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academic_rules [2016/11/11 06:20] – [Exams] michaelmedfordacademic_rules [2023/10/23 19:52] (current) – [Academic rules] egardiner
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 =====Academic rules===== =====Academic rules=====
  
-Updated 4 August 2016+Updated 23 May 2022
  
 [[academic_rules#Academic Roadmap|Academic Roadmap]] [[academic_rules#Academic Roadmap|Academic Roadmap]]
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 [[Academic_rules#Advising|Advising]] [[Academic_rules#Advising|Advising]]
  
 +For the most up to date information, refer to the [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AXXY5OXicQGNIi7OKjoCD5HYGwQ8yNsiHXxJ_f6EVEo/edit?usp=sharing|8/8/2023 Student Handbook]]
 +==== Graduate Student Handbook ====
 +
 +For all mentions of policy in this page, please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for official and up-to-date policies. Discuss any questions or concerns with the Head Graduate Advisor. 
 +
 +
 +[[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AXXY5OXicQGNIi7OKjoCD5HYGwQ8yNsiHXxJ_f6EVEo/edit?usp=sharing|Graduate Student Handbook Updated 8/8/2023]]
 +
 +[[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AXXY5OXicQGNIi7OKjoCD5HYGwQ8yNsiHXxJ_f6EVEo/edit#|2021 Version]]
 ==== Academic Roadmap ==== ==== Academic Roadmap ====
  
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 {{:academicroadmapyears5-6.pdf|Academic Roadmap - Years 5/6}} {{:academicroadmapyears5-6.docx|(docx file)}} {{:academicroadmapyears5-6.pdf|Academic Roadmap - Years 5/6}} {{:academicroadmapyears5-6.docx|(docx file)}}
  
-Students beginning their 1st, 3rd and 5th years will fill out a new Academic Roadmap. Students beginning all other semesters must get their existing Academic Roadmap from Dexter. The Roadmap should be filled in with:+Students beginning their 1st, 3rd and 5th years will fill out a new Academic Roadmap. Students beginning all other semesters must get their existing Academic Roadmap from Amber. The Roadmap should be filled in with:
  
     - Classes being taken that semester (if any)     - Classes being taken that semester (if any)
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 [[mentoring:record_of_assignments|take a look here]]. [[mentoring:record_of_assignments|take a look here]].
  
-Once the student has completed their form for the semester, the form must be handed in to Dexter or the mailbox of the head graduate advisor for storage until it is needed for the next semester.+Once the student has completed their form for the semester, the form must be handed in to Amber or the mailbox of the head graduate advisor for storage until it is needed for the next semester.
  
 ==== Degree Requirements ==== ==== Degree Requirements ====
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   - [[Academic_rules#Courses|Required Classes]]   - [[Academic_rules#Courses|Required Classes]]
-    - Astronomy 290AB (a seminar) +    - Astronomy 290A and 290B (first-year seminar) 
-    - A total of 6 graduate (or equivalent) courses, 3 of which are from the Astronomy Dept.+    - A total of 6 graduate (or equivalent) courses. Take courses relevant to a student from other departments is permitted, but the student should discuss these plans with the Head Graduate Advisor.
   - Teaching   - Teaching
-    - Two semesters +    - Two semesters, with the normal teaching load being a 50% appointment (~20 hours per week expected). 
 +    - During their first semester teaching, students enroll in AY375 (or equivalent, with permission), a 1-unit pedagogy course led by graduate students. 
   - [[Academic_rules#Exams|Exams]] (Preliminary and Qualifying)   - [[Academic_rules#Exams|Exams]] (Preliminary and Qualifying)
   - Thesis (signed by committee)   - Thesis (signed by committee)
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 ==PhD Courses== ==PhD Courses==
-A Ph. D. student is expected to complete six classes at the graduate +A Ph.D. student is expected to complete six classes at the graduate 
-level or their equivalent. At least three of these classes must be taken +level or their equivalent. Students are permitted to take courses outside of the Astronomy Dept. to fulfill this requirement, but should discuss these plans with the Head Graduate Advisor. These six courses are in addition to the first-year research seminar 290A and 290B. See
-in the department. This is in addition to the research seminar 290AB. See+
 [[Academic_rules##Courses|below]] for details. //**It is suggested this requirement be fulfilled within the first two years.**// [[Academic_rules##Courses|below]] for details. //**It is suggested this requirement be fulfilled within the first two years.**//
  
 ==Teaching== ==Teaching==
 All candidates for the Ph.D. in Astronomy must acquire two semesters All candidates for the Ph.D. in Astronomy must acquire two semesters
-of teaching experience during their graduate career, whether or not compensated.+of teaching experience during their graduate career.
  
-It is desirable that this requirement be //**satisfied early in the graduate +It is recommended that this requirement be //**satisfied within the first two years**//.
-career (within the first two years)**//, but it may be delayed for those international students who have +
-not acquired adequate command of English, or other reasons, at the discretion +
-of the Chairperson. The requirement may be waived for transfer students +
-who have acquired similar teaching experience elsewhere.+
  
 ==Examinations== ==Examinations==
  
 All candidates must pass two oral examinations administered by the faculty. All candidates must pass two oral examinations administered by the faculty.
-The preliminary examination should be completed by the end of the second+The preliminary examination must be attempted by the end of the summer after the second
 academic year of study and focuses on basic competency in three subfields academic year of study and focuses on basic competency in three subfields
-selected by the student. The qualifying examination should be completed +selected by the student. The qualifying examination must be attempted 
-by the end of the fourth academic year of study and is composed of a review +by the end of the summer after the fourth academic year of study and is composed of a review 
-of a thesis topic and an examination of a student's competency in his or +of a thesis topic and an examination of a student's competency in their research subfield. Students entering with a Master's Degree or its
-her research subfield. Students entering with a Master's Degree or its+
 equivalent may have the preliminary examination requirement waived subject equivalent may have the preliminary examination requirement waived subject
-to the discretion of the Chair.+to the approval of the department. Talk to the Head Graduate Advisor if you have questions.
  
 ==Thesis== ==Thesis==
  
 The thesis is an original piece of research carried out by the candidate The thesis is an original piece of research carried out by the candidate
-under the supervision of a thesis adviser and two other faculty members +under the supervision of a thesis adviser and two other faculty members. The Graduate Division has
-(one of whom must be from another discipline). The Graduate Division has+
 published [[http://www.grad.berkeley.edu/policies/forms.shtml|guidelines]] for dissertations and theses. published [[http://www.grad.berkeley.edu/policies/forms.shtml|guidelines]] for dissertations and theses.
  
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 must have been continuously registered since entering (allowing for one must have been continuously registered since entering (allowing for one
 year of approved withdrawal), and registered in the term immediately preceding year of approved withdrawal), and registered in the term immediately preceding
-the one in which the Filing Fee is requested.  You must register each semester+the one in which the Filing Fee is requested. You must register each semester
 before the end of the third week of classes. before the end of the third week of classes.
  
 ===Master's Degree=== ===Master's Degree===
  
-Students are required to pass the Preliminary Exam and must satisfy a somewhat confusing array of requirements.  Here are Dexter's official words: +Students may elect to receive an optional Master's Degree if they have: 
-//\\ \\  +  - Successfully passed their Preliminary Exam. 
-Our students are under plan II which requires at least 24 units of upper division and graduate courses.   +  - Completed at least 24 units of coursework, including 12 units of lecture courses (i.e. not research, seminar, etc.).   
-\\ \\  +  - Maintained a 3.0 cumulative GPA on the basis of all upper division (if any are taken during graduate schools) and graduate courses 
-At least 12 units must be in graduate courses in the student's major subject (e.g. Radiation, Fluids, Stars, OOM, Galaxies, Cosmology, etc.).  You can use any physics graduate courses that you might take, as long as they are letter-graded.   +  - Two-thirds of all course work must be letter-graded. 
-\\ \\  + 
-Courses in the 300 series do not count in the unit requirements.  A maximum of 6 units of 299 can be used. +Students are normally not admitted for the Master's Degree only, but may find it worthwhile to add to their record //en route// to the Ph.D. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, the Grad Student Affairs Officer will update will update the successful completion of the student’s Preliminary Exam capstone milestone. Grad Div advisors confer Master’s degrees once a semester and will update CalCentral when all requirements have been satisfied.
-\\ \\  +
-For master's degrees, two-thirds of all course work (not just those courses that you list on the master's candidacy form) must be letter-graded. +
-\\ \\  +
-This covers the department and University requirements towards the Master of Art degree in Astrophysics.   +
-\\ \\ // +
-Students are normally not admitted for the Master's Degree only, but +
-may find it worthwhile to add to their record //en route// to the Ph.D. +
-Once these requirements have been fulfilled, the student should see the  +
-Student Affairs Officer to obtain an Application for Candidacy for the +
-Master's Degree.+
  
