Here in Australia it's not uncommon for Tutors to do the assignment and exam marking (usually these are post graduate students, I think they call these people T

Here in Australia it's not uncommon for Tutors to do the assignment and exam marking (usually these are post graduate students, I think they call these people Teaching Assistants or similar in US). So from the Professors point of view it doesn't make much difference which method they use, the grading will get palmed off anyway. An Oral exam similar to what you have to go through with a Thesis defense is an interesting option, I don't think has been considered. Instead of giving out a take home test. Why not give each student a 10 minute skype call with the professor while he grills them. Would make it easy to see who really understands the topic and prevent rote memorizations etc.