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ZapperZ submitted a new PF Insights post
Your Physics Thesis Defense
Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
Your Physics Thesis Defense
Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
In summary, preparing for a defense includes preparing for the oral examination, making sure the committee is familiar with your work, and staying on good terms with the faculty member who will be judging your thesis.
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Solid advice here.
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Don't forget to prep for the snake fight portion of your PhD defense. That's the part that often comes back to bite you 
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My advice: publish three Phys Rev Letters and your thesis defense will be more like a victory lap.
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ShayanJ
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Could you explain which part of the thesis defense that's supposed to refer to?Ygggdrasil said:Don't forget to prep for the snake fight portion of your PhD defense. That's the part that often comes back to bite you
P.S.
Thanks for the good advices Zapper.
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Shyan said:
Does your university not require you to fight a snake in order to graduate?
it's a joke
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ShayanJ
Gold Member
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Ohh...I thought its a metaphor for some actual phenomenon. I'm an undergrad.Ygggdrasil said:Does your university not require you to fight a snake in order to graduate?
it's a joke
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DEvens
Education Advisor
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There are old stories passed around among grad students about the monster PhD oral defense.
The nice one is from Cliff Stoll, the author of this.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1416507787/?tag=pfamazon01-20
In his PhD defense they asked him to explain why the sky was blue. And they kept asking him "can you be more specific?" until he had led his committee through a very long explanation of scattering and molecular energies and cross sections and visible light and optics and the character of the human eye. Which was really all on topic for a visible light astronomer. After he was done he was exhausted but very happy. And he passed.
The not nice story involves a candidate being asked to estimate the number of barbers in Canada. There are multiple endings to that story. In one ending the candidate refused on the basis it had nothing to do with his thesis. Part A has him being failed for refusing. Part B has him being passed because it was unrelated to his thesis. Part C has him making an estimate, which was wildly wrong but showed a reasonable attempt to get an order of magnitude, and the candidate passing.
So you should be sure you understand the rules for your defense. And these are different from one school to the next.
The nice one is from Cliff Stoll, the author of this.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1416507787/?tag=pfamazon01-20
In his PhD defense they asked him to explain why the sky was blue. And they kept asking him "can you be more specific?" until he had led his committee through a very long explanation of scattering and molecular energies and cross sections and visible light and optics and the character of the human eye. Which was really all on topic for a visible light astronomer. After he was done he was exhausted but very happy. And he passed.
The not nice story involves a candidate being asked to estimate the number of barbers in Canada. There are multiple endings to that story. In one ending the candidate refused on the basis it had nothing to do with his thesis. Part A has him being failed for refusing. Part B has him being passed because it was unrelated to his thesis. Part C has him making an estimate, which was wildly wrong but showed a reasonable attempt to get an order of magnitude, and the candidate passing.
So you should be sure you understand the rules for your defense. And these are different from one school to the next.
Last edited by a moderator:
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gleem
Science Advisor
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One can say that preparing for your defense begins the day you enter the graduate program. In particular you do not want a faculty member on your board with whom you have crossed swords at some time. In reflecting on my defense and @DEvens post I may have dodged a bullet ( or a snake) having made a more or less public criticism of the teaching ability of a faculty member in my first year. Luckily he was either not selected, never got wind of it, forgot about it or was a mensch about it for he did not sit in on my defense.
FAQ: Comments - Your Physics Thesis Defense
What is the purpose of including comments in my physics thesis defense?
Comments are an important part of your physics thesis defense as they provide additional insights and explanations for the audience and examiners. They also demonstrate your understanding and critical thinking skills.
How do I effectively respond to comments during my physics thesis defense?
The key to responding to comments during your physics thesis defense is to listen carefully and remain calm. Take a moment to think before answering and provide clear and concise responses that address the comment.
Can I include comments from my peers or colleagues in my physics thesis defense?
Yes, including comments from your peers or colleagues in your physics thesis defense can add credibility to your research. However, make sure to properly attribute the comments and only include those that are relevant and add value to your defense.
Are there any specific guidelines for including comments in my physics thesis defense?
It is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by your institution or supervisor for including comments in your physics thesis defense. Generally, comments should be clearly labeled and referenced, and should be integrated seamlessly into your presentation.
How do I handle difficult or challenging comments during my physics thesis defense?
Difficult or challenging comments are a normal part of the thesis defense process. Stay composed and address the comments with respect, even if you disagree. Consider asking for clarification or further explanation if needed, and offer to follow up with more information if necessary.
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