The PhD comprehensive exam tests the knowledge of the PhD candidate on topics related to the student's field of research and is used to judge whether the student has a mature, broad, and substantial understanding of the discipline, as evidenced by an oral examination.
Scheduling and preparing for the PhD Comprehensive Exam
In Pharmacy, the comprehensive exams must begin in term four. What this means is that the examining committee appointment should be submitted with a plan for scheduling the comprehensive exam, to ensure that the examination is passed (including any resulting conditions) by the end of term seven as per PhD degree requirements.
Once the PhD Comprehensive Examining Committee has been appointed and approved, and at least 12 weeks prior to the proposed comprehensive examination, the student should complete and submit the Pharmacy Comprehensive Examination Request form.
Students should avoid scheduling their examinations during Pharmacy examination restriction dates.
School of Pharmacy scheduling timeline for PhD comprehensive exams
| Task | Who | Timeline/Due date |
|---|---|---|
| Submit the appointment of the PhD Examining Committee for approval. | Supervisor | In term 4 or soon after the a student transfers from MSc to PhD. |
| Coordinate a date and time for the PhD Comprehensive Examination. | Supervisor and Student | At least 16 weeks ahead of the intended examination date |
| Submit the PhD Comprehensive Examination Requestion online form. | Student | No less than 12 weeks ahead of the intended examination date |
| Submit the composition of the exam (topics and reading list) to the graduate coordiantor, for approval by the Graduate Officer. | Supervisor, in consultation with the examining committee | No less than 10 weeks ahead of the scheduled examination date |
| Arrange examination chair. | Graduate Coordinator | Once the request for examination is received, before the examination date |
| Review and approve the exam composition. | Gradaute Officer | Between 8 and 10 weeks ahead of the scheduled exam |
| Provide student with the composition of their exam, including topics and reading list. | Graduate Coordinator | 8 weeks ahead of the scheduled comprehensive exam |
| Read, study, prepare. | Student | The student is given 8 weeks to study for their examination. |
| Submit 10 examination questions and answer rubric to the graduate coordinator, for approval by the Graduate Officer. | Supervisor, in consultation with the examining committee | 4 weeks ahead of the exam |
| Review and approve the examination questions as submitted by the supervisor and examining committee. | Graduate Officer | Between 4 weeks and 2 weeks ahead of the scheduled exam |
| Provide examining committee a copy of the approved question and answer booklet. | Graduate Coordinator | After approved by the Graduate Officer, approximately two weeks prior to the examination date. |
School of Pharmacy examination restriction dates for thesis proposals and PhD comprehensive examinations
Pharmacy has examination restriction dates for thesis proposals and comprehensive examinations to allow maximum participation in the Pharmacy program and to minimize scheduling conflicts for examination chairs and committee members. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
| Event | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| University closures and convocation |
Refer to Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Important dates |
| Pharmacy grad orientation |
January 6, 2026 |
| Pharmacy Graduate Studies Seminars |
Refer to the Pharmacy Events page for schedule |
| Pharmacy Council |
January 22, 2026 (a.m. only) May 28, 2026 (a.m. only) September 17, 2026 (a.m. only) |
| Pharmacy Research Day |
April 29, 2025 |
Thesis defence restriction dates are managed and posted by Science Dissertations on the Thesis defence & submission information page.
What to expect on the day of your exam
One hour prior to the oral examination, the student will receive the examination questions in the examination room. This time is allotted for the student to prepare responses to the questions provided. During this preparation period, the student may reference assigned readings as well as any study notes they have compiled, but the use of the internet is strictly prohibited.
At the designated time, the examination committee, either in person or remotely, as per the regulations and schedule, will join the student in the examination room. The PhD comprehensive examination will be attended by the examination committee, an impartial chair, and the student.
The oral examination will last for two hours. The impartial chair will select the questions each committee member will then pose to the student. The student will have 10-20 minutes to respond to each question orally.
A total of eight questions will be addressed during the two-hour period, with at least one question posed by each expert committee member. The student may use a whiteboard or flip chart to assist in articulating their responses, as necessary. In the case of an online examination format, the student may share their screen or use the built in whiteboard to present relevant materials to support their responses.
Upon conclusion of the oral examination, the student will be dismissed, and the examining committee will remain in the room to delibrate on the student’s performance and assess the responses to each of the questions.
After delibration, the student will be invited back into the room to receive the committee's decision. The examination report will be signed and a copy provided to the student for their records. If appilcable, the student should is required to address any conditions stipulated by the committee. The designated commtitee member (someone other than the supervisor) is repsonsible for ensuring that all conditions are met.
All conditions must be fulfilled before the end of term 7. Should a student require additional time to complete the comprehensive examination or address any conditions, they must submit a petition requesting an exception to the regulated deadline.