Academic Overview PhD Students

Student Scientist Classroom Research Learn facts Study established ideas Gain understanding of concepts Investigate the unknown Develop new concepts Challenge our current knowledge

Goals of GSBS Curriculum Breadth Gain foundational knowledge in a broad range of topics Depth/Research Achieve research expertise in a specialized area Skills Develop professional skills needed for success as a scientist

Timeline for PhD Students Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 + Courses Tutorial Rotations Courses Lab research Dissertation Research Dissertation Research Dissertation Research Join a Lab Join a Program Form Committee Candidacy Exam First Author Paper(s) Dissertation Defense GSBS Core Course – Fall Semester Tutorial Rotations September 18 to December 8 January 2 to March 2 March 5 to May 11

Overall GSBS Course Requirements for PhD Complete at least 72 semester credit hours including: Foundations of Biomedical Research (7 credits)* Ethical Dimensions of Biomedical Sciences (1 credits) 3X Tutorial Research Experience (2 credits each) Scientific Writing (2 credits) Research (variable credit) Program Specific Course Requirements *Except Medical Physics and Neuroscience “fast track” Credit hours don’t matter – most students reach 72 in three years. PhD usually longer. Students are never limited by credit hours.

What to take in the Fall semester? Most PhD Students: GS21 1017 Foundations of Biomedical Research (7 credits) GS21 1051 Ethical Dimensions of Biomedical Sciences (1 credit) GS00 1514 Tutorial Research Experience (2 credits) Quantitative Students may substitute: GS21 1018: Foundations of Biomedical Research for Quantitative Students (7 credits) – Pass/Fail

Foundations of Biomedical Research Course Director: Dr. Eric Swindell (GSBS)

Is there any reason to take additional coursework this fall? Quantitative Science students have additional course requirements. Some programs may encourage you to take another course. But, you are not required to commit to a program until the end of your rotations.

PhD students must enroll full time every semester Fall and Spring semesters – 9 credit hours or more Summer Semester - 6 credit hours or more Register for extra hours only if needed

Advice on Registration – PhD Students How can I register for tutorial if I don’t know who my advisor (instructor) will be? Select “Mattox” as the instructor. Once you find an actual tutorial advisor contact GSBS Academic Affairs to switch the instructor name. Also applies if your instructor is a new faculty member and not listed.

Tutorial Rotations First tutorial rotation begins on September 18th

Individual Advising and Tutorials Before picking a tutorial instructor meet with Bill or Brenda to discuss possibilities. Do this by September 8th 2. Once you decide, please let us know who you picked. 3. Keep us posted on how your tutorials are going. 4. Dissertation advisor selection – contact us to discuss.

Tutorial Rotations Sources of help on picking tutorial instructor GSBS Faculty Directory - research descriptions Faculty Seeking PhD Students list Meeting with Academic Affairs Advisor Program Directors Current GSBS Students New faculty reception on August 31st

Meeting with a potential advisor Tips: Start with science, talk about interests Ask if they expect to take a student this year Find out about possible projects For fall, discuss core course schedule (8:30 – 11:00 M-F) If possible, talk to someone in the lab

Questions?