Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ATREEPhD Programme
Handbook
Conservation Science and Sustainability Studies
The Academy for Conservation Science and Sustainability Studies
Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and The Environment
Royal Enclave, Sriramapura, Jakkur PO.,
Bangalore 560024
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Table of contents
Preface ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
2. The PhD Programme ............................................................................................................................................. 4
2.1. Academic Committee (AC) ............................................................................................................................ 5
2.3. Fellowship ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.4. Duration of the Programme ............................................................................................................................ 6
2.5. Guide ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.6. Doctoral Advisory Committee (DAC)............................................................................................................ 6
2.7. Registration at Manipal University................................................................................................................. 7
2.8. What should go into a synopsis? .................................................................................................................... 8
2.9. Change of synopsis/title of research ............................................................................................................... 8
2.10. What is a 6-monthly progress report? .......................................................................................................... 8
2.11. Fees and other costs ...................................................................................................................................... 8
2.12. Leave ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
2.13. Cancellation of Registration ......................................................................................................................... 9
3. Coursework ............................................................................................................................................................ 9
3.1. Core courses .................................................................................................................................................. 10
3.2. Electives ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
3.3. Prerequisites .................................................................................................................................................. 11
3.4. Public talks and seminars.............................................................................................................................. 11
3.5. Course Exemptions ....................................................................................................................................... 12
3.6. Credits, Assessments and Grading System .................................................................................................. 12
3.7. Performance requirements in coursework .................................................................................................... 13
4. Qualifying Exam .................................................................................................................................................. 13
5. Thesis.................................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.1. Research ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
5.2. Field Research ............................................................................................................................................... 14
5.3. Submission of thesis ..................................................................................................................................... 15
5.4. Thesis defence ............................................................................................................................................... 16
5.5. Publication of thesis ...................................................................................................................................... 17
5.6. Award of Degree ........................................................................................................................................... 17
6. Complaint Redressal ............................................................................................................................................ 17
7. Plagiarism - Zero tolerance .................................................................................................................................. 18
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Preface
This handbook includes the policies, guidelines, forms, and procedures for ATREE’s PhD programme
affiliated with Manipal University. The contents may be amended when Manipal University revises
its policy or when changes need to be made to improve the structure and governance of the PhD
programme. The Academic committee at ATREE approves all changes and revisions. The policy
governing the appointment and functions of the Academic committee are approved by the
Governing Board and ratified by the Executive committee at ATREE. However, all other policies and
guidelines that govern the quality of the programmes, student welfare and functioning of the
Academy are approved by the Academic committee. We remain open to constructive feedback to
improve this handbook. We welcome you to the PhD Programme at ATREE and wish you all success.
The Academic Committee
Nitin Rai (Chair), Ankila Hiremath, Jagdish Krishnawamy, Sharad Lele, Bejoy Thomas and Aniruddha
Marathe (Student representative)
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1. Introduction
ATREE’s PhD programme was officially launched in 2007. The doctoral programme at ATREE is
designed to equip students with in‐depth knowledge and necessary skills to understand and address
complex conservation and environmental issues using a broad interdisciplinary framework. We
expect and encourage students to draw from relevant natural and social science disciplines and apply
it to their research. ATREE requires its students to complete rigorous course work, pass a qualifying
exam, conduct primary research, submit a thesis and meet all the requirements of Manipal University
before students are awarded their PhD degrees. ATREE is recognized as a research centre by the
Manipal University (MU).
ATREE’s PhD programme is unique in many ways; first, it is the only interdisciplinary programme in
the country that covers conservation science and sustainability studies; second, it intentionally
selects students who show a potential for research and builds capacity for critical thinking and
leadership; third the PhD faculty at ATREE represent a diverse disciplinary background covering both
natural and social sciences with a commitment to interdisciplinarity; finally it offers students the rare
opportunity to ground their research in the field through ATREE’s widespread field stations in the
Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas. According to the Stanford Social Innovation Review
(Summer 2008) ATREE is a globally unique conservation and development organization for its
pioneering work crossing diverse sectors and linking sound research with strategic action.