 ====Courses==== ====Courses====
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 and specific research work by engaging in a program of courses. It is strongly and specific research work by engaging in a program of courses. It is strongly
 recommended that these be drawn from the following basic courses: recommended that these be drawn from the following basic courses:
-  * Astronomy 201 Radiative Processes in Astronomy 
-  * Astronomy 202 Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 
   * Astronomy 203 Astrophysical Techniques   * Astronomy 203 Astrophysical Techniques
-  * Astronomy 204 Numerical Techniques in Astronomy 
-  * Astronomy 216 Interstellar Matter 
-  * Astronomy 217 Radiative Astrophysics: Stars, Disks, and Winds 
   * Astronomy 218 Stellar Dynamics and Galactic Structure   * Astronomy 218 Stellar Dynamics and Galactic Structure
 +  * Astronomy C202 Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
 +  * Astronomy C207 Radiative Processes in Astronomy
   * Astronomy C228 Extragalactic Astronomy and Physical Cosmology   * Astronomy C228 Extragalactic Astronomy and Physical Cosmology
-  * Astronomy C249 Solar System Astrophysics +  * Astronomy C249 Planetary Astrophysics 
-  * Astronomy 252 Stellar Structure and Evolution+  * Astronomy C252 Stellar Structure and Evolution
   * Astronomy C254 High Energy Astrophysics   * Astronomy C254 High Energy Astrophysics
   * Astronomy 255 Computational Astrophysics   * Astronomy 255 Computational Astrophysics
 +  * Astronomy 256 Astronomy Data Lab
   * Astronomy 267 Plasma Astrophysics   * Astronomy 267 Plasma Astrophysics
   * Astronomy 290AB -- The Introduction to Current Research seminar is required of all students in their first year. This consists of weekly lectures by different faculty members and research staff, and introduces the student to current research being carried out in the Department and nearby Labs.  (This course is not a prelim topic.)   * Astronomy 290AB -- The Introduction to Current Research seminar is required of all students in their first year. This consists of weekly lectures by different faculty members and research staff, and introduces the student to current research being carried out in the Department and nearby Labs.  (This course is not a prelim topic.)
  
-===Recommended Courses=== +=== Sample === 
-  * Astronomy 298 -- Tutorials are recommended for all students at times until the Qualifying Examination has been passed. Depending on the time commitment, students may sign up for one or two units per semester. This, along with participation in seminars, can be a primary mechanism for advancing your knowledge and developing skills. It depends on Faculty availability. + 
-  * Astronomy 300 -- Instruction Techniques in General Astronomy is normally taken concurrently with Graduate Student Instructor duties in Astronomy 7 or 10. This allows the student to take credits for acting as a GSI.+Here is an example of how the Department course offerings might look: 
 + 
 +Sample 3 Year Schedule 
 +^ Fall 1 ^ Spring 1 ^ Fall 2 ^ Spring 2 ^ Fall 3 ^ Spring 3 ^ 
 +|  Radiation  |   Fluids   |  Radiation  |  Fluids  |  Radiation  |  Fluids  | 
 +|  High Energy |  Cosmology | Galaxies | Stars | High Energy | Cosmology | 
 +|  Planets  |  Data Lab  | |  Data Lab  |  Planets  |  |
  
