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 Documents – Please Read and Sign
Intellectual property agreement
Code of Conduct
Turn these forms in on Wednesday morning
Registration and ORCID iD Q&A session - optional drop in 1:30 – 2:30 on Thursday, Computer Lab

4. ORCiD Universal identifier for scientific work
Helps distinguish authors with similar names
Links together work done under different names or forms of the same name
Used by over 7,000 Journals
Now required of trainees seeking NIH funding
Required by GSBS – Helps track student achievement
Must appear on your myGSBS page

5. Topics for everyone
ORCiD – you’ll receive an with instructions to:
Set up ORCiD Account
Import any publications (if you have them)
Make account public
Link account to myGSBS (available after you register for classes).
Registration – You’ll also receive an from Bunny Perez with instructions on registering for courses.
Thursday 1:30 – 2:30 GSBS Computer Lab
Optional Registration and ORCiD help session. This is a “drop-in” session, you may come and leave at any time.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. FAQs
Can I take vacation between semesters? For most first-year students the answer is yes. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Degree specific overviews
PhD and MD/PhD students: Stay here
MS students:
Follow Dr. Swindell to Gallick Classroom --S3.8367
SMS students: (Genetic Counseling or Med Physics)
Take a break! You’ll be receiving details from your specific programs later on.

13. Academic Overview PhD Students

14. Scientist Student Investigate the unknown Challenge current knowledge
Master professional skills
Learn facts
Gain understanding of concepts

15. Goals of GSBS Curriculum
Breadth
Gain foundational knowledge in a broad range of topics
Depth/Research
Achieve research expertise in a specialized area
Skills
Research Methodology
Critical Thinking
Research and Project Planning
Scientific Communication – grant writing, oral presentations
Collaboration and Team Science

16. 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)
Just in Time (JIT) Information Sessions – Throughout First Year

18. 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 MD/PhD, Neuroscience “fast track” and Medical Physics
Credit hours don’t matter – most students reach 72 in three years. PhD usually longer. Students are never limited by credit hours.

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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’s handbook
Quantitative Science – may have additional course requirements
Neuroscience students – optional “fast track” curriculum

22. 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

23. Tutorial Rotations
First tutorial rotation begins on September 16th

24. Tutorial Rotation Schedule
Fall Rotation: September 16 to December 6
First Spring Rotation: January 6 to March 6
Second Spring Rotation: March 9 to May 15
See Academic Calendar on GSBS Website.

25. Individual Advising on Tutorials
Before picking a tutorial instructor meet with Bill or Brenda. Do this by September 6th
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.

26. MD Anderson Tutorials
Need to decide on instructor as soon as possible but no later than September 6th.
See Brenda or Bill for required “Authorization form” after you’ve decided on instructor.

27. 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.
When you find an actual tutorial advisor later you can change it.
If drop/add period is over (after September 11), contact us to switch the name.
Also applies if your instructor is a new faculty member and not yet listed on myUTH.

28. Tutorial Rotations Sources of help on picking tutorial instructors
GSBS Faculty Directory - research descriptions
Faculty Seeking PhD Students list
Meeting with Academic Affairs Advisor
Program Directors (Research Advising Session on
Tues, Aug 20 at 10:00 -- Large Classroom)
Current GSBS Students

29. Meeting with faculty about possible tutorials
Tips:
Start with science, talk about your interests.
Ask if they expect to take a student this year.
Ask about possible research projects.
Ask science questions, you are not expected to be an expert.
If there is an opportunity, talk to someone in the lab.
For fall, discuss Core Course schedule (8:30 – 11:00 M-F).

30. Questions?