Research Area(s) in which research students will be admitted to:

Comparative Biomedical Sciences
Immunology and Infectious Disease
Molecular and Systemic Neuroscience
Public Health and Epidemiology

(Note: BMS8101A to H cannot be registered simultaneously in the same semester)

Research Methodology and Ethics Course(s): (at least 2 credits)

Programme Electives: (at least 3 credits)

Qualifying Examination:

PhD Students are required to pass a written Qualifying Examination within 10 - 24 months (full-time). It is an additional requirement on top of the existing Qualifying Report and Annual Progress Report assessment. A maximum of two attempts are allowed. Those students who cannot pass the Qualifying Examination will result in termination of study. A fixed timetable is set for students to take the Qualifying Examination. No schedule change is allowed under normal circumstances.

Qualifying/Annual Report Submission:

Students are required to submit

i.                Qualifying Report, of which assessment includes a compulsory oral examination, 
within 6–12 months (full-time) after commencement of their studies,

and

ii.               Annual Progress Reports
on an annual basis after the qualifying period

in compliance with the regulations and guidelines set by SGS accessible via the Guidebook for Research Degree Studies on SGS website.

The College shall appoint a Qualifying Panel for each student upon his or her admission to the research degree programme. The Panel should consist of at least four faculty members. For the PhD programme developed in close collaboration with Cornell, a joint panel consisting of a supervisor from each of Cornell and CityU will be formed. The Panel will include the two supervisors with the CityU supervisor serving as the Panel Chair, an additional academic staff member, or members, from CityU, and a member, or members, from Cornell. The Panel’s responsibility will be to supervise the student’s study throughout his/her PhD candidature. The Panel should normally be required to prescribe coursework for students within one month from their commencement of studies. The Panel will monitor the student’s study throughout his or her entire study period through assessing the qualifying report submitted by the student at regular intervals, assess the student’s progress and performance by conducting an interview, oral examination or presentation for the purpose of confirmation of candidature.

Thesis:

A PhD thesis should present the results of research investigation, give evidence of a sound understanding of the area of study, its context and applicability, make a contribution to knowledge and make a substantial original contribution to knowledge in the subject areas concerned. Students must submit a thesis for examination by the end of their normal study period or the stipulated study period. The thesis examination should include thesis assessment, an oral examination, and any other assessment arrangements required by the Panel of Examiners.

Additional Notes:

Students should always refer to the Guidebook for Research Degree Studies available on SGS website for administrative and operational procedures related to research degree studies at the University. The Department may stipulate a higher standard on the requirements.