ATREE’s research covers the broad themes of environment and development, and biodiversity and
conservation. Areas of specialization include biodiversity conservation, environmental governance,
forests and ecosystem services, ecological agriculture, water management, urban environments, and
development and environmental change. Disciplines represented in the faculty include ecology,
taxonomy, hydrology, economics, development studies, forestry, sociology, history, wildlife science,
and political ecology.
This handbook is designed to provide both the regular and project‐based students the necessary
information to enable them to successfully complete the requirements for a PhD at ATREE and obtain
their degree from Manipal University.
2. The PhD Programme
Students are given a brief orientation to the Academy, ATREE and the PhD programme when they
join. The academic year starts in August on alternate years and courses will be offered in three
semesters. Students are required to take a total of 29 credit hours of both core, elective and
prerequisite courses. Students are expected to finalize their guide and doctoral advisory committee
within the first 12 months and required to defend and register their research synopsis within 15‐18
months of joining the programme. All regular full‐time PhD students are provided a 5‐year
fellowship with a research contingency grant in the 2nd and 3rd year of their programme depending
on satisfactory progress. We expect students to write the thesis and defend it in the 5th year.
In general the policies and guidelines in this handbook cover the requirements for both regular and
project‐funded PhD students at ATREE. However, there are some exceptions and these are clearly
mentioned in blue boxes where relevant under each section.
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2.1. Academic Committee (AC)
The Academic Committee is the final decision making body for all matters with regard to the
programmes of the Academy for Conservation Science and Sustainability Studies at ATREE. The
academic committee meets regularly to review and recommend changes to improve the quality of
the PhD programme at ATREE. The AC is composed of the Convenor who is the chair, the centre
convenors, representatives of the two programmes to ensure the necessary disciplinary breadth in
the AC and an elected student representative.
2.2. Schedule of important requirements for the PhD programme
Sl No Activities Schedule with deadlines
1 Core course (C1 & C2+P1&P2) August to December (4 months)
2 Core course (C3 to C5) January to April (4 months)
3 Electives August to November
4 Identifying guide Before 10 months
5 Formation of DAC Before 12 months
6 Qualifying exam Between 15‐18 months
7 Synopsis presentation After successfully completing the
qualifying exam, between 15 and 24
months. Earlier the better.
8 Registration with Manipal University To be completed between 16 and 24
months. Earlier the better.
9 Thesis submission Between 3 and 6 years after
registration for all students except
students with MPhil degrees who can
submit it between 2 and 6 years.
10 Thesis Defense Within 3‐6 months after submission
2.3. Fellowship
A modest fellowship of Rs. 16,000 per month prior to the registration and Rs. 18,000 per month after
the registration will be provided for the number of years mentioned in the contract.
Students are not allowed to defer their fellowship.
In case where funding agencies do not allow dual payments, students have to choose
amongst the fellowships. If students opt for other sources, ATREE fellowships will not be
reserved for them for future use.
ATREE Fellowship will be paid only till the end of the contract duration or until the PhD
award notification by MU, whichever is earlier.
Fellowship will not be reserved/paid back in case of fellowship suspensions.
In addition to this, contingency grant of Rs. 50,000 per year for two years will be provided after
successfully clearing of qualifying exam and registration with Manipal University.
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2.4. Duration of the Programme
2.4.1. We prefer that students plan their PhD programme in such a way to enable them to finish
within 5 years.
2.4.2. However, as per the rules of the university the duration of the programme, from the time of
registration at Manipal University to submission of the thesis is as follows:
2.4.2.1. The minimum duration for PhD candidates will be 3 years and maximum duration
shall not exceed 6 years which will be based on the recommendation of the Doctoral
Advisory Committee (DAC).
2.4.2.2. The minimum duration for candidates with MPhil qualification [in addition to
postgraduate qualification] shall be 2 years in case of full time candidates.
2.5. Guide
2.5.1. All students are required to identify their guide within 10 months of starting the programme.
Students are encouraged to interact with all faculty in order to find a guide who is a good fit
with their interests and needs.
2.5.2. All guides have to be Fellows or Senior Fellows at ATREE.
2.5.3. Co‐guides can be ATREE faculty or adjunct faculty who are recognized as co‐guides by MU.
2.5.4. Tenure as Guides: Faculty who leave ATREE will continue to serve as a guide for the students
assigned to them in the best interests of the student, unless the student requests a change. If
students request a change, the convenor will need to find an appropriate guide from within
ATREE.
