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PhD Synopsis Writing: 4 questions your committee (RDC/DRC) will definitely ask you

• PhD Synopsis Writing: 4 questions

By Aaron Category : PhD Synopsis

It is important for a PhD candidate to be able to anticipate in advance the kind of questions that will be asked by your committee when you present your  proposal.

Before we go forward to figure out which are the most probable questions, you must know what the main reasons behind conducting a RDC are:

• Whether you understand your thesis topic well or not
• what are the reasons behind your thesis topic selection
• Do you have sufficient knowledge of research methodology to apply in your proposed study?
• Are you passionate enough about doing PhD, that you will sustain all the pressure that will come with it?
• Is there novelty in your research topic to generate substantive contribution in research in the coming times to come?
• Does your topic have the longevity to remain useful and interesting to the research community for a long time to come?

You must remember that a PhD viva is an open book exam. Which means that you can bring any material that you wish to for reference and discussion during the process. Make sure that you carry:

• A copy of your well-written synopsis
• The list of probable questions and the best answers that you have prepared for it
• Some key literature references that you have studies before identifying your research gap
• The proposed or standardized questionnaire, if you have one for your study.

Before we discuss the most probable questions, remember that if the RDC asks you a lot of questions, it does not mean that they doubt your topic or potential or they may reject your synopsis. Their purpose is to brainstorm and take out the best version of your research topic. So you must relax and let your ideas flow out in a spontaneous manner. Make sure you give a patient hearing to each of the questions and answer them succinctly but at the same time analytical and sufficiently inclusive.

Some of the most indispensable questions can be:

• In one sentence, describe what your research topic is all about.
• What is original about your topic? How would you ensure its novelty?
• Explain your research design and the reasons behind choosing it.
• What challenges do you anticipate during the process of your PhD and how prepared are you to combat them?

Sometimes if you don’t understand a specific question, it is okay to seek clarification either directly or by paraphrasing the question in your own words and placing it in front of them as, “Is this what you mean?”

Research guidance, Research Journals, Top Universities

What is a research degree committee in PhD?

The committee will recommend the approval of synopsis and candidate’s registration. Provided that if RDC does not recommend a candidate for the registration to Ph.D. program, she/he will resubmit the proposal within a month after due modification as suggested by RDC.

Research Degree Committee

Main task of RDC in PhD

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Research Degree Committee

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Subject to the general supervision of the Academic Council, all matters connected with the Doctoral programme of a Ph.D. Scholar are dealt with in accordance with these ordinances by the following committees:

• The Research Degree Committee (RDC)
• The Research Advisory Committee (RAC)
•   Counselling Sub Committee

The RDC consist of the following:-

• Director or his nominee (Chairman)
• Four experts nominated by the Director for two years
• Heads of the concerned Divisions
• Supervisor and Co-supervisor, if any, of the Ph.D. Scholar
• The Registrar (Member Secretary)
• Consider the recommendations of the RAC with regard to appointment or change of supervisor/co-supervisor.
• Consider the report of the examiners and take the decision for the award of degree.
• Consider the report of RAC regarding extension of the term of registration of a Ph.D. Scholar beyond four years.
• The RDC will ascertain whether the certificate has been issued by the supervisor regarding incorporating corrections as suggested by the examiners. 
• The RDC may act against the supervisors who may be found lacking in their duty as Supervisor. The RDC may even consider debarring the Supervisor from taking further scholars.   

The standing RAC for the Ph.D. Scholars in each discipline is constituted by the Director, FRI/Research Centers concerned.      The RAC consist of the following:-

• Two experts from outside the division/institute.
• One expert from the division
• One Statistician/Research Methodology Expert
• Supervisor and Co-supervisor-Ex-officio Member
• Member Secretary – Head of Division (in case of FRI)/
• Nodal Officer or his nominee (in case of research center)

The standing RAC is constituted for two years . The member secretary may convene the meeting of RAC in consultation with the chairman and the other members as and when necessary.