 ===Outside Course Option=== ===Outside Course Option===
-A formal requirement no longer exists for courses outside the Department. +In some cases, it may be beneficial for students to take classes outside the Astronomy Department. Some general examples include engineering classes that may help with instrument development, data science classes to help develop data analysis techniques, or a range of classes in the physics or earth & planetary sciences departments.  Students should feel encouraged to explore these options as a means of broadening their horizons and obtaining skills that may enhance their research.  In general, the department will consider counting degree relevant upper level undergraduate or graduate level classes offered by other departments toward the 24 unit requirement.  Students considering this option should consult with the HGA. 
-Nonetheless, the Dept. still feels it would be valuable to take up to two + 
-outside courses at the advanced graduate level (200 level and above). These +Some examples are: 
-courses should form a cohesive group to provide depth in a particular area. +  * Computer Science 289A Introduction to Machine Learning 
-Up to four courses could be taken instead on the 100-200 level (these count +  * Computer Science 281A Statistical Learning Theory (like above but better because there are no undergrads) 
-for half a graduate course in the course requirement). The lower division +  * Physics 288 Bayesian Data Analysis and Machine Learning for Physical Sciences 
-course option should be chosen if it is advisable to complement the student's +  * Physics 242A Theoretical Plasma Physics  
-background and provide a broad base for future work. These courses count +  * Physics 231 General Relativity
-towards the overall course requirement (up to 3 full courses). Each student's +
-course list must be approved by a Graduate Adviser. There is no specific +
-list of allowable courses; the full variety of offerings should be used +
-to greatest advantage. For students who do not yet have definite ideas, +
-this [[academic_rules:outside|list]] can be used as a starting point; it +
-includes the basic ``bread-and-butter'' courses for a student in any physical +
-science. However, the list should not be regarded as restrictive.+
  
 ====Exams==== ====Exams====
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 ===Preliminary Examination=== ===Preliminary Examination===
 The Prelim is an oral examination conducted by three members of the Department The Prelim is an oral examination conducted by three members of the Department
-appropriate for the fields in which the student will be examined. The Exam+appropriate for the fields in which the student will be examined. The Prelim Exam
 may be taken at any time the student chooses within their first two years, subject to the regulations may be taken at any time the student chooses within their first two years, subject to the regulations
-listed on the [[Prelim | Prelim Page]]. In setting the time of the Exam the student should consult +listed in the Graduate Student Handbook (also on [[Prelim | Prelim Page]]). The choice of topics and Prelim Committee members must be approved by the HGA at least 3 weeks in advance of the proposed date of the exam.  It is recommended that students begin planning for their Prelim (e.g., asking committee members to serve) 1 semester in advance of their planned exam date.
-the Department Chair at least one month in advance of the proposed date +
-concerning the topics and the Prelim Committee.+
  
  
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 The purpose of the Qualifying Exam is to show that the student is ready The purpose of the Qualifying Exam is to show that the student is ready
-to begin thesis work. The "qual" is an oral examination at which a Committee +to begin thesis work. The "Qual" is an oral examination at which a Committee 
-of four faculty members examines the student in depth on three topics pertinent +of four or five faculty members examines the student in depth on three topics pertinent 
-to the student's intended thesis topic. The customary format is that the +to the student's intended thesis topic. The customary format is that the student presents (usually with slides) for ~45 min on the three topics related to their research.  This is usually papers written by the student, work in progress coupled with framing of the broader astrophysical context.  This presentation is typically interrupted by questions, and is followed by general knowledge questioning. The three topics are often chosen to lead the discussion from a broad subject foundation to the specific area of investigation in proposed research.  Students should plan for the Qual to take up to 3 hours, which allows ample time for presentation, questions, and discussion.
-student speaks for 40 min on the three topics. This presentation is typically +
-interrupted by questions, and is followed by general knowledge questioning. +
-The three topics are often chosen to lead the discussion from a broad subject +
-foundation to the specific area of investigation in proposed research. +
-One intent of the exam is to explore the student's readiness to tackle +
-a thesis and the feasibility of the proposed research as to definition +
-of questions and methods and as to time for completion. The exam also has +
-a broader goal concerning the student's mastery of topics and ability to +
-present the material concisely and coherently including responding to probing +
-questions.+
  
