Public defence procedure

Procedure

An appointed chairperson leads the public defence. The process can be divided into the following three parts. 

1. Presentation: After the general greeting, the faculty opponent gives a popular science introduction (about 15 to 20 minutes) to the topic of the doctoral thesis, followed by a presentation by the doctoral student on the results obtained by the doctoral student (about 30 minutes). The opponent then discusses the doctoral thesis with the doctoral student.
2. Comments and questions: The presentation is followed by a discussion and question time with the examining committee. The floor is freely given under the direction of the chairman, after which the rest of the audience may ask questions and make comments on the thesis.
3. The doctoral student's response: The student should be given the opportunity to respond to each comment and question.

When all comments and questions have been addressed, the chairperson declares the defence closed.

The time period should not be limited

From the PhD student's perspective, it is worthwhile that a research project lasting several years –examined with only a passing or failing grade – receives the attention it deserves, and is penetrated as comprehensively as possible. The public defence should therefore not be limited in time. The chairperson can decide on a break if the defence is prolonged.

The examination process

The examination committee normally meets immediately after the defence and reaches quorum (is adequate to make an official decision) only when all of its members are present. The examination committee appoints one of its members to chair their post-defence meeting. The principal supervisor must be present, but may not participate in the decision. The opponent usually also participates in this meeting.

Examination criteria

The doctoral thesis is assessed with a grade of either pass or fail. In awarding the grade, the examination committee takes into account the content of the thesis and its defence. The committee's task during the defence is to examine the doctoral student's competence. The committee makes its assessment in light of the opponent's viewpoints, and the account of the content and defence of the thesis. The committee's official decision is that of most of its members. The reasoning behind the decision is not explained in the meeting minutes or any other documents, except in the case of a thesis receiving a failing grade. The minutes from the examination committee’s meeting are sent to the PhD Studies Office.