• Examine the synopsis received from the applicant for enrollment as Ph.D. Research Scholar and shall hold a synopsis seminar in which all the Forest Officers/ Scientists/RAC/Research Scholars of the concerned Division/Research Center shall participate. The suggestions made in the seminar may be incorporated in the synopsis already submitted by the candidate. The RAC after holding the synopsis seminar shall recommend appropriate topic for registration and approve the synopsis after necessary revision/correction/modification as per the Ph.D. Ordinance.  The recommendation of RAC should come in the Performa as given in Appendix-3;
• Recommend supervisor/co-supervisor as per clause 5 of the Ph.D. Ordinance.
• Examine the qualification of the Supervisor and will ensure that the supervisor/co-supervisor is qualified to guide research scholar in the concerned field of research.
• Recommend, if necessary, in consultation with the Supervisor/Co-Supervisor for constitution of an Advisory Committee consisting of the Scientist/Teacher/Forester concerning the field of research of the Research Scholar. The Advisory Committee shall help/guide the Research Scholar in his/her research work in consultation with and overall supervision of the Supervisor;
• Examine the application of the Research Scholar for extension of his/her term of registration beyond four years and recommend to the RDC for extension of his/her term of registration for maximum of one year; also examine the progress reports of the research scholars as per synopsis
• Recommend short-term basic course in Silviculture/Forestry/Forest Management/ Mensuration/Forest Ecology subjects for those who have no knowledge of these subjects;
• To hold pre-thesis submission seminar of a Research Scholar who has completed his/her research work and recommend a panel of eight examiners giving brief bio-data and indicating major areas of research/expertise of the examiners.

While making their recommendations the RAC shall see that the recommendations are made in conformity with the ordinance and such other directives as may be issued from time to time by the Academic Council in regard to matters connected with Ph.D. research.

• COUNSELING SUB COMMITTEE

There is a Counseling sub Committee for the purpose of counseling the research scholars and the concerned supervisors including the resolution of grievances if any.

The Counseling sub Committee consist of the following: -

All the cases involving academic/research interests of the research scholar and the supervisor should be addressed to the Director, FRI.

 Terms of the reference of the Sub Committee are as follows:-

• The committee shall look into all the matters that may be referred to it by Chairman, Academic Council.
• The Chairman, Academic Council may direct office of the Registrar, FRI (Deemed) University to examine the cases related to academic/research interests of the research scholar and the supervisor and may issue suitable instructions. In exceptional cases, which may require detailed analysis, the Director/Chairman Academic Council may refer such cases to the Counseling Sub Committee for its opinion. 
• The Sub Committee may study the specific cases and device its own procedure to analyze the issue referred to it and may submit its recommendation to the Director. The Director, FRI/Chairman Academic Council may pass appropriate order on the recommendation of the Counseling Sub Committee. 
• The Chairman of the Sub Committee may convene the meeting of the Sub Committee as and when necessary. 
• Counseling Sub Committee shall examine the representations referred to it by the Research Degree Committee/Academic Council and may submit its recommendation to the Research Degree Committee/Academic Council.  

Minutes of the Meetings of Research Degree Committee

• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 29.03.2017
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 15.06.2017
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 20.09.2017
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 27.12.2017
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 11.04.2018
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 03.08.2018
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 11.09.2018
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 16.11.2018
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 29.01.2019
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 04.04.2019
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 26.08.2019
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 19.12.2019
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 01.06.2020
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 12.10.2020
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 25.01.2021
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 09.07.2021
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 13.10.2021
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 03.03.2022
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 04.07.2022
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 11.11.2022
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 13.04.2023
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 26.06.2023
• Minutes of Research Degree Committee held on 05.10.2023

Research Development Council

The Department of Medicine Chair’s Office sponsors the  Research Development Council  (RDC) to assist investigators as they develop and advance their research portfolios.

The RDC is led by  Matt Crowley, MD  (Associate Director for Clinical Research) and  Xunrong Luo, MD, PhD  (Associate Director for Basic/Translational Research). 

RDC Offerings

Working with investigators across levels of training and research disciplines to connect them with resources, opportunities, and collaborators;

Overseeing the  Fellow Research Academy ;

Overseeing the CDA Community ;

Organizing high-level reviews of investigators' research proposals with expert faculty (Concept Reviews);

Providing 1:1 mentoring and support for grant development (led by  Irina Mokrova, PhD  and John Williams, MD );

Managing and coordinating internal grant funding opportunities (led by  Christina Wyatt, MD  and  Chris Holley, MD, PhD );

Facilitating biostatistical collaborations to improve investigators' research (led by  Maren Olsen, PhD );

Distributing information about local, government, foundation, and industry funding and development opportunities

Please reach out to  Saini Pillai, MBA  for information about how to engage with RDC offerings, or for any other questions at all!

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The Graduate School is at the heart of GCU's research community. We work in close partnership with the University's academic Schools and support departments to create development opportunities for postgraduate research students.

Research Degrees Progression

Doctoral College frequently asked questions

Common questions asked when studying for a postgraduate research degree with the University of Plymouth

What are my main sources of support?

