The bulk of the scientific research project, in fulfillment of the requirements for a PhD with the Open University, consists of experimental laboratory investigation, in addition to any specific training needs, and submission and oral defense of a written thesis.
The student must keep an organized, accurate and up to date record of their experimental procedures and results, conforming to the Stowers Institute’s policy on Recording of Laboratory Data, Policy Number 606.
Full time students must complete their program of study in a minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 years, or else.
The student will meet regularly with the research supervisor(s) to discuss research progress and plans.
These meetings will be documented and meeting notes should be kept by the student. Copies of these records should also be given to the supervisor(s). This information should include meeting date, participants, achievements and goals/plan of action. (see next page for suggested format/informational content, but this can be maintained in any form, such as a notebook).
The student must actively participate in the training programme of the Stowers Institute, which includes an ethics course, verbal and written skills required for scientists, safety training, animal care and use training (if appropriate), human subjects protection training (if appropriate), as well as any courses and workshops that are recommended by the supervisors and/or Student Advisory Committee.
The student must participate in the continuing skills audit, training and development programme (SMT895). Coursework related to the project may be recommended by the Student Advisory Committee.
The student must present annually at the Friday Science Club (FSC) or similar venue (ie. Young Investigator Day or a SuperGroup presentation, that the student’s advisory committee members are invited to attend). Invite supervisors to a practice session. Notify committee members when you will be presenting internally or locally.
The student is required to give the RDC in the ARC at least three months notice of her/his intention to submit a thesis. Notification should include confirmation of the thesis title and a proposed date for submission.
The student will arrange biannual meetings with their Student Advisory Committee. The committee will prepare an evaluation which will be provided to the student, who will be able to respond if they wish. Together with any student response, the evaluation will be submitted to the Research Degree Coordinator within two weeks of each meeting.
Fullfill the annual report requirements as outlined in the Annual Report Guidelines and the Open University Guidance ARC4G.
Successfully complete the Probationary review and report as outlined in the OU guidance documents. Nearing the end of the 1st year, as a part of the probationary review process, the student must undergo a mini-viva – an independent oral examination on the project report. It must be conducted by at least two experienced academic researchers who are not the student’s supervisors. The probationary review is due to the Open University before the 1st day of the 11th month of registration.
Subsequent annual reports are due to the Open University by March 31st.
All students must format the PhD dissertation according to the Open University recommendations (see Open University Resources, Guidance notes on the side bar for links to current guidance and forms). All paper size (A4), margins, line spacing and font size should conform to their guidelines.
