Comprehensive exam

The Comprehensive Examination allows students to demonstrate their ability to:

• demonstrate broad knowledge in the field of research and a global view on the subject;
• integrate the concepts, principles and theories they have studied during their course work;
• demonstrate the required knowledge to undertake and complete their research project; and
• present and defend their written work.

• General and field-specific knowledge of the discipline
• Goal of the general component of the examination: The doctoral candidate is expected to demonstrate breadth, depth and synthesis abilities, as well as an extensive and critical understanding of the major perspectives and debates in the broader field.
• Goal of the specific component of the examination: Similar to the general component, however related to a specific area of focus of the candidate’s anticipated thesis.
• Definition and appropriate use of concepts
• Ability to link the various authors and perspectives
• Mastery of the relevant literature in the field
• Knowledge of theories and approaches relevant to the field of expertise
• Knowledge of the main issues and debates in the discipline
• Organization of the text according to the program requirements.

• Understand the relevant research methodologies
• Communicate effectively in one of the two official languages
  • Clear answer(s)to the exam questions, based on there view of the evidence and/or literature
  • Critical capacity
  • Originality of the argument

• Situate the proposed work in the context of the broader field of research

At least 4 weeks prior to the examination, the student should discuss the scope of the examination (e.g. relevant topics, courses and/or primary literature material) with the supervisor and examining committee members, either in person or by email.

Students in biology, chemistry and biomolecular science, earth and environmental sciences, and physics, the comprehensive exam should be completed within the 12 months from admission into the PhD program.

For students in mathematics and statistics, successful completion of all the advanced comprehensive examinations should be done within 20 months from admission to the PhD program.

If you cannot meet the deadline of the comprehensive exam, students are permitted to ask for an extension by submitting an exceptional request.  A request for an extension should include a study plan and progress report.

The comprehensive exam being a formal evaluation, the student must notify the Director of Graduate Studies and Graduate Office of the date and time of the oral examination before the exam. The student is responsible for scheduling the exam, booking the room, and bringing the appropriate form to the exam (the form is available from the graduate office, GNN 181).

*Note: Requests for an extension may be denied if insufficient documents have been provided to justify the request. 

The evaluating committee will be required to complete a Comprehensive examination report. You are tasked with submitting the report to the Graduate Studies Office via a Service Request.

In the event of a “NS” verdict, you are given an opportunity to redo the exam. The deadline for passing a second attempt at the comprehensive examination will depend on each department and you are invited to consult your departmental graduate studies handbook for more information. Please note that failure on the second attempt requires that the student withdraw from the program.