2.5.5. In the unexpected circumstances that the guide or student do not want to continue their
association, a letter justifying the reasons for this should be submitted to the Academic
convenor. The convenor will seek to mediate between both parties, failing which the letter
will be accepted with the approval of the AC.
2.5.6. If the student has already registered with Manipal University, the change in guide will need
the approval of MU.
2.5.7. The student with the help of the academic convenor should find another guide within 3
months.
2.6. Doctoral Advisory Committee (DAC)
2.6.1. Students are required to form their DAC, consisting of 3‐5 individuals within the first 12
months of joining ATREE.
2.6.2. Students should consult their guide while constituting the DAC.
2.6.3. Students from natural sciences are expected to have one member from a social science
discipline on their DAC and vice‐versa. The role of this member is to enable relevant
integration and indisciplinarity where relevant and necessary.
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2.6.4. Students can have DAC members who are qualified faculty from other institutions. However,
50 percent of the committee members must be from ATREE faculty.
2.6.5. Students should seek MU approval in case of any changes in the DAC (after the registration).
In the exceptional case where faculty are not available within the institution to meet the DAC
requirements, the student with the approval of the guide and convenor can invite eligible faculty
from other institutions to be members of the DAC. Travel and diem for one trip per year for such
faculty will be supported by the Academy. If the student wants an additional member to the required
minimum of 3, then the student is responsible for the costs entailed.
2.7. Registration at Manipal University
2.7.1 Registration at MU requires the submission, defense and approval of the synopsis by them.
2.7.2 Students are expected to complete all the core courses and clear the qualifying exam before
the registration with MU.
2.7.3 Students should ensure that they are registered with Manipal University within 24 months of
enrolling in ATREE PhD programme. If they are not registered by then they will be notified of
the delay and if students are not registered before 30 months of enrolling in the PhD
programme, their monthly fellowship will be forfeited from the 31st month until their
registration at Manipal.
It is better to register as soon as possible to avoid delays in completing a PhD (MU requires a
minimum of 3 years after registration to submit the thesis).
All communication regarding registration with Manipal University should be conducted through
the Academy office at ATREE. Here are the steps involved:
The candidate should present their research proposal (synopsis) to the DAC. The committee
may recommend/recommend with modification/reject the proposal.
The student is required to make a presentation at ATREE prior to submit to the MU. During
the synopsis presentation, presence of guide or co‐guide is essential. The DAC should meet
after the synopsis presentation to ensure that comments that were received during the
synopsis presentation have been incorporated. This DAC meeting is to approve the synopsis
that will be presented to Manipal
Once the synopsis is accepted by the DAC, the candidate’s PhD registration application along
with supporting documents to be attached with the registration form and the copy of the
DAC recommendations are to be sent to The Deputy Registrar‐ Academic (Technical). The
candidate has to submit one hard copy with a soft black bound of the synopsis (after
incorporating the modifications suggested by DAC). One copy of the documents must also be
submitted to the ATREE Academy.
2.7.4 After approval of the synopsis by MU, the student's DAC at ATREE will meet twice a year to
monitor the progress of their research.
2.7.5 Students are required to submit a progress report every 6 months signed by all DAC
members through the Academy.
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2.8. What should go into a synopsis?
2.8.1. A synopsis of the proposed research is required for a formal registration with Manipal
University.
2.8.2. The synopsis should be about 10‐12 printed pages (single spacing, 12 point) but should not
exceed 15 pages.
2.8.3. The following format can be used:
Introduction/Background
Statement of objectives
Study site (explain choice, relevance, and context)
Proposed research (questions, study design, field methods, type of data collected, proposed
methods of analyses)
Funding (any relevant information on the source of funding, etc)
Bibliography
2.8.4. The research synopsis should be approved by the guide as well as all doctoral committee
members prior to submission to Manipal University.
2.9. Change of synopsis/title of research
A change in the registered synopsis/title of research may be permitted for a candidate provided it is
recommended by the Guide and DAC and forwarded by the academy and approved by the Academic
Senate of Manipal University.
