1. Academic Overview Session

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. Academic Overview PhD Students

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

13. 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

14. 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)

16. 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.

17. What to take in the Fall semester?
Most PhD Students:
GS Foundations of Biomedical Research (7 credits)
GS Ethical Dimensions of Biomedical Sciences (1 credit)
GS Tutorial Research Experience (2 credits)
Some Quantitative Students may substitute:
GS : Foundations of Biomedical Research for
Quantitative Students (7 credits) – Pass/Fail

18. 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)
Tips for class:
Arrive early and take seat toward front.
There are sometimes tacos.

19. 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

20. 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

21. Tutorial Rotations
First tutorial rotation begins on September 17th

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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

27. 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

28. Questions?