Review Checklist

General

The full complement of participants are present
Documentation presented to all members of the review panel well in advance of the meeting
Oral presentation by the student, summarising the project background, hypotheses and objectives, progress and future plans
Discussion of the project: technical issues, conceptual issues, overall goal of the work and its significance, likelihood that project will be productive within time-frame, contingency plan in event of project difficulties, time-table for future work and thesis preparation,comments and constructive criticism of the written material circulated in advance and the oral presentation
Non-scientific issues: how meetings are arranged between student and supervisor, access to other people who can provide advice and technical training, availability of stipend and maintenance funding for the duration of candidature
Discussion with student while supervisors are absent
Discussion with supervisors while student is absent
Discussion with all parties present to discuss any recommendations/strategies to resolve problems

A general outline of the project was presented
The project is appropriate and feasible
Satisfactory supervisory arrangements are in place
The student and supervisor understand their mutual expectations and responsibilities
Adequate space, technical and financial resources are available
Plans are in place for the student to obtain special training if required
All ethical/safety clearances have been obtained

A public Confirmation seminar, with review committee present, has been organised/given by student
An extensive draft of their literature review, a summary of the project objectives, progress report and outline of future plans, has been circulated and commented on.
The student has a sound grasp of the literature, conceptual background, objectives and hypotheses being tested
The student is making good progress in his or her experimental work, is producing data of high quality and has a clear idea of the next steps
The project can be reasonably expected to be productive within the time-frame of candidature
Contingency plans are in place if unexpected hurdles arise
The student has good access to supervision, advice, and all technical requirements
The student and supervisor(s) have developed a good working relationship

The student has prepared a summary of the work completed, remaining work to be done, the thesis chapter plan and a time-table for completion of experimental work and writing
Experimental work is complete or nearly complete and the student has a clear plan for any remaining experiments or data collection and analysis to be done
The amount and quality of the work are of appropriate standard for the degree
Thesis writing has commenced and a chapter plan and time-table for writing has been developed
The student and supervisor have agreed on the strategy and time-table for preparation and submission of any papers not yet published
Adequate arrangements have been made concerning turnaround of chapter drafts
Thesis examiners have been provisionally identified
Planning is well-advanced for postdoctoral employment
A thesis seminar at an Institute or Unit seminar time slot has been discussed/arranged

Major issues and any recommendations should be recorded by the panel chair in the report form, and returned to the chair of HDC.