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research_preparation_exam [2012/10/18 10:37]
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research_preparation_exam [2013/04/23 21:55] (current)
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 | :!: **Caution:​** This is unofficial advice from fellow grad students, and not department policy. See the [[https://​www.cs.utexas.edu/​graduate-program/​phd-program/​degree-requirements|Ph.D. Degree Requirements]] page for the final word on these topics. | | :!: **Caution:​** This is unofficial advice from fellow grad students, and not department policy. See the [[https://​www.cs.utexas.edu/​graduate-program/​phd-program/​degree-requirements|Ph.D. Degree Requirements]] page for the final word on these topics. |
  
-The RPE is required of Ph.D. students before the end of the third year in the program. ​ The UTCS Ph.D. does not have the conventional doctoral "​prelims",​ "​comps",​ or "​quals"​ examinations;​ instead, we have required classwork and the RPE.  It's procedurally like a "​micro-thesis",​ with a small supervisory committee and a presentation. ​ There are several important differences,​ though.+The RPE is required of Ph.D. students before the end of the third year in the program. ​ The UTCS Ph.D. program ​does not have the conventional doctoral "​prelims",​ "​comps",​ or "​quals"​ examinations;​ instead, we have required classwork and the RPE.  It's procedurally like a "​micro-thesis",​ with a small supervisory committee and a presentation. ​ There are several important differences,​ though.
  
 | **Note:** There used to be a "​public speaking"​ requirement in the Ph.D. program. ​ The RPE is quite different. ​ When you get advice from senior grad students and faculty, make sure you are getting RPE advice, not advice about the old requirement. | | **Note:** There used to be a "​public speaking"​ requirement in the Ph.D. program. ​ The RPE is quite different. ​ When you get advice from senior grad students and faculty, make sure you are getting RPE advice, not advice about the old requirement. |
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 ===== "​Research"​ Originality and Significance ===== ===== "​Research"​ Originality and Significance =====
  
-The department Web page says you need to "​conduct research on a topic",​ but this is very broadly interpreted. ​ One compelling way to convince your committee that you are capable of conducting original research is to present your original research that has been accepted to a good venue (conference or journal). ​ Many RPEs in certain areas are presentations of results of accepted papers, but this isn't true for all areas or all students. ​ A strong research proposal-type presentation,​ or partial results, are acceptable, too.  Hypothetically,​ you could even present someone else's research, but you would somehow need to demonstrate //your// research capability based on that.  No matter what you choose, make sure you agree with your committee //in advance// what this should be.+The department Web page says you need to "​conduct research on a topic",​ but this is very broadly interpreted. 
 + 
 +One compelling way to convince your committee that you are capable of conducting original research is to present your original research that has been accepted to a good venue (conference or journal). ​ Many RPEs in certain areas are presentations of results of accepted papers, but this isn't true for all areas or all students. ​ A strong research proposal-type presentation,​ or partial results, are acceptable, too.  Hypothetically,​ you could even present someone else's research, but you would somehow need to demonstrate //your// research capability based on that.  No matter what you choose, make sure you agree with your committee //in advance// what this should be.
  
 ===== Length of Motivation, Background, Related Work, etc. ===== ===== Length of Motivation, Background, Related Work, etc. =====
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 For example, if you're in theory, perhaps target a grad student in A.I., or vice versa. For example, if you're in theory, perhaps target a grad student in A.I., or vice versa.
 +
 +Note that having a "​general CS audience"​ does //not// mean you should produce a shallow and broad talk.  No matter what their background may be, a technical audience expects your talk to be substantive and precise.
  
 ===== Presentation Delivery Skills ===== ===== Presentation Delivery Skills =====
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 ===== Interactivity ===== ===== Interactivity =====
  
-Be prepared with a well-rehearsed talk, but expect lots of questions and conversation. ​ An RPE is smaller and less structured than, say, a conference talk.  Also, faculty //will// ask you questions for the purposes of determining your research capability and testing your presentation skills. ​ This is an //exam//, not just a talk.  Be ready for this.+Be prepared with a well-rehearsed talk, but expect lots of questions and conversation. ​ An RPE is smaller ​setting ​and less structured than, say, a conference talk.  Also, faculty //will// ask you questions for the purposes of determining your research capability and testing your presentation skills. ​ This is an //exam//, not just a talk.  Be ready for this.
  
 ===== Talk Duration Guidelines ===== ===== Talk Duration Guidelines =====
research_preparation_exam.1350574672.txt.gz · Last modified: 2012/10/18 10:37 by 128.62.180.188