistics (EPSY 506) or its equivalent; a 500 level physiology course in the area of the student's research and one additional 500 level physiology course. In addition, doctoral students must obtain credit for one of the following:
1. Advanced Biochemistry (e.g. Lab Techniques)
2. Pharmacology (e.g. 420a, b)
3. Anatomy (400a, b)
4. Biophysics (440a, b)
5. Histology
6. Comparative Physiology (433a, b)
7. Cellular Physiology (430a, b)
Any appropriate course (e.g. Physical Chemistry) may be substituted for those in the above list with approval of the Graduate Program Committee. Doctoral students are also required to enroll in Advanced Seminar in Physiology (PHSL 500) every fall and spring semester and to present a seminar every academic year.
2. Ph.D. (Anatomy Track)
Graduate of the Ph.D. program may elect to teach anatomy at the
university level or in health related professional schools. Presently,
job opportunities in anatomy particularly in the area of gross anatomy
are good. All doctoral students are required to take the following: Advanced
Human Anatomy (PHSL 401a, b), Mammalian Physiology (PHSL 410a, b), Biochemistry
(CHEM 451a, b), Vertebrate Histology (ZOOL 409), and Inferential Statistics
(EPSY 506) or its equivalent (e.g., PHSL 570j ?Biomathematics and/or k-Biomedical
Computing). Electron Microscopy (PHSL 460) and Biological Structures (PHSL
570a) are recommended. Courses in computer programming and embryology are
also highly recommended. In addition all doctoral students must take Advanced
Seminar in Physiology (PHSL 500) every fall and spring semester and to
present a seminar every academic year.
An Advisory Committee should be selected by the students, and in conjunction with this Committee, the students should design a suitable program. A student taking the preliminary examination will demonstrate knowledge of four major areas (gross anatomy, histology, neuroanatomy, and developmental biology).
3. Ph.D. (Biophysics Track)
Doctoral students are required to enroll in Advanced Seminar
in Physiology (PHSL 500) every fall and spring semester and to present
a seminar every academic year. Competency must be demonstrated either by
special examination or by course work in physiology, pharmacology, anatomy
and biochemistry at the level of, e.g.:
Physiology
PHSL 410 5, 5
Biochemistry CHEM 451
3, 3
Pharmacology PHSL 420
3, 3
Anatomy
PHSL 401 5,5
Students in this track will normally complete these requirements prior to admission or before the end of the first academic year.
A research tool is required and competency may be demonstrated by special examination or course work at the level of, e.g.:
Computer Science
CS 304 or PHSL 570k
Applied Mathematics
MATH 486 or PHSL 570j
Electronics
PHSL 461
Biophysics (PHSL 440) and Advanced Biophysics (PHSL 540) or their
equivalents are also required.
Course Loads
Maximum course work for full-time graduate students is 16 hours per semester; 12 hours is considered average. For a student with a half-time assistantship, 12 hours is the maximum, 6 hours is the minimum. Course loads are described in the Graduate Catalog.
Total Hours Required
The requirements for the Ph.D. degree are those established by the Graduate
School, the Guide to Graduate Studies, and the student's Advisory Committee.
The Graduate School requires 24 semester hours prior to candidacy and 24
semester hours of dissertation credit.
Admission to Candidacy
The student is admitted to candidacy after having completed the residency requirement, the research tool requirement, the preliminary examination, and has turned in his/her proposal. Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for the details of requirements for admission to candidacy.
Time Limits
The Ph.D. degree may not be conferred less than six months nor more than five years after admission to candidacy except upon approval of the Dean of the Graduate School.
Retention Standard
An overall grade point average of at least 3.25 in all graduate work in the program is required. Any student with an average below 3.25 or who fails to meet the requirements of the Graduate School will be placed on academic probation. Failure to raise the average up to 3.25 by the end of two semesters will result in immediate suspension from the Physiology Graduate Program. Any grade below B in a required course must be compensated by retaking the course and an A or B grade earned. In order to gain credit for required courses taken prior to admission, students must have earned at least a B grade.
Residency
See current Graduate School Catalog.
Preliminary Examination
The preliminary examination will be taken the first available August test date after completion of the second year of study. The August examination will be given the first full week following the completion of summer session. Students who fail to pass the August test will be required to retake the examination in January.
The written examination will be taken prior to the oral examination. The oral examination must be taken within 30 calendar days of successful completion of the written examination. The student's Committee is encouraged to meet with the student prior to the written preliminary examination to determine whether the student is prepared.
The written examination will take place over a 4 day period and the specific details describing the examination is available in a separate document.
Dissertation Proposal and Dissertation
The student has three months from successful completion of the oral preliminary examination to turn in the proposal to the Department. If this is not done, the student will not be eligible for the next round of funding. The student should submit a Department Physiology Cover Sheet for Graduate Dissertation Proposal (available in the Department office) signed by their Advisory Committee and the Department Chair to the Department secretary for his/her file.
The dissertation is expected to be a competent piece of original research making an addition to the body to scientific knowledge. As such it should be of sufficient quality to merit publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The topic and substance of the dissertation must be approved by the student's Committee.
The following steps must be observed in correct order to facilitate and ensure Graduate School approval:
1. The student should submit a preliminary draft of the dissertation
to their adviser at
least 6 months prior to defense.
2. An adviser-corrected copy must be submitted to the other members
of the Advisory
Committee no later than four weeks prior to
defense.
3. Advisory committee-corrected copies (but not in final form) must be provided to Committee members one week prior to defense.
These are minimal time limits for drafts, but realistically the student should allow more time both for making corrections suggested by the adviser and for reading time required for Committee members.
At this time, arrangements should be made for an oral defense of dissertation
and a Departmental seminar. Following a successful oral defense of
dissertation and assurance or verification from the student that recommended
changes will be made:
a. It is the student's responsibility to have each member of his/her
Advisory Committee complete and sign an Oral/Comprehensive Exam form of
the Graduate School (available in the Department office).
b. It is also the student's responsibility to have their Committee members,
adviser, and chair of the Department sign the Dissertation Approval form
of the Graduate School (available in the Department office). Two
(2) Dissertation Approval forms need to be signed (copies will be accepted
by the Graduate School).
1.) These will accompany the two unbound copies of the dissertation
when they are submitted to the Graduate School. It is the student's
responsibility to see that they meet the Graduate School deadline for turning
in of the dissertation along with an abstract of 600 words or less (this
is approximately three weeks prior to anticipated graduation date).
Both the Graduate School and the Departmental secretary have these dates.
In addition all dissertations will be microfilmed, and there is a fee.
2.) It is recommended that the completed Dissertation Approval
forms be kept in the student's file in the Department office until the
time of the submission.
c. The completed Oral/Comprehensive Exam forms should be returned to the department. The originals will then be forwarded to the Graduate School and copies kept in the student's file.
d. Questions about Graduate School requirements for the dissertation should be directed to the Associate Director of the Graduate School in Woody Hall B-112. The phone number is (618) 453-1570.
e. One bound copy of the dissertation must be given to the Departmental office and one copy must be given to the student's adviser before the student is cleared for graduation. The Departmental copy does not have to be printed on a specific grade of paper (as is required by the Graduate School). In addition, the Departmental copy does not have to have an original completed Thesis Approval form (a copy is sufficient).
f. One copy of the completed Dissertation Approval form should also be made for the student's file. This is strictly an extra precaution by the Department.
If the student has the Departmental copy bound by University Bookstore, they must give the receipt to the Departmental secretary. This will enable the Department to pick up the book once it has been bound. Questions about binding by University Bookstore should be directed to them at (618) 536-3321.
ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ABOVE INFORMATION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO GPC CHAIRPERSON OR DEPARTMENT SECRETARY.
Defense of Dissertation
A seminar must be announced at least one week in advance of the defense by sending out notices to graduate program faculty, posting notices on Departmental bulletin boards and by sending notices to the chairs of all science departments at SIU. Following successful presentation and defense of the dissertation at a Departmental seminar, there will be a final oral examination. The examination will cover the subject of the dissertation and other matters related to the discipline. Any member of the university community may attend the final oral examination and may participate in the questioning and discussion, subject to reasonable time limitation imposed by the Committee chair. Only the members of the student's Advisory Committee may vote or make recommendations concerning acceptance of the dissertation and the final examination.
As previously stated, it is the student's responsibility to see that each Committee member complete and sign an Oral/Comprehensive Exam form of the Graduate School. In addition, it is also the student's responsibility to have their Committee members, adviser, and chair of the Department sign the Dissertation Approval form of the Graduate School.
The completed Oral/Comprehensive Exam forms should be returned to the Department. The originals will then be forwarded to the Graduate School and copies kept in the student's file.
Two (2) Dissertation Approval forms need to be signed (copies will be accepted by the Graduate School).
a. These forms will accompany the two unbound copies of the dissertation when they are submitted to the Graduate School. It is the student's responsibility to see that they meet the Graduate School deadline for turning in the dissertation (this is approximately three weeks prior to anticipated graduation date). Both the Graduate School and Department secretary have these dates.
b. It is recommended that the completed Dissertation Approval forms be kept in the student's file in the Department office until the time of the submission.
A student will be recommended for the degree if members of the Committee
judge both the dissertation and the performance at the final oral examination
to be satisfactory. The examination may be repeated once at least
three months after the first examination. A second failure will result
in dismissal from the graduate program.