-One member of the Committee (the "outside member") must be on the regular +Refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for instructions on how to form a Qual committee. In particular, it is also possible to petition to have one non-academic senate member (e.g., adjunct professor or staff member at Berkeley/LBNL/SSL, professor/staff from another institution) serve on the committee. This requires a special approval process and is outlined in the Graduate Student Handbook.
-Berkeley faculty (i.e., a member of the Berkeley Division of the Academic +
-Senate) with NO appointment in the Astronomy Department. The Chair, or +
-designated Head Graduate Advisor, and the student's thesis supervisor can +
-aid in the selection of the outside member. The student's thesis supervisor +
-cannot serve as Chair of the Committee. The Committee Chair is selected +
-by the Department Chair/Head Graduate Advisor. The Committee Chair's role +
-is supervisory during the exam. The Qualifying Exam is required by the +
-University in order to get the Ph.D. degree - no exceptions are allowed! +
-Department policy is that the Qualifying Exam must be taken no later than +
-the end of four calendar years of graduate study, unless a specific exemption +
-is granted by the Chair/Head Graduate Advisor. If not passed on the first +
-try, a second attempt must be made within six months. Graduate division +
-policy is outlined in 1992 document +
-[[http://www.grad.berkeley.edu/degrees/qual_exam.shtml|here]]. +
-See also a letter in 2002 [[http://www.grad.berkeley.edu/degrees/qual_exam.shtml|here]].+
  
 The Qualifying Exam is required by the University in order to get The Qualifying Exam is required by the University in order to get
 the Ph.D. degree - no exceptions are allowed!  Note that the student the Ph.D. degree - no exceptions are allowed!  Note that the student
-must submit an application to the Graduate Division at least one month+must submit an application to the Graduate Division at least three weeks
 //in advance// of the proposed date of the exam.  See the Student Affairs Officer for an application form. //in advance// of the proposed date of the exam.  See the Student Affairs Officer for an application form.
  
 Department policy is that the Qualifying Exam must be taken no later Department policy is that the Qualifying Exam must be taken no later
-than the end of four calendar years of graduate study, unless a specific +than the end of the summer after four academic years of graduate study, unless a specific 
-exemption is granted by the Head Graduate Adviser. If not passed on the+exemption is granted by the Head Graduate Adviser and Department Chair. If not passed on the
 first try, a second attempt must be made within six months. first try, a second attempt must be made within six months.
- 
- 
  
 ===Candidacy=== ===Candidacy===
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 candidacy, bearing in mind the filing fee regulations discussed under the candidacy, bearing in mind the filing fee regulations discussed under the
 registration requirements. registration requirements.
 +
 ===Normative Time to Degree=== ===Normative Time to Degree===
-The Department has established six years as the Normative Time to Degree. +Normative Time refers to the elapsed time (calculated to the nearest semester) that students would need to complete all requirements for the doctorate. The Astronomy Department has established 12 semesters as the Normative Time to Degree. Students who anticipate exceeding the normative time may only do so with approval of the Head Graduate Advisor and Department Chair.
-Normative Time is the elapsed calendar time in years that under normal +
-circumstances will be needed to complete all requirements for the Ph.D., +
-assuming a student who enters without deficiencies, who is engaged in full-time +
-uninterrupted study, and who is making desirable progress toward the degree. +
- +
-After Advancement to Candidacy, the student is eligible for a Fee Offset +
-Grant, for which the student must apply to the Graduate Division. Rules +
-regarding this may be obtained from the Graduate Division or the Student Affairs Officer. +
  
 ====Advising==== ====Advising====
-The Chair will act as adviser for first year graduate students. After the +The Head Graduate Advisor will act as adviser for first-year graduate students. At the beginning of their second year, students will be assigned an academic advisor, who is a faculty member that is not involved in the students research. The purpose of the academic advisor is to provide a resource for answering questions, addressing concerns, and serving as a sounding board external to the students research environment. If they wish, students can select a different faculty academic advisor, if the new advisor agrees. Students should consult the HGA about changing academic advisors.  
-first year students will be assigned a faculty member to act as an adviser. +
-This adviser is typically the primary research supervisor of the graduate +
-student. Students and advisers will meet at least once per year until the +
-Qualifying Examination has been passed. Once a thesis topic has been found, +
-a Thesis Committee with 4 members (including one outside the Dept.) is +
-formed by the student. This is typically the same as the Qualifying Examination +
-committee.+

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