There are linked up local and institutional level structures in place to support you. Your main point of contact is your Director of Studies (DoS) and at least one other supervisor who are together responsible for helping you to develop and complete your chosen project. You may also work closely with the leader or co-ordinator of your programme of study (if this is a ResM or professional doctorate) or training partnership or 'node' director. If they are all unable to help you, then you should contact your School PGR Coordinator or else the Deputy Director of the Doctoral College for your Faculty .

• A IT self service
• < Library Research Support
• } English Language Centre
• b Research Degrees handbook

I need to book a holiday, how do I do that and what am I entitled to?

Full time research degree students are entitled to 8 weeks leave per year, including public holidays. Part-time students are entitled to pro-rata number of days based on 0.5 FTE. You need to agree periods of annual leave with your supervisory team and request this on GradBook . Further information on annual leave .

I need to make a claim for extenuating circumstances, what do I need to do?

If you wish to claim extenuating circumstances, please visit the Extenuating circumstances webpage , where you will find links to how to submit a claim. Please make sure you read the Extenuating circumstances policy before applying.

If an extension to either your Project Approval (RDC.1) or Confirmation of Route (RDC.2) submission is being requested for methodological (rather than personal) reasons, it is your Director of Studies who needs to submit the request. Please ask them to visit the Research Degree Staff Manual pages.

I need to interrupt my studies, what do I need to do?

Where you can show good reason for not making progress with your research programme, you may apply via GradBook to have your registration interrupted (suspended) for a period of not normally less than one week and not more than 12 months. In exceptional circumstances, you may request a further additional interruption up to a period of 12 months maximum.

I need to withdraw from my studies, what do I need to do?

If you decide to withdraw from your programme of study, then you should notify the University of the reason for withdrawal and date of departure, preferably via GradBook. Alternatively, please send an e-mail to the Doctoral College . Your withdrawal will be reported to the Doctoral College Quality Sub-committee.

I need to switch from full-time to part-time study or vice versa, how do I do this?

If you wish to change your mode of study (that is, from full time to part time or vice versa), this request must be made via GradBook . Please note that you cannot change mode of attendance if you have started your writing up period.

I wish to submit my thesis, how can I do this?

Submission of research degree thesis are done electronically via GradBook ; a thesis submission link will be available for students who are within the submission of thesis registration period. It will still be possible to submit ‘non-traditional’ elements of theses (e.g. creative practice) in other forms; please liaise with your School PGR Coordinator and Doctoral College at [email protected] in these cases.

A TurnItIn report will also be a requirement to accompany the thesis submission. Further information on TurnItIn can be found in the PGR Students Moodle Page  (University of Plymouth login required).

How do I get a confirmation of enrolment letter?

How do i get a letter for council tax purposes, what do i need to do to claim council tax exemption.

You will need to request an exemption for council tax from the relevant council for the academic year. It is for the local council, not the University, to decide you are eligible for council tax exemption, although the University needs to confirm whether you meet its particular criteria.

How do I get my CAS number for my student visa?

If you are a new student who has not yet started on your programme, we will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) Statement when we have received a signed copy of your offer letter and all the conditions have been met, you have paid your deposit (if applicable) and you have completed the Pre-CAS checklist which is mentioned in your offer letter. If you are a current student and you need a CAS to renew your visa, please complete the online form . Please note this should be done a minimum of 1 month prior to your current visa expiring.

How will I know when my PG loan has been confirmed?

Doctoral College staff will confirm your registration for your PG Loan once you have enrolled for your programme. This confirmation may take up to a week.

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RESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PhD Students)

6.1 There shall be a Research Advisory Committee (RAC), or its equivalent body for similar purpose as defined in the Statutes of the University for each Ph.D. scholar. The RAC shall have the following responsibilities:

(1) To review the research proposal and finalize the topic of the research.

(2) To guide the research scholar to develop the study design and methodology of research, and

(3) To periodically review and assist in the progress of the research work of the research scholar in every six month duration.

6.2 A research scholar shall appear before the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) once in six months to make a presentation of the progress of his/her work for evaluation and further guidance.

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What does PhD mean?

Doctor of Philosophy ( DPhil , Latin: Ph ilosophiae D octor, Ph.D or PhD) is a doctoral degree. A doctorate degree holder can use a Dr. title in front of his/her name.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the full form of phd.

The full form of PhD is Philosophiae Doctor

What is the full form of PhD in Academic & Science?

Philosophiae Doctor

What is the full form of PhD in Worldwide?

Translation, similar terms.

• BE : Bachelor of Engineering
• MS : Master of Science
• LLB : Legum Baccalaureus [Bachelor of Laws]

Abbreviations

Please refer to the appropriate style manual if you have any questions.

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