AREA EXAMINATION

The Area Examination consists of a presentation or review by the student of the general background in the problem area the student will be working in. The purpose of the examination is for the student to demonstrate that he/she understands the previous fundamental research of the field in which the student will work. It should be taken early in the Ph.D. program (after no more than 12 thesis credits have been taken) and should not be a review of partial thesis results. It may be in the form of an open seminar which is publicized well in advance to encourage attendance by all interested students and faculty. The Guidance Committee will attend and meet afterward to evaluate the student's performance and assess whether the student demonstrated the depth of knowledge and understanding necessary to carry out research in the area of major research interest.

Postponement of the examination beyond registration for 12 credits of thesis requires the approval of the ECE Graduate Committee. Permission for thesis registration beyond 12 credits may be denied in the absence of completion of the Area Exam.