Candidacy Exam Overview: Guidelines and Evaluation Criteria

This lecture provides an overview of the EDIC candidacy exam, detailing its principles and guidelines for first-year PhD students. The instructor outlines the exam's purpose, which is to assess students' abilities to read, understand, and explain technical papers relevant to their research. Key components include a presentation, a write-up summarizing three selected background papers, and an oral examination. The evaluation criteria focus on writing and oral skills, breadth and depth of knowledge, and critical thinking. Students are advised on selecting appropriate papers, structuring their write-up, and preparing for the exam day, which consists of a public presentation followed by a private Q&A session with the committee. The lecture emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, including understanding the selected papers and their connections to the student's research. Additionally, it covers scheduling requirements, committee selection, and the implications of failing the exam, ensuring students are well-informed about the process and expectations.