2.10. What is a 6‐monthly progress report?
2.10.1. The submission of 6‐monthly progress reports is mandatory as per Manipal University's
guidelines. The candidate has to submit the 6‐monthly progress report and report‐submission form
duly filled out and signed by all the DAC members to Manipal University through the Academy.
2.10.2. Students are expected to present the progress of their coursework and research to the DAC
every 6 months.
2.10.3. Students have to submit the reports on time (every six months). At the end of the year
(counting from the date of registration) the student will be expected to have submitted two reports.
If reports are still pending, the academy will remind students, who have two progress reports due, to
submit the reports within two months. If students fail to submit the reports within two months of
receiving the reminder, the academy will send another reminder to submit the reports in an
additional two months, failing which their fellowship will be forfeited. Reports received beyond the
four month deadline set by the Academy, will not be forwarded to Manipal University.
2.11. Fees and other costs
2.11.1. At present there is no course fee at ATREE. Students are expected to pay the fee as per MU
requirement. Given below is the fee structure.
Year Annual Fee
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First Year Rs. 23,500
Second Year Rs. 12,000
Third Year Rs. 12,000
2.11.2. Students are expected to bear registration, travel, board and lodging, and thesis submission
expenses.
2.11.3. The Academy will cover the cost of travel and accommodation for faculty and external
examiners.
2.12. Leave
2.12.1. Students are entitled to holidays, earned leave, casual leave, medical leave, maternity and
paternity leave as per ATREE staff policy.
2.12.2. Students on an institutional fellowships, in the case of certain circumstances, can take
extraordinary leave for up to 1 year without being paid their fellowship.
2.12.2.1. However, they are still entitled to the maximum of 5 years institutional fellowship if
they are eligible and are making satisfactory progress in their PhD programme.
2.12.2.2. The request for this extraordinary leave will need the consent of the Guide and the
approval of the AC.
2.12.3. Students who visit another institution either within or outside the country as part of their
PhD programme for a maximum period of 1 year need the approval of their guide.
2.12.3.1. The student is entitled to the ATREE fellowship during this time if eligible, is making
satisfactory progress, and is not getting another fellowship from the host institution.
2.12.3.2. A letter of approval from the guide indicating the tenure of the stay and the
purpose should be submitted to the Academy.
2.13. Cancellation of Registration
Registration may be cancelled on the recommendation of DAC based on the lack of progress as
requested by the supervisor and also after giving due opportunities to the candidate for defending
his/her case.
Registration will be cancelled by MU if the candidate fails to submit the thesis before the maximum
stipulated time period.
3. Coursework
Course work at ATREE is designed to basically provide students the skills to integrate both natural and
social sciences as they research environmental problems. The foundation courses in the natural and
social sciences provide an introduction to the basic concepts and principles of ecology, economics,
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sociology, political science and environmental science. Students also take a research and methods
course that provides them the necessary skills in quantitative and qualitative methods in both
natural and social sciences relevant to environmental research. There is a separate module on
statistics. There are two courses that help students integrate across disciplines. The first one
introduces students to issues in conservation and sustainable development, followed by a course on
integrated approaches to conservation and sustainable development. Electives provide students with
an opportunity to dig deeper into any two disciplines, or from focused methods and techniques
courses relevant to their research. A science communication course helps students with their
technical writing and presentation skills. Seminar participation through presentations and
attendance exposes students to new ideas and approaches. The Basic Math and English writing
courses are prerequisites that are required to be able to take the more advanced courses.
Coursework will commence in August. The required course load for students is 29 credits. This
includes completing nine core (21 credits), and two elective courses (minimum 6 credits in total), 2
prerequisite courses (pass/fail) and a within a maximum of 29 months of joining the program.
3.1. Core courses
C1. Foundations in Natural Sciences
C1a. Ecology (3 credits)
C1b. Environmental Science (3 credits)
C2. Foundations in Social Sciences
C2a. Economics (3 credits)
C2b. Sociology and Anthropology (3 credits)
C3. Practising Interdisciplinary Research on the Environment (3 credits)
C4. Research design and methods
C4a. Research design and methods ‐ social sciences (1 credit)
C4b. Research design and methods ‐ natural sciences (1.5 credits)
C4c. Statistics (2 credits)
C5. Science Communication (1.5 credits)
3.2. Electives
Student should take two electives that are offered from any two disciplines of the five listed below.
1. Ecology
2. Economics
3. Sociology
4. Environmental Science
5. Research Methods and Tools
3.2.1. Elective courses have to be completed within 24 months of joining the ATREE PhD Programme.
Students are encouraged to discuss their choice of elective courses with their Guide, academic
convenor or interim faculty mentor.
3.2.2. Students can attend elective courses at ATREE or equivalent courses at other institutions of
higher learning such as the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), University of Agricultural
Sciences (UAS), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), National Institute for Advanced Studies (NIAS),
Centre for the Study of Culture and Society (CSCS), and the Institute for Social and Economic Change
(ISEC).
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3.2.3. A table of the courses on offer in these institutions will be notified from time to time by the
Academy Office after consultation with other Institutions.
3.2.4. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of courses of interest that are available in these
and other institutions.
3.2.5. The student will need the approval of the Convenor and the consent of the interim faculty
mentor or guide before s/he registers for an elective in another institution.
3.2.6. The student will have to get a written approval to take the course and to provide grades from
the course instructor from the other institution before registering for the course.
3.2.7. Transferring credits of intensive and short courses: Students will be able to transfer the credits
earned in these courses towards their elective credit requirements. The credits will be calculated
based on the number of contact hours in the course. Students requesting for course credit transfer
will provide details on the number of hours in lectures, laboratory and field with their request. The
credits will be estimated based on the calculation used for ATREE’s courses (1 credit is 16 contact
hours; 1 contact hour = 1 hour of lecture = 3 hours of Laboratory = 1 day of field exercise)
3.3. Prerequisites
Prerequisite courses equip students with the basic math and writing skills needed for the PhD
programme and to be able to take the core courses.
P1. Basic Math
P2. English Writing
3.3.4. Students obtaining a minimum GRE quantitative score of 660 (old) or 151 (new) (> 60th
percentile rank) do not need to take that portion of the basic math course that includes the following
topics covered in the GRE test ‐ algebra, arithmetic, trignometry, geometry, and mensuration. But
students are required to take the calculus portion of the class and pass it. However, if students have
successfully passed at least two Mathematics courses at the Bachelor's degree level, they do not
need to take the Math pre‐requisite course. (Students are required to submit their official score
document)
3.3.5. All others who feel that they have the basic level of competency in Math required for ATREE's
PhD programme and who would like to be exempt from the course will either have to take and pass
an assessment test at the beginning of the semester or take the final assessment at the end of the
semester to demonstrate minimum competency in Mathematics.
3.3.6. For the English writing course, students can seek an exemption by taking and passing an
exemption test that is offered after the first class. The cut‐off for the exemption will be decided by
the instructor but is typically around 70%.
3.4. Public talks and seminars
All students will have to give at least 3 public talks over the course of their programme:
1. Synopsis defense – not later than 24 months
2. Seminar to share research progress – once a year between registration and defense. This
includes the final presentation before submission of thesis to Manipal University.
3. Final thesis defense
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3.5. Course Exemptions
Students can seek an exemption from one of the four foundation courses (C1 and C2) by taking and
passing an exemption test that is offered after the first class. The cut‐off for the exemption will be
decided by the instructor but is typically around 70%.
3.6. Credits, Assessments and Grading System
3.6.1. The candidate must successfully complete a total of 29 credits of coursework to fulfill the
course requirements for the PhD programme. See table 3.1 for the courses that will be graded and
those that will have a pass/fail requirement.
3.6.2. Normally course assessments will comprise of a combination of in semester assessments,
participation, and a final assessment or examination.
3.6.3. Students have to sign up for each course within 1 week of each semester and Academy will
ensure compliance with all requirements.
Table 3.1: Number of credits and contact hours for each course
Course Course title Credit Contact (h) Assessment
C1a Ecology 3 48 Grades
C1b Environmental Science 3 48 Grades
C2a Economics for E&D 3 48 Grades
C2b Sociology and Anthropology 3 48 Grades
C3 Practising Interdisciplinary 3 48 Grades
Research on the Environment
C4a Research Methods in Social 1 16 Grades
Sciences
C4b Research Methods in Natural 1.5 24 Grades
Sciences
C4c Statistics 2 32 Grades
C5 Science communication 1.5 24 Grades
E1 3 48 Grades
E2 3 48 Grades
P1 1 16 Pass/fail
P2 1 16 Pass/fail
Total 29
Table 3.2: Grades and grade point scores will be assigned based on the following format:
Grade % Marks Scored Remarks Grade Point
A+ 90‐100 Outstanding 10
A 80‐89 Excellent 9
B+ 70‐79 Very Good 8
B 60‐69 Good 7
C 50‐59 Satisfactory 6
F <50 Fail 5
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Cumulative Grade Point Average,
3.7. Performance requirements in coursework
3.7.1. Students are required to pass all the courses including prerequisites.
3.7.2 Graded assignments and exam papers will be handed to the students within 2 weeks of the
final exam.
3.7.3. If a student scores an F grade in any course, s/he will have to take a repeat exam within four
weeks. Any student who fails in the reexam in any course will have to discontinue the PhD
programme. However, in such cases the student can appeal to the AC with justification to request
another opportunity to pass the course.
3.7.4. A student can appeal only for 2 such courses over the entire PhD programme.
4. Qualifying Exam
4.1. Objective: The exam is primarily to assess the preparedness of the student to undertake
independent research. Please note that this not a proposal defense. A student’s preparedness will be
assessed by the depth and breadth of a student’s knowledge relevant to his or her broad field of
research, including their understanding of relevant concepts, theories, and assumptions. It will also
gauge the student’s ability to synthesize, integrate, and reason‐ skills that are required to think
through and conduct independent research. The intent is to get students to grapple with various
dimensions of knowledge, rather than to test mere factual recall. The exam is also a test of the
student’s writing ability.
4.2. Qualifying exam committee (QEC): The committee for the qualifiers will consist of the Guide
(chair), the representative from the faculty, and the other faculty members on the student’s DAC. The
faculty representative will be appointed by the convenor and s/he will ensure that quality and
fairness are maintained during the examination. The faculty representative is a full member of the
exam committee and has a say in the outcome of the exam. The representative will be made fully
aware of the reading list that was given to the candidate as well as copied on the written answers
submitted by the student.
4.3. Preparation: The Guide with inputs from the other members of the QEC will provide the student
a single comprehensive reading list organized by three broad areas and relevant to the student’s
research, at least 3 months prior to the exam.
4.4. Process: The qualifying exam should be taken after the core courses are completed, between 12
to 18 months of starting one’s PhD programme.
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4.5. Format: The exam will have a written component, which will be in the form of a week‐long take
home exam. Each member of the DAC will send 2 to 3 questions to the Chair of the DAC, which the
Chair will compile and email a list of about 8 questions to the student 2 weeks before the exam. The
questions should be based on the readings that were assigned. The student will email the DAC the
written answers to these questions one week before the exam. The qualifying exam will be for a
duration of about 3 hours. The exam will begin with a brief presentation by the student of their
dissertation research topic. This will be followed by an oral examination of the student by the exam
committee on the assigned readings within the identified thematic areas.
4.6. The outcome of a qualifier exam is Pass, Conditional Pass or Fail.
4.7. In the case of a conditional pass the committee needs to provide in writing, the conditions that
the student should satisfy to pass the exam. A period of one month might be given to the student to
fulfill these conditions. If the DAC is satisfied that the conditions have been met, the guide will email
the academy that the student has passed the qualifying exam. Failure to meet these conditions will
result in the student failing the qualifying exam. The faculty representative will be involved in the
assessment of the candidate when the conditions for the exam are evaluated.
4.8. A student who fails the exam can repeat the exam within 3 months. The exam will be repeated
with a new set of readings that the DAC will assign to the student as outlined above.
4.9. If the student fails this second attempt s/he will be dropped from the PhD programme and their
fellowship will be terminated. The QEC’s decision is final and there can be no further appeal.
5. Thesis
5.1. Research
The thesis research should be primarily driven by the student’s interest. Students have to develop
and pursue independent research questions for their Ph.D. The guide and DAC members will serve
as mentors who will help guide one’s research. Doctoral students will be expected to contribute to
grant proposals and also write short proposals to secure funding for their research. Grant proposals
written by students should be submitted in consultation with supervisors and should follow the
ATREE guidelines for submitting grant proposals.
ATREE promotes collaborative research and encourages students to collaborate with scientists in
other institutions in India and abroad. ATREE has formal/informal partnerships with several leading
institutions in the country, thus enhancing the range of possible areas for student‐driven research.
Students could form simple collaborations or invite external scientists to become members of their
doctoral committee, conforming to the guidelines of the University.
5.2. Field Research
ATREE has a network of field research sites, primarily in the Western Ghats, but also in the Eastern
Himalayas, that offer excellent field infrastructural facilities for research. At these field sites we
typically have ongoing research, conservation action and conservation education programmes. At
many sites we have built active partnerships with local communities through the establishment of
community conservation centers. We also continue to monitor and collect basic taxonomic,
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ecological, and socio‐economic data on a regular basis at these sites. For more information about
ATREE’s field facilities visit http://www.atree.org/sites.html.
Field research projects may require explicit permission from the state forest departments,
particularly if the research is to be carried out in a protected area. Under some circumstances, special
permits may even be required from other governmental agencies such as the National Biodiversity
Authority. ATREE has obtained institutional research permits at several field sites, but if any special
research permits are needed, then ATREE will assist in filing for the grant of such permits. All
communication with the forest departments and government agencies regarding research permits
should be done through the ATREE Director’s office.
Given below is a sample list of activities for which special permits are required:
Plant and animal specimen collection for taxonomic work
Collection of plant and animal genetic material for molecular ecological work
Field experiments that involve manipulations such as transplanting, removal of ground
vegetation controlled burning of ground vegetation, excluding or trapping of insects, birds,
and animals.
Soils and hydrology studies that involve soil sample collection and field installation of
instruments
Installing permanent vegetation plots
5.3. Submission of thesis
5.3.1. Students are required (as per UGC and University norms) to present their final thesis in ATREE
at least one month prior to submission of thesis to Manipal.
5.3.2. Before submission of the final thesis to Manipal students have to obtain a written approval
from the guide, co‐guide and DAC members. On submission of this approval, the thesis will be
forwarded to Manipal University.
5.3.3. Each candidate for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy shall submit the two hard
copies (with soft binding) and one soft copy (in PDF) of the final synopsis along with two copies of
his/her thesis (in a prescribed format) and one soft copy in PDF format to Manipal University not
earlier than the prescribed minimum period and not later than the prescribed maximum period.
5.3.4. Candidates should publish minimum of 2 publications after the registration with MU and
before submission of the thesis. It is not mandatory to have the first authorship. Two peer reviewed
journal publications in the field of research are mandatory for submitting the synopsis and thesis.
Papers that have been submitted and are under review will be considered upon showing
correspondence regarding the submission. Book chapters and conference papers will not be
considered as publications.
5.3.5.“Manipal University, Manipal” name must be cited in all the publications of the Research
candidates.
5.3.6. Manipal University guidelines indicate that the guide in consultation with the DAC shall submit
a panel of examiners with their brief CV and list of publications (minimum 5 publications to be
mentioned for each examiner) in the relevant field. Than panel shall include 10 examiners of which
at least 6 must be from India, preferably from outside the state of Karnataka. However,
accomplished examiners from reputed institutions within the state may also be included. MU then
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sends the thesis to 2 of these external examiners (out of the list of 10 potential examiners).
5.3.7. The examiners submit a detailed critique of the thesis. In case any one of the examiners is of
the opinion that the thesis has failed to achieve the desired standard, but feels that the thesis can be
accepted after a revision, it shall be resubmitted within a maximum period of six months from the
date on which the candidate is informed.
5.3.8. In case the thesis is completely rejected by one examiner, it will be referred to another
examiner from the panel. In case the thesis is approved by this examiner, it will be considered
unanimously approved. In case the thesis is rejected by more than one examiner, it will stand
rejected and shall not be referred by any other examiner.
