PhD Thesis and Defense

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(last updated March 18, 2019)

Preamble

Before Medical Biophysics PhD students proceed to the last requirement (thesis defense) for successful completion of their degrees, the following must be in place:

  1. Successful completion of the mid level comprehensive examination as described HERE.
  2. Minimum average of 70% in each course listed on the student's transcript while enrolled in the Medical Biophysics  graduate program.
  3. Satisfactory progress throughout their course work and research as noted on their advisory committee meeting reports.
    All advisory committee reports must be signed by the student, supervisor(s), and committee members and submitted to the Medical Biophysics graduate office

Thesis and Defense Preparation

The information and links below will assist PhD students and their supervisors with the SGPS (School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies) submission process for theses and the Doctoral Thesis Examination Request Form etc. This includes the deadlines for each term of the academic year.

Thesis Defense Only (TDO) Status

If students have completed all degree requirements (including thesis submission) but have not defended their theses prior to the end of the current term, they are eligible to continue their registration into the next term in Thesis Defense Only (TDO) status.  This additional term makes the completion of their theses possible while not requiring them to pay tuition fees (ancillary fees still apply, and UHIP where applicable).  This status may apply for a maximum of one term.

In order to be considered for TDO status, PhD students must electronically submit the examination copy of their theses to SGPS according to the deadlines listed in this CHART under the heading Final Date for Final Submission of Thesis.

TDO will be granted to those students who have submitted a thesis by the published deadlines, but have not been able to secure an examination board and/or examination date that falls before the end of the term. 

Students who meet all TDO criteria must complete the Intent to Submit Thesis by End of Term form and submit it to SGPS for university approval by that office at least five weeks prior to the end of term.

Procedure to Complete and Submit Doctoral Thesis Examination Request Form

The above form is not considered complete for submission to SGPS until the doctoral candidate, graduate supervisor, graduate assistant, and Graduate Chair have signed the form. After all signatures are obtained, the form is to be submitted to the graduate program assistant who will submit it to SGPS.


For a complete list of MBP faculty members who are eligible to participate as department examiners, graduate supervisors should contact the MBP graduate office.   

Prior to submission of the completed Doctoral Thesis Examination Request Form to SGPS, the graduate supervisor is required to provide the graduate office with the following:

  • the confirmed date for the public lecture and oral defense based on the examiners' availabilities
  • confirmation that the examiners have agreed to attend the public lecture and oral defense on the confirmed date
  • the complete contact info for the four examiners  
  • the title of the thesis 
  • the speedcode to cover any expenses associated with the defense (e.g. External Examiner's travel expenses)

In addition to the above, the graduate supervisor is responsible for the arrangement of hotel accommodation (Windermere Manor), transportation (e.g. car service) while in London, and any other requests from the External Examiner.

The graduate office will submit the completed Doctoral Thesis Examination Request Form to SGPS. 

See Deadlines to Submit the Doctoral Thesis Examination Request Form to SGPS for approval.