When the thesis research is completed, students synthesize their laboratory results and compose a doctoral dissertation. The appropriate format for this written dissertation is described at the Brown University Dissertation Guidelines website. At this time, a qualified outside reader with relevant expertise is invited to join the Thesis Committee and the written dissertation is sent to this expanded committee for evaluation and revision. The written dissertation will form the basis for a public seminar that must take place at Brown University. A closed oral defense attended by the Thesis Committee and other interested Neuroscience Graduate Program faculty will follow the seminar. After the thesis defense, the final doctoral dissertation and all associated forms and documents related to the completion of a Ph.D. must be submitted to the Graduate School. Please consult the Graduate School Dissertation Guidelines for forms, documents, and additional information regarding the thesis defense process