Preliminary Examination for Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan

The Preliminary Examination consists of the preparation of a written research proposal and an oral presentation and defense of the same before a faculty committee. The purpose of the examination is to judge the student's potential for successfully completing a doctoral research program.

There are no restrictions on candidate/advisor consultations.

The examination will be taken normally during the third semester (summer excluded) by students entering the graduate program with a BSE degree, and during the second semester by students entering with a MSE degree.

Scheduling

Those taking the Preliminary Examination should enroll for three credit hours of ChE 990 under the Chair of the Doctoral Standards Committee's section number (Ziff = 032), in the term in which they take the examination. Simultaneous pre-candidacy enrollment in ChE 990 in an advisor's section is also permitted.

The precise examination date must be chosen in consultation with your advisor, the Doctoral Standards Committee Chair and the appointed committee members, at least three (3) weeks in advance of the proposed examination date. After you schedule the exam, please inform the graduate program office.

An Abstract for the written research proposal must be submitted with the Written Proposal. The Written Proposal of no more than 25 pages and a one page summary proposal must be distributed to the committee members at least one week in advance of the scheduled examination date. The one page summary proposal must also be submitted to the Graduate program office before the examination.

A reminder of the various due dates will be sent to the student and committee after the examination is scheduled.

Examining Committee

The Examining Committee, also known as the Preliminary Examination Committee, consists of the following faculty members:

1. The proposed Dissertation Committee Chair (or Co-Chairs), and
   
   
2. Two or more faculty from the Chemical Engineering Department. An additional faculty member from outside the department may also be included but is not required at this time.