Academic Overview Session

Academic Advising Registration Student Records Milestones Bill Mattox, PhD Eric Swindell, PhD Bunny Perez Program Directors, faculty and students also – but we are here to help you. Registration Student Records Milestones Brenda Gaughan Kelly Moore, PhD PhD Student Advising Tutorial Rotations Academics MS Student Advising MS Mentor Selection Academics

Topics for everyone Registration Q&A session - optional drop in 4:30 – 5:30 on Tuesday, Computer Lab Documents – Please Read and Sign Intellectual property agreement Code of Conduct Turn these forms in Wednesday morning

Special situations Something is interfering with your ability to study, attend class or work in the lab. Discuss with GSBS Academic Affairs. We can help you deal with academic issues before they become an irreversible problem. 504 Disability Coordinators Brenda Gaughan & Cheryl Spitzenberger

Special situations You need to take some time off: Less than 1 week Check with your research advisor and all course instructors. More than 1 week As above, but also check with Office of Academic Affairs.

FAQs Do I get the summer semester off? Sorry, but no. You must register and be present for every semester until graduation unless you are granted a leave of absence.

FAQs Can I take vacation between semesters? For most first year students the answer is yes. But after you identify a thesis advisor, time off must be approved by the advisor and it may be limited by the policies at your home institution.

FAQs I’m doing research with a faculty member at MD Anderson and have an email account there, do I still need to watch UTHealth email? Yes. Please be sure to monitor your UTHealth email account daily.

FAQs Do I need to take the GSBS Ethics class this fall? Yes, all students must take this class in their first fall semester. If you have a conflict please come see us to discuss.

Degree specific overviews PhD and MD/PhD students – stay here MS students – Dr. Swindell, small classroom S3.8367 SMS students (Genetic Counseling or Med Physics) – Take a break

Academic Overview PhD Students

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

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 Dissertation Defense Meet with Advisory Committee every 6 months Publish required first-author paper(s)

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) Some Quantitative Students may substitute: GS21 1018: Foundations of Biomedical Research for Quantitative Students (7 credits) – Pass/Fail

Foundations of Biomedical Research (GSBS “Core Course”) Large Classroom M-F 8:30 sharp! To obtain course registration code contact: Course Director: Dr. Eric Swindell (GSBS) Email: eric.c.Swindell@uth.tmc.edu Tips for class: Arrive early and take seat toward front. There are sometimes tacos.

Is there any reason to take additional coursework this fall? Some programs may encourage you to take other courses. Remember you are not required to commit to a program until the end of your rotations. Medical Physics – special curriculum, see program handbook Quantitative Science – some have additional course requirements Neuroscience students – optional special curriculum

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

Tutorial Rotations First tutorial rotation begins on September 17th

Tutorial Rotation Schedule Fall Rotation: September 17 to December 7 First Spring Rotation: January 2 to March 8 Second Spring Rotation: March 11 to May 17 Hint: See Academic Calendar on GSBS Website.

Individual Advising on Tutorials Before picking a tutorial instructor meet with Bill or Brenda. Do this by September 7th 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.

MD Anderson Tutorials Need to decide on instructor as soon as possible but no later than September 7th. See Brenda or Bill for required “Authorization form” after you’ve decided on instructor.

How can I register for tutorial this week if I don’t yet know who my advisor (instructor) will be? Select “Mattox” as the instructor. Once you find an actual tutorial advisor contact us to switch the name. This can be done after registration is closed. Also applies if your instructor is a new faculty member and not yet listed on myUTH.

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 September 6th

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?