5.3.9. Students have to submit the soft copy of the thesis as per the following guidelines, while
submitting the thesis to the University for evaluation in future:
1. Please use the required formatting style
2. The soft copy should be in PDF format only
3. The entire thesis should be included in a single document
4. The soft copy should be submitted in a CD
5.3.10. Thesis submission fee (at the time of submission of thesis) of Rs. 13,000/‐ should be paid
through DD/Cheque drawn in favor of ‘Manipal University, Manipal’ towards processing
expenses for each PhD thesis.
5.3.11. Documents to be submitted while submitting the thesis to Manipal University;
To Registrar – Evaluation:
1. Two hardcopies of synopsis with soft black binding
2. Soft copy of the synopsis in PDF format
3. Two hard copies of the thesis
4. Soft copy the thesis in PDF format (one single document)
5. List of examiners with their CV and contact details with the approval of DAC
6. Copy of DAC recommendations
7. Thesis submission fee(applicable to candidates admitted before 31st December 2011)
To Deputy Registrar – Academics:
1. Recommendations of DAC (original)
2. Similarity check (plagiarism) report with the signatures of candidate and guide
(should be less than 15%)
3. Copies of index journal publication
5.4. Thesis defence
5.4.1. The candidate shall appear for the public defense of their thesis and oral examination only if
the thesis is unanimously approved by the `Board of Examiners’ which includes the guide and one of
the external examiners who have assessed the thesis.
5.4.2. The topic, date and time of the open defense of thesis will be notified well in advance. The
open defense is conducted by the external examiner.
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5.4.3. This will be followed by a closed‐door oral examination with the external examiner and the
DAC members present.
5.4.4. The response of the candidate to questions, criticism and suggestions offered by the audience
in the open defense will be taken into consideration, however, the final decision wrest solely in the
members of the `Board of Examiners’.
5.4.5 The PhD defense and oral examination will be conducted at ATREE.
5.4.6. Written approval of the external examiner and the guide is required to be provided to MU for
the official notification of the PhD degree through the Academy.
5.4.7. Process to follow on the day of the defense:
a) Open defense : DAC members should be present
b) Closed – door oral examination with board of examiners and the DAC members.
c) Board of examiners should submit academy the Joint report recommending the award
of PhD degree.
d) Along with other required documents, Academy will forward the joint report to the
Manipal University.
5.5. Publication of thesis
Manipal University name must be cited in the front page of the thesis.
Copy of the publications should be sent to MU
The full thesis shall not be published as a separate volume without the approval of the
university. However, individual chapters can be published as journal papers or book chapters.
The university may grant permission for the publication of the full thesis as a separate
volume under such conditions as it may impose.
5.6. Award of Degree
5.6.1. The candidate shall be declared eligible for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy,
only on the unanimous recommendations of the members of the board of examiners after
successfully completing the final public defense of thesis and oral examination.
5..6.2. In case the examiners are not satisfied with the performance of the candidate in the above
final defense, the candidate shall be required to reappear for another oral examination after a period
of two months provided such specific recommendation is made by the board of examiners.
5.6.3. Candidates who qualify for the PhD degree shall be awarded the degree under the seal of the
University and signed by the Vice Chancellor at the next convocation held for conferring degrees.
6. Complaint Redressal
6.1. Completing a PhD is a long and challenging task, and can often lead to tensions and occasionally
friction between supervisors and students, or between students and other faculty. Students are
encouraged to deal with such situations openly, preferably by taking it up with the concerned faculty
directly. They may also consult the Convenor informally at any time.
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6.2. If, however, the matter does not get resolved informally, they may submit a formal complaint to
the Chair of the Academic Committee.
6.3. If the Chair finds prima facie merit in the complaint, s/he will refer it to a sub‐committee of the
AC for further investigation.
6.4. The sub‐committee will investigate the matter, including giving the student and concerned
faculty a proper hearing, and submit its report ordinarily within one month of the complaint being
filed, and at most 2 months.
6.5. The AC will take the final decision in the matter and recommend appropriate actions, if any.
7. Plagiarism ‐ Zero tolerance
Plagiarism is a serious matter and ATREE will take strong exception towards any student indulging in
acts of plagiarism. For further information on what constitutes plagiarism, and for guidelines
regarding proper citation and acknowledgement of published work and of data available in the public
domain, please visit http://www.plagiarism.org/.
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