UNMC Graduate Studies Bulletin

Transcription

1 UNMC Graduate Studies Bulletin Academic Year

2 Table of Contents FROM THE DEAN... 5 GRADUATE STUDIES CALENDAR: ACADEMIC YEAR Fall Semester Spring Semester Summer UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA GOVERNANCE... 8 Board of Regents... 8 University of Nebraska Central Administration... 8 UNMC Administration... 8 UNMC Administrative Units... 8 UNMC Academic Resource Units... 9 Graduate College Governance... 9 Graduate College Administration... 9 University-wide... 9 UNMC... 9 ADMISSION TO THE GRADUATE COLLEGE Admission Requirements Graduate Record Examination (GRE) International Students Application for Admission Acceptance of Senior Credits Admission Status Full Graduate Standing Provisional Status Non degree-seeking Status (Unclassified Students) SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS Grading System Grades of Incomplete Grade Point Averages Transfer of Credit General Scholarship Requirements REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATE DEGREES General Requirements for the Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Residence and Time Requirements Advisor and Advisory Committee Program of Studies and Individual Development Plan (IDP) Options for the M.S. Degree Examinations Requirements for Completion of the M.S. Degree in a Given Semester General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree Residence and Time Requirements

3 Course Requirements Research Requirements Qualifying Procedure Supervisor and Supervisory Committee Program of Studies and Individual Development Plan (IDP) Comprehensive Examination and Admission to Candidacy Dissertation and Final Oral Exam (Dissertation Defense) Requirements for Completion of the Ph.D. Degree in a Given Semester GENERAL INFORMATION Registration Tuition and Fees Tuition for Graduate Nursing Courses Tuition for All Other Graduate Courses Tuition Remission for Graduate Assistants Tuition Refund Policy Miscellaneous Fees and Charges Special Service Fees Deposits (refundable) Application for the Diploma Convocation and Commencement Audit Drops, Adds and Withdrawals During the first 7 calendar days of the semester After the first week of the semester, but before 70% of the course has been completed After 70% of a course has been completed Students withdrawing from the University Employment and Registration Maximum Registration (credit hours) Full-time Status Intercampus Registration Nebraska Resident Status Interstate Reciprocity Agreement for Graduate Education Students Holding a Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantship Services for Veterans Financial Assistance Loans Assistantships Fellowships and Traineeships Student Rights and Responsibilities Access to Student Records General Procedures for Student Discipline Actions Academic Integrity and Professional Conduct GUIDELINES FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANT WORK AND STUDY ACADEMIC AND GRADE APPEALS I. Introduction II. Intercampus Students III. Appeal of Matters other than Grades IV. Grade Appeals

4 GRADUATE STUDENT GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE STUDENT SERVICES Health Services for Students Counseling & Student Development Center Student Ombudsperson Educational Resources Accommodation of Students with Disabilities STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Graduate Student Association Medical Center Student Senate Establishing a New Student Organization PROGRAMS & COURSES Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course Offerings in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BIOC) Biomedical Informatics Graduate Program Joint UNO/UNMC Curriculum Committee Graduate Committee (UNMC) Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course Offerings in Biomedical Informatics (BMI) Biomedical Research Training Program Courses Offered by the Biomedical Research Training Program (BRTP) Biostatistics Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Biostatistics (BIOS) Cancer Research Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course Offerings in Cancer Research (CRGP) Cellular & Integrative Physiology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course Offerings in Cellular and Integrative Physiology (CIP) Emergency Preparedness Graduate Program Graduate Committee Environmental Health, Occupational Health & Toxicology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Environmental Health, Occupational Health & Toxicology (ENV) Epidemiology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Epidemiology (EPI) Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course Offerings in Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy (GCBA)

5 Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research (HPRO) Health Services Research, Administration & Policy Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Health Services Research, Administration & Policy (HSRA) Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course offerings in the Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area (MSIA) Course Offerings in Clinical & Translational Research (CTR) Course Offerings in Cytology (CYTO) Course Offerings in Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy (GCBA) Course Offerings in Emergency Medicine (EMED) Course Offerings in Family Medicine (FMED) Courses Offerings in Health Psychology (HPSY) Course Offerings in Internal Medicine (IMED) Course Offerings in Medical Nutrition (MNED) Courses Offered by the Monroe Meyer Institute (MMI) Course Offerings in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGY) Course Offerings in Oral Biology (OBIO) Course offerings in Orthopedic Surgery (ORTH) Course Offerings in Pediatrics (PEDS) Course Offerings in Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience (PHAR) Course Offerings in Physical Therapy Education (PHYT) Course Offerings in Psychiatry (PSYC) Course Offerings in Radiology (RADI) Course Offerings in Surgery (SURG) Nursing Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Nursing (NRSG) - Full course descriptions available on College of Nursing website Pathology and Microbiology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course Offerings in Pathology and Microbiology (PAMM) Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., and M.S. Degrees Courses in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PHSC) Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience (PHAR)

6 From the Dean To students: Many recent evaluations of educational activities in the United States have been directed at primary and secondary programs, as well as the need for better teaching in baccalaureate programs. Relatively little is said about post baccalaureate activities. The thrust of these comments has been to remind us that it is really on the post baccalaureate programs that the future success of all the other programs depend. Regardless of the level of sophistication of the educational enterprise, if graduate programs fail to produce highly qualified and highly motivated individuals, many of the teaching, research, and administrative activities of the future will fail. Although all of the functions undertaken by the recipients of the Master s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are extremely important, contribution of original ideas to the pool of knowledge may be most important. Indeed, the hallmark of graduate education should be the development of the intellectual resources to conduct original research and to communicate the results of this activity to one s colleagues. In a very real sense the conduct of original research is a service to our local communities as well as to the broader, world-wide community because these efforts increase our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Through these efforts of discovery, the scholar- teacher enhances our well-being. The graduate programs available to you at the University of Nebraska Medical Center are diverse. They will encompass very basic laboratory science as well as important research-oriented patient care opportunities. Despite this diversity, all of the programs will: 1. Allow the student to acquire the basic background knowledge on which to build, and 2. Afford the student the opportunity to develop original ideas in his/her chosen area of study. These activities will involve more than traditional classroom exercises. In general, the programs are flexible. The flexibility and diversity of graduate activities obviate the traditional lock-step style of curriculum experienced in most undergraduate and professional programs. Indeed the graduate student must be involved in the development of his or her own curriculum. The challenge of new discovery, communication of ideas, and service to society is before us. Best of luck in your pursuits! James B. Turpen, Ph.D. Executive Associate Dean for Graduate Studies 5

7 Graduate Studies Calendar: Academic Year (The detailed Academic Calendar showing information for all UNMC Colleges can be found at Subject to change without notice. Fall Semester 2015 Deadline to file for December graduation October 10, 2015 Orientation for new international students August 13, 14 & 17, 2015 Graduate Studies Matriculation Ceremony August 19, 2015 Orientation/Registration for ALL new students August 20, 2015 First day of classes August 24, 2015 Last day to ADD/DROP classes August 30, 2015 Labor Day holiday September 7, 2015 Fall Break October 19 20, 2015 Last day to WITHDRAW from classes November 13, 2015 (Withdrawal from a class between Aug. 30 and Nov. 13 th results in the class appearing on the transcript with a grade of W ) Thanksgiving holiday November 26-28, 2015 Graduate Studies Honors Convocation December 17, 2015 Last day of classes including exams December 18, 2015 UNMC Commencement (Omaha) December 18, 2015 Spring Semester 2016 Deadline to file for May graduation February 10, 2016 First day of classes January 11, 2016 Last day to ADD/DROP classes January 17, 2016 Martin Luther King Day holiday January 18, 2016 Inter-professional Education (IPE) Day February 10, 2016 Spring Break March 20-27, 2016 Last day to WITHDRAW from classes April 1, 2016 (Withdrawal from a class between Jan. 17 th and Apr. 1 st results in the class appearing on the transcript with a grade of W ) Last day of classes including exams May 6, 2016 UNMC Commencement (Kearney, Norfolk) May 5, 2016 UNMC Commencement (Lincoln) May 6, 2016 Graduate Studies Honors Convocation May 5, 2016 UNMC Commencement (Omaha, Scottsbluff) May 7, 2016 Summer 2016 Deadline to file for August Graduation June 10, 2016 Eight Week Session: First day of classes May 16, 2016 Last day to ADD/DROP classes May 22, 2016 Memorial Day holiday May 30, 2016 Last day to WITHDRAW from classes June 22, 2016 (Withdrawal from a class between May 22 nd and June 22 nd results in the class appearing on the transcript with a grade of W ) 6

8 Last day of classes July 8, 1016 First Five-Week Session: First day of classes June 6, 2016 Last day to ADD/DROP classes June 12, 2016 Last day to WITHDRAW from classes June 29, 2016 (Withdrawal from a class between June 12 th and June 29 th results in the class appearing on the transcript with a grade of W ) Independence Day holiday July 4, 2016 Last day of classes July 8, 2016 Second Five-Week Session: First day of classes July 11, 2016 Last day to ADD/DROP classes July 17, 2016 Last day to WITHDRAW from classes August 3, 2016 (Withdrawal from a class between July 17 th and August 3 rd results in the class appearing on the transcript with a grade of W ) Last day of classes August 12, 2016 UNMC Graduation (no ceremony) August 19,

9 University of Nebraska Governance The University of Nebraska is composed of four major administrative units: the University of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK), the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), and the University of Nebraska- Omaha (UNO). Each of the four major units is led by a Chancellor who reports to the University President. The University is ultimately governed by a twelve-member Board of Regents who insures that the Institution fulfills its role and mission of providing quality instruction, research, and public service for the citizens of the state. Board of Regents Timothy Clare, J.D., District 1 Howard Hawks, District 2 Jim Pillen, D.V.M., District 3 Bob Whitehouse, District 4 Robert M. Schafer, J.D., District 5 Kent Schroeder, J.D., District 6 Bob Phares, District 7 Hal Daub, J.D., District 8 Evan Calhoun, Student Regent, UNK Thien Chau, Student Regent, UNL Andrew Shaw, Student Regent, UNMC (President, UNMC Student Senate) Brock Lewis, Student Regent, UNO University of Nebraska Central Administration Hank M. Bounds, Ph.D., President Susan M. Fritz, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Provost David E. Lechner, Senior Vice President for Business & Finance Sharon Stephan, Vice President for University Affairs Joel D. Pedersen, J.D., Vice President and General Counsel Ronnie Green, Ph.D., Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor for Agriculture & Natural Resources Douglas A. Kristensen, J.D., Chancellor, University of Nebraska-Kearney Harvey S. Perlman, J.D., Chancellor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., Chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center John Christensen, Ph.D., Chancellor, University of Nebraska-Omaha UNMC Administration Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., Chancellor H. Dele Davies, M.D., M.Sc., M.H.C.M., Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Deborah L. Thomas, MPH, Interim Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance Robert D. Bartee, M.A., Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Jennifer L. Larsen, M.D., Vice Chancellor for Research UNMC Administrative Units H. Dele Davies, M.D., M.Sc., M.H.C.M., Dean for Graduate Studies Kenneth H. Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied Diseases; Director, Eppley Cancer Center/Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Michael Liebowitz, Ph.D., Director, Munroe-Meyer Institute Kyle P. Meyer, P.T., M.S., Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean, College of Allied Health Professions Janet Guthmiller, D.D.S., Ph.D., Dean, College of Dentistry Bradley E. Britigan, M.D., Dean, College of Medicine 8

10 Juliann G. Sebastian, R.N., Ph.D., Dean, College of Nursing Courtney V. Fletcher, Pharm. D., Dean, College of Pharmacy Ali S. Khan, M.D., M.P.H, Dean, College of Public Health UNMC Academic Resource Units James B. Turpen, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ernest D. Prentice, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Regulatory Affairs Cheryl Thompson, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Chief Student Affairs Officer & Student Judicial Officer Yvette A. Holly, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Services David S. Carver, Ph.D., Director, Counseling & Student Development Center Channing Bunch, M.B.A., Director, Recruitment & Student Engagement Emily J. McElroy, M.D., Director, Leon S. McGoogan Library of Medicine Graduate College Governance The Graduate College of the University of Nebraska is a system-wide college with programs administered on each of the four major administrative units of the University of Nebraska. The Dean of the Graduate College, in conjunction with an Executive Graduate Council representing the Graduate Faculty, is responsible for the College's activities. Graduate educational programs are offered at UNK, UNL, UNMC and UNO through separate Graduate Studies divisions each led by a Dean for Graduate Studies. Each campus Dean reports to both the Chancellor of the campus and to the Dean of the Graduate College. Information on the graduate programs on the other campuses should be requested from the campus Graduate Studies Office. As part of the system-wide Graduate College, the Graduate Studies programs at UNMC offer advanced instruction leading to the Master's and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in health-related areas. The UNMC Dean for Graduate Studies, in conjunction with the UNMC Graduate Council elected from the UNMC Graduate Faculty, is responsible for Graduate College activities at the Medical Center. Graduate College Administration University-wide Susan M. Fritz, Executive Vice President and Provost Kenya S. Taylor, Ph.D., Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, University of Nebraska-Kearney Lance C. Pérez, Ph.D., Dean for Graduate Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln H. Dele Davies, M.D., M.Sc., M.H.C.M., Dean for Graduate Studies, University of Nebraska Medical Center Deborah Smith-Howell, Ph.D., Dean for Graduate Studies, University of Nebraska-Omaha UNMC H. Dele Davies, M.D., M.Sc., M.H.C.M., Dean for Graduate Studies James B. Turpen, Ph.D., Executive Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Jialin Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Dean for Graduate Studies; Director, Asia Pacific Rim Development Program Iqbal Ahmad, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Postdoctoral Affairs Pamela K. Carmines, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies Engagement & Assessment Terri Vadovski, Director of Graduate Studies 9

11 Admission to the Graduate College In accordance with University Policy, UNMC prohibits the denial of admission or of Medical Center privileges to students or applicants on the basis of individual characteristics such as race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, religious or political beliefs or sexual orientation. These privileges include but are not limited to admission, class assignments, scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and financial aid, as well as housing and recreational facilities. Furthermore, student organizations must base their selection of students for membership on criteria which will not exclude students based upon individual characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. Applicants must hold the minimum of a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university. Specific requirements for admission to a graduate program with full graduate standing are listed in the departmental sections. In general, admission to graduate programs requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 based on a four-point scale. The qualification for admission to and graduation from the various programs of graduate study is dependent upon possession of the following technical standards: 1. The intellectual capacity to meet curricular requirements. 2. Physical ability to pursue administration, teaching and/or independent research. 3. The ability to communicate effectively with mentors, peers and other professionals in the academic community. 4. Sufficient emotional stability to permit management of the demands associated with the pursuit of professional activities. These technical standards are minimum requirements for participation in UNMC graduate programs that require significant laboratory or research-oriented activities. Individuals wishing to participate in programs with requirements for patient care or patient contact must have technical standards defined individually. (UNMC policies are in accord with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Sections 799A and 854 of the Public Health Services Act.) Admission Requirements The Graduate College is open to graduates of all the colleges of this University and to graduates of other universities and colleges of recognized standing whose requirements for graduation are substantially the same as those in the corresponding college of this University. Persons who have completed the requirements for, but have not yet received, the bachelor's degree may register in the Graduate College provisionally. Admissions by the Dean for Graduate Studies to pursue graduate work are limited to the number that can best be handled to the advantage of the college and the students. Preference is given to residents of Nebraska, to individuals who wish to pursue study that can be adequately supported by UNMC resources, and to those who have adequate preparation and time for their proposed program. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Applicants for admission are advised that their scores on the GRE constitute a desirable credential to submit in applying for admission and may be required for admission to certain programs. Scores on the General Test and any appropriate Advanced Test of the GRE must be received before the application can be considered. Arrangements to take the GRE may be made through the Educational Testing Service, CN6000, Princeton, NJ Official score reports are required. Photocopies will not be accepted. Under no circumstances will we accept GRE scores that are more than five years old. The ETS Institution Code for the UNMC Graduate College is International Students Applicants from foreign countries where English is not the primary language must present official TOEFL or IELTS scores and official scores on the GRE. For the TOEFL, a score of at least 550 on the paper-based exam or 80 on the internet-based exam is required. The minimum acceptable IELTS band score is Waivers of this requirement can be granted to international applicants who have been enrolled in a degree-granting program at a U.S. university inside the U.S. for at least one academic year, or attendance at a university in a country where the only official language is English, such as U.K., Australia or Canada (excluding Quebec). Evaluation for a waiver of the English language proficiency exam is not determined by the prevalence of spoken English in a country or the language of instruction at a university. Under no circumstances will we accept TOEFL or IELTS scores that are more than two years old. 10

12 Scores on the General Test and any appropriate Advanced Test of the GRE (see above) must be received before the application can be considered. Official score reports from the Educational Testing Service are required. Photocopies will not be accepted. The ETS Institution Code for the UNMC Graduate College is Application for Admission Applications for admission must be submitted online. The application, a $45 application fee, three letters of recommendation, a narrative describing the applicant s career goals, a felony disclosure statement and official transcripts of each intuition previously attended. Students applying late may encounter delays in admission and may not be able to register for the desired session. Transcripts and all other materials submitted in support of an application become the permanent property of the University and will not be returned. Acceptance of Senior Credits Seniors at an accredited institution who have obtained in advance the approval of the Dean for Graduate Studies may receive up to 12 hours of credit for graduate courses taken at any campus of the University of Nebraska, in addition to the courses necessary to complete their undergraduate work. Such credits must be earned within the twelve months prior to receipt of the baccalaureate. Seniors in this University needing not more than nine hours of undergraduate credit to complete the bachelor s degree and wishing to register for graduate credit may be granted provisional admