Dalhousie University offers an Interdisciplinary PhD program that allows students to pursue research and study across multiple disciplines. Unlike a traditional Master's program, the Interdisciplinary PhD program at Dalhousie University is specifically designed for students who have completed a Master's degree and wish to pursue advanced research in an interdisciplinary field.
The specific curriculum for the Interdisciplinary PhD program will vary depending on the research interests and objectives of the student. However, here is a general overview of the program structure:
Coursework: Students in the Interdisciplinary PhD program are typically required to complete a certain number of courses to broaden their knowledge base and gain interdisciplinary perspectives. The specific coursework requirements will be determined in consultation with the student's supervisory committee and will vary depending on the research topic and disciplinary focus.
Comprehensive Examination: Students will be required to pass a comprehensive examination that assesses their knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary field of study. The examination may be in written and/or oral format and is usually conducted after the completion of coursework.
Research Proposal: Students are required to develop a research proposal that outlines the objectives, research questions, methodology, and expected outcomes of their interdisciplinary research project. The proposal will be reviewed and approved by the student's supervisory committee.
Dissertation Research: The majority of the Interdisciplinary PhD program is dedicated to conducting independent research under the guidance of a supervisory committee. The research project should demonstrate an integration of knowledge and methodologies from multiple disciplines, addressing complex problems or exploring novel interdisciplinary approaches.
Dissertation Defense: Once the research is completed, students will defend their dissertation in a public examination. This defense typically involves a presentation of the research findings and a question-and-answer session with the examining committee.
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