For exceptional students registered full-time in the MSc program, a conversion into the PhD program is possible before completion of the MSc degree. Progress of MSc students will be reviewed by their advisory committee to determine if transfer to the PhD program is appropriate.
Degree Requirements
Course and Seminar Requirements
Thesis Proposal
By the end of their 4th term of enrollment (6th term for part-time students) in the Vision Science program students must make a formal presentation of their proposed thesis research to their advisory committee.
Comprehensive Examination
Within 16 months of beginning the PhD students are required to take a comprehensive examination to demonstrate a broad knowledge in the field of Vision Science.
Thesis
A primary requirement for the awarding of the PhD is the successful completion and defense of a thesis which contributes to knowledge about some aspect of vision and demonstrates proficiency in original and independent research.
Acceptance into the Accelerated PhD
For Graduate Students registered in the MSc program, conversion into the PhD program is possible before completion of the MSc degree. An MSc student can request the acceleration up to 3 equivalent full-time terms after initial registration. The Advisory Committee will consider whether the request for acceleration to PhD is appropriate and desirable. Funding must be available to support a PhD thesis project. The student must show the potential for independent research necessary to complete a PhD.
Criteria that may be used to assess that potential for accelerated PhD are listed below:
- The Supervisor & Committee must approve the request.
- A paper in submission (written in English) to a refereed journal in which the Graduate Student has fulfilled a role as first or second author. The term “first or second author” infers that the Graduate Student’s contribution to the writing of the paper was substantial as assessed by the Supervisor and Advisory Committee. A patent submission by the student as fist or second holder would also be an appropriate criteria to use for acceleration.
- An overall average for graduate courses of at least 80%.
Interdisciplinary Study
Some students may wish to do interdisciplinary Doctoral or Master's work with the School of Optometry and another department. Some faculty of the School of Optometry are cross-appointed within the University. These appointments are intended to promote interdisciplinary teaching and research. A variety of approaches ranging from molecular and photochemical through physiological/neurophysiological and ecological/environmental are encouraged. Other interdisciplinary programs may also be approved and additional information may be found in this calendar under Organization of Graduate Studies - Degree Programs Offered.