At various points in your studies you may be asked to attend an oral examination in connection with project or laboratory reports.

The function of these Vivas is:

1. To establish that you are familiar with the material and that you are the author of the work concerned
2. To give you experience in defending a piece of scientific work in response to probing questions
3. To provide supplementary information to the examiners which will aid their assessment of your work
4. To enable some feedback to be provided on your work and how it may be improved

The examiners will probably begin by asking you to give a verbal summary of the work described in your report. Following this they will ask a number of questions which may seek clarification of specific aspects of the work or test your understanding of the written material. Finally, having indicated that the examination proper is over, they may offer advice on how you could improve.