PhD Qualifying Course

Details of the PhD Qualifying Course (Stat 548A/B)

Important Dates

End of second week of classes of Term 1: Students may begin seeking professors to discuss interest in their papers.
The report on the second paper must be completed and submitted no later than the last day of classes in Term 1.
The report on the fourth paper must be completed and submitted no later than the last day of classes in Term 2.
For all reports, individual professors and students must agree on a deadline. Deadlines may be earlier than those above, but may not be later than the last day of classes.
There is a penalty of 2 marks from the total for each day of missing the deadline.

Course Objectives

To learn about research at the beginning of the PhD program, in order to
(a) critically read published research;
(b) start thinking about a thesis topic;
(c) make an informed decision on a PhD thesis supervisor;
(d) potentially shorten the time to get a PhD degree and publish research.
To work with faculty members of your choice (one per report) whose research interests you. Keep in mind, faculty members who have many students might be less likely to take on an additional PhD student this academic year.
To read research papers and write mathematics. The latter includes getting familiar with LaTeX, which is the standard software for mathematical writing.
To become comfortable with scientific computing. Most thesis research involves scientific computing since original research means developing new methodology and implementing it. Depending on the research, scientific computing might be implemented in R, Python, Julia, C/C++, or other programming languages.
To sharpen time management skill in a research environment.

Choosing a Paper

Students must choose 4 papers (approximately 1 per month) and submit timely reports.
Students are expected to complete 2 papers in the first term and 2 in the second term.
Students must complete this course in their first 2 terms in the program.
Papers are chosen on a "first-come-first-served" basis.
Papers are chosen sequentially. For example, paper 2 cannot be chosen before the report on paper 1 has been submitted. In keeping with this, students are asked not to "negotiate" with more than 2 professors at any given time.
Professors are asked to keep the status of their papers as "available" until the paper a student has confirmed their choice. The rule "first-come-first-served" should be applied. In case of "tie" or "close call", the professor makes a choice and immediately informs all involved students.
Students may not choose 2 papers on largely similar topics or from the same professor.
To choose a paper, a student makes an appointment with the corresponding faculty member. During this appointment the professor's expectations regarding the report are discussed and clarified. Keep in mind that it may take up to a week for you and the professor to find a time for the first meeting. Students should tell the professor what papers they have already worked on.
The professor and student must agree on a deadline for the report, respecting the Important Dates above.
The student should confirm their selection by e-mail to gradadv@stat.ubc.ca, gradinfo@stat.ubc.ca, and the professor. The professor should then mark this paper as "unavailable".
Students may request additional appointments with the professor to discuss progress and clarify outstanding issues.
Students are expected to work independently and refrain from seeking help from other students and/or professors.

Grades

Each report will receive a percentage grade. The grade will depend on the professor's assessment of the degree to which the report met their expectations.
Professors submit grades and reports to gradadv@stat.ubc.ca and gradinfo@stat.ubc.ca as soon as possible.
Missing an end-of-term deadline leads to a loss of marks at a rate of 2 marks per day. Paper with earlier agreed deadlines may also be penalized for late submission, at the professor's discretion.
Students will receive a copy of the Faculty Assessment of their submitted reports. Contact gradinfo@stat.ubc.ca if you have not received a copy.

Some important skills/abilities to be assessed in this course are

Mathematics/Statistics theory:
- avoid incorrect math derivations;
- fill in missing details.
Writing: consider proper use of notation, referencing, etc.
- always define a symbol before using it, or just after using it;
- use different notation for different objects (e.g., do not use the same f for different densities);
- use consistent notation;
- use proper logic/organization when writing proofs/derivations;
- avoid LaTeX errors.
Computing: computer implementation, if relevant. Code should be well-documented, efficient, easy to modify, easy for someone else to use.
Innovation/initiative: taking ideas on new directions and discussing additional comparisons beyond paper
- suggest possible novel developments;
- identify critical limitations of the method and suggest possible ways to overcome them;
- find errors and correct them.
Sensible approach to data and modelling

Students are encouraged to take a close look at the different sections of the "Faculty Assessment Form".

PhD Qualifying

If the student obtains an A average (83%) in this course and performs satisfactorily in their other course work, they will be considered to have Qualified. The next major step in their Ph.D. program will be the comprehensive exam.

Important Resources

Plagiarism—basically using someone else's words or writing as your own—is a serious offense. You are responsible for understanding what constitutes plagiarism, and for ensuring that you do not commit any act of plagiarism under any circumstances. Please take the time to read the following documents carefully: