<p>how is grading done in grad school? I know it's more seminar-style compared to undergrad, but what is the timing of exams (end of every year, or semester) and what kind of exams are they (multiple-choice, written, oral, practical)?</p>
<p>This will depend on your field, obviously. </p>
<p>In the humanities, it is almost exclusively research papers, usually submitted at the end of the semester for each class. Grades are usually derived from seminar presentations and the final research paper.</p>
<p>In the biomedical grad classes, we typically have written take home tests (occassionally in class), papers, and oral presentations. A lot of instructors also have in class participation points.</p>
<p>I've actually had very few tests of any kind after my first year lecture-style grad courses (as a biomedical sciences PhD student). I've had a lot of research papers and oral presentations, but almost no tests.</p>
<p>The biggest test in the first years of graduate school is the qualifying exam, which is not class-based, but research-based. It's done differently at different schools, but generally you have to write a research proposal (sometimes on your own research, sometimes on a different research topic), then defend it orally to a committee of faculty members. This is often done sometime in the second year of a PhD program.</p>
<p>The only course I've had exams in is in Biostats... but even then, it was only 1 midterm and 1 final.</p>
<p>My other courses have a half dozen or so homework assignments that reflect on the lecture material, then a semester long project or paper or presentation or a combination of the 3, that reflects on the overall theme of the course. </p>
<p>Most of the time you can use/adapt your research or thesis project for your semester long project, paper, or presentation. Sort of like killing two birds with one stone!</p>
<p>It depends on the program and professors teaching... Some are exam-based, other presentation and paper-based. I'm not a graduate student, but I know more than enough graduate students in my department.</p>
<p>In the biochemistry department at UCLA, all incoming biochemistry grad students are required to take an intensive biochemistry course their first quarter. There are five sections covering different areas, two weeks each at the end of which is a final for the section. They are graded on homework assignments based on lecture and multiple papers assigned daily, presentations, exams and participation in class discussions. On top of this they are required to complete a rotation. I think this makes it difficult to focus on research during the first quarter, however it's a really good course for the background you should have coming into biochemistry research.</p>
<p>I'm getting my masters in information technology and this is my first quarter with three courses. So far...</p>
<p>Two courses had LOTS of problems sets, a few research papers, proctored midterm exams, and the final exams will be online. One course does not have any exams, just research papers. All my courses have a end of class research project which ties in everything you learned in the course.</p>
<p>My database management course is kicking my ass. I'd be happy with a C! Although, I heard you can't get less than a B in a graduate course as long as you do all your work. My other two courses are easy.</p>
<p>Tons of information to read. Luckily, I get my books for free...I would have paid probably $500 for books just for one quarter. I had six books to read this quarter...killing me.</p>
<p>^ I heard that too. Over here it's a B-, but they cant fail any graduate student.</p>