Design
Design and Manufacturing Area Examination
Effective Fall '25, the Design Area Exam is changing to the Design and Manufacturing Area Exam, and will be in a presentation format. The process and expectations are covered below.
Purpose and Structure:
- The exam evaluates students' readiness to pursue a Ph.D. by assessing their technical knowledge, research preparedness, and ability to synthesize knowledge in the areas of design and/or manufacturing.
- It will consist of a report and oral research exam tailored to the design and/or manufacturing aspects of a particular topic. It can be focused on the student's proposed or ongoing Ph.D. research topic or any research project related to the student's overall research field. The topic must be pre-approved by the Design and Manufacturing Area Exam Coordinator.
- The exam can be scheduled on any day within the targeted semester as long as it is not in conflict with any general area exam policy of the School of Mechanical Engineering.
Key Requirements:
- Eligibility: The same as that stated in the general area exam policy of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University.
- Timing: The same as that stated in the general area exam policy of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University.
- Preparation: Includes: (i) a report document , (ii) an email from the Design and Manufacturing area exam coordinator(s) to the Graduate Office approving the student's topic for the exam, and (iii) other form(s) (if any) required by the Graduate Office. The student's topic as well as items (ii) and (iii) are required when the student registers for the area exam. The report document cannot be more than five pages with one or two figures. It may include the following topics: (1) overarching application driver if it is required in the context of the research; (2) introductory technical background; (3) research science and engineering questions; (4) proposed solution and hypothesis for the solution; (5) technical plan (steps/tasks) to tackle questions; and (6) anticipated preliminary results to demonstrate the feasibility of the research hypothesis (optional); and (7) references (not included in max five pages). The report must be submitted to the faculty panel one week before the research presentation. The presentation content should not be shallow in nature, for example it should present the topic in depth and at the minimum have the context of at least three research papers.
Exam Goals:
- Demonstrate understanding of fundamental science and engineering concepts in the context of design and/or manufacturing.
- Show clarity in comprehending and defining research questions and hypotheses.
- Present a coherent plan for addressing research challenges.
Outcomes:
- Students receive a "Pass," "No Pass with recommendation to retake," or "No Pass."
- A retake is allowed for failed components, provided the advisor supports it.
Rubric for the Research Exam:
These sections are required in the students' presentation.
- Overarching application driver and motivation: Clear articulation of research significance with supporting data.
- Introductory technical background: Comprehensive review of related work.
- Research science and engineering questions: Specific and impactful problem definition.
- Technical plan (steps/tasks) to tackle questions: Feasible and well-connected research tasks and anticipated preliminary results that may demonstrate the feasibility of the research hypothesis.
- Presentation: Clarity, organization, and professional written and verbal communication.
- Q&A: Demonstration of in-depth understanding and ability to contextualize answers.
Additional Points:
- Exams are private and conducted by a panel of faculty. At least two faculty members plus the student's advisor are required to be on the faculty panel. The panel can be the same as the student advisory committee. It can also have an instructor of a graduate-level course the student has taken that is related to the student's thesis area. The advisor and student agree upon the panel composition. The panel composition should be listed in the e-mail to the Design and Manufacturing Area Exam coordinator when seeking approval for the exam topic.
- For research exams, students present a 40-minute talk followed by 20-minute interactive questioning. The advisor can be an observer during the question-and-answer session.
This process emphasizes fundamental knowledge, critical thinking, technical comprehension and rigor, analytical skills, and effective communication to prepare students for their Ph.D. degree plan.
To Register for the Design and Manufacturing Area Exam:
Step 1: Register for the area exams, using the Area Exam Registration Form.
Step 2: Complete the Design and Manufacturing Topic Registration Form and email it to Prof. Bunxin Wu for pre-approval. You are required to email Prof. Wu at least three weeks before your intended exam date (the date on which you will make the research presentation). Prof. Wu will email you the decision of approval or disapproval within one week of receiving your email. Your exam date can be no later than the date assigned to the Design and Manufacturing area exam as found on the Area Exam Schedule.