From primary school to PhD | Summary and Q&A
TL;DR
The speaker discusses their experience preparing for and sitting a viva voce examination for their PhD in mathematics, reflecting on their academic journey and emphasizing the importance of determination.
Key Insights
- 👨🔬 Viva voce examinations are nerve-wracking but can be enjoyable, as they offer an opportunity to discuss research with experts.
- 🫠 Preparation for a viva voce examination involves re-reading the thesis, making notes, and practicing derivations.
- ❓ Academic success is not determined by innate intelligence but rather by determination and not giving up.
- ♻️ A supportive academic environment can provide second chances and opportunities for growth.
- 🧑⚕️ Mental health struggles can have a significant impact on academic performance, and seeking help is crucial.
- 😌 The significance of the viva voce examination lies in the ability to discuss research in-depth, demonstrating understanding and contribution to the field.
- 🧭 Corrections or revisions may be required after the examination, but the overall outcome is considered a pass.
Transcript
this is me just after being born and this is me just before sitting the final exam of my PhD in mathematics a few things happened between those two effects so the final exam of the PhD is called a Biver short for viber watch a viva voce meaning a spoken exam so unlike basically every other exam I've taken in education from age 4 to age 27 I wasn't ... Read More
Questions & Answers
Q: What is a viva voce examination?
A viva voce examination is an oral examination that tests a student's knowledge and understanding of their thesis or research. It is commonly used for PhD assessments.
Q: How did the speaker prepare for the viva voce examination?
The speaker prepared by re-reading their thesis, making notes on potential questions, and practicing derivations. They also reviewed relevant papers and tried to anticipate likely questions.
Q: What was the speaker's academic journey like?
The speaker describes struggling with math as a child but eventually developing a strong passion for it during their Master's degree. They then pursued a PhD, facing challenges along the way but persevering.
Q: How did the speaker feel about the viva voce examination?
The speaker initially felt terrified but later found it enjoyable as they discussed their research with the examiners. They experienced moments of blanking on certain topics but overall felt positive about the experience.
Summary & Key Takeaways
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The speaker describes the viva voce examination as the final exam for their PhD, which evaluates their understanding and ability to discuss their research.
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They highlight the preparation they did, including re-reading their thesis, making notes on potential questions, and practicing derivations.
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The speaker reflects on their academic journey, from struggling with math as a child to pursuing a PhD and emphasizes the importance of not giving up.