Problem
Four consecutive odd integers have a sum of 48. Find the average of those integers.
|
|
|
The New Recruit
The first year of a science Ph.D. program is like basic training. Between learning and teaching, students are completely immersed in one subject and have little time to think of anything else. First year grad students are stretched to their physical and mental limits. Advanced students may go home at five o'clock, but first years must burn the midnight oil.
Science Ph.D. students have a lot in common and seem to stand out from the general population. They have a strong aptitude for the science, and many absolutely love it. They find the details of science courses interesting and even fun. Some people might call someone who likes scientific details a nerd. In graduate school, nerds are admired, and a science Ph.D. program is nerd heaven. As one science Ph.D. student put it, "You really have to be a nerd to like this stuff."
While departments roll out the red carpet when prospective students visit, the red carpet won't be there in the fall- until the new prospective students visit later in the fall, that is. Since students are committed for the long haul early on, they probably will be taken for granted soon after their arrival. After being a lofty college senior, students are starting over again at the lowest possible rank. Departmental requirements will be strictly enforced; they are just new recruits.
I Just Want to Be an A.B.D.
First year science students have several requirements to pass. Requirements vary but usually include proficiency tests of undergraduate work, minimum grade or G.P.A. in graduate courses, and an oral or "qualifying" exam. Sometimes there is a special project, presentation, or teaching requirement, too. After that, they gain the coveted status of being A.B.D. (all but dissertation). A high percentage of students who reach A.B.D. status will continue to make "satisfactory progress" and get their Ph.D.s. So, when students are A.B.D., they are almost home free.
Is There Smoke in the Classroom?
There is a major difference between graduate and undergraduate science courses. Undergraduate science courses tend to concentrate on concepts with relatively little math or detail. Graduate science courses are rich in detail and assume mathematical background. In grad courses, some problems may require looking up journal articles or using a computer while others may be mini research projects that can't be solved exactly.
Many science grad students start their programs believing they will be the next Darwin or Einstein, but quickly become overwhelmed. While feeling overwhelmed is normal, feeling clueless is not. If the overwhelmed feeling doesn't dissipate after studying, there's a potential problem. Just as if you would investigate the source of smoke, a student must investigate the source of his or her confusion. Finding out whether other students have more background in a subject is essential. Avoiding a costly, five-alarm blaze can only be done by seeking advice and acting immediately. An early change of schedule can make the difference between passing and failing first year requirements.
The Happy T.A.
Most first year students are teaching assistants for freshman or other undergrad courses. Students who T.A. are amazed at how time-consuming teaching is. Teaching is an art, and perfecting it could easily take up all of a person's time. Teaching takes preparation, but limiting duties to answering questions and reviewing problems is wise. If students come to office hours without having studied, they can be referred to sections or problems in the text to work through on their own. They can then be asked them to come back with specific questions. By using their time efficiently, grad students will be able to help more undergrads while spending as much time as possible on their own courses.
If a T.A. gives clear explanations and is friendly and cheerful, he or she will probably be a popular one. Before beginning to teach, T.A.s should carefully read any teaching regulations. T.A.s can prepare for questions about grading by having guidelines for grading assignments and applying the same guidelines to all students. For example, in a ten-point lab report, a T.A. might take off 1 point for a major error and 1/2 point for a minor error. Maintaining awareness of cultural stereotypes and treating all students respectfully will reduce the chances of a complaint against any instructor.
Preparing for the Oral Exam
For many students, the oral exam given by a committee of faculty members is the scariest part of graduate school. Their fear is justified. Most departments have few if any rules about what can be asked. Professors can make the exam as easy or difficult as they want it to be. Usually questions can come from any undergraduate or graduate material or from any topic related to their research.
Extensive preparation and practice are the keys to passing an oral. Months before the oral, students should list everything they need to do to prepare for it. Then they can schedule time for each task so that all tasks are completed a week or two before the exam. A typical action plan for preparing for an oral exam is:
- Go over all essential concepts and equations from undergraduate work. Spend extra time on topics related to your research and topics related to the research of the committee members.
- Memorize and understand definitions and equations from undergraduate courses that are relevant to your research. Being able to quickly write important equations or draw a key diagram from memory will impress your committee.
- Think about what questions you would ask a student if you were giving this oral exam instead of taking it. These questions are likely to be asked.
- Have friends or advanced grad students give you a mock oral exam. Even if you don't do well, it will be a tremendous help with the real exam.
- Know the units of any physical quantities or constants associated with your research.
During the exam, students should be polite and respectful to the committee. By treating committee members as distinguished friends bestowing the benefit of their time, graduate students will remind the professors that they are their mentors. The most common reason for failing an oral exam is missing a basic question, that is, one that could be given on a freshman science exam. If students are researching gases, and they don't remember the ideal gas law, then they are definitely in trouble. Some departments allow a second try at the oral; others do not.
Finishing Touches
In addition to having a minimum G.P.A. and passing an oral exam, some science Ph.D. programs require students to give a talk or write a proposal before becoming A.B.D. For requirements that include giving a presentation, the best preparation is for the student to actually give the talk while alone in a seminar room and then to give the talk to friends or family. There is no substitute for these crucial rehearsals. Nearly all beginners need practice-runs before they can give a professional-looking presentation; most beginners would bomb without them. Even if the audience is unfamiliar with the science, their questions can be very helpful. Creating the presentation in advance and making any necessary figures or plots first will avoid the look of a rush job.
Professional societies such as The American Chemical Society publish handbooks on writing proposals, giving talks, and other tasks of a scientist. These and any sample works of advanced students or professors are great learning resources for new graduate students, too.
Another Year Over
The first year of a science Ph.D. program is the toughest. For those who stay after the first year, congratulations are in order. For those who don't, there is definitely life beyond the ivory tower.
As with college, there will be some transfers, too. Students who don't meet one school's requirements may excel in other graduate schools or programs. A science degree is great training for a researcher and also for many other professions. People with science degrees may have careers in fields including business, finance, law, information technology and journalism.
|
