Minor Proposition Exam
The Minor Proposition Exam should be completed by the end of the autumn quarter of the second year. This examine involves NO laboratory work. The examination focuses on the student's ability to identify an important open question in research unrelated to the student's thesis work, to develop a hypothesis, and to outline a series of experiments required to answer the open question. A description of the background literature that justifies the importance of both the question and the approach is essential, and alternative approaches used to confirm results are described. Prior to the oral proposal, students meet with members of their minor proposition committee to discuss their specific aims and methods to accomplish those aims. Committee members give general direction, but not specific advice. The proposal is defended orally by the end of the autumn quarter. This exam not only tests whether students can think scientifically, but also prepares them for writing their own undergraduate research proposals, post-doctoral proposals, and NIH grants.
Specific Instructions for Minor Proposition Exam
Suggestions to students for the Minor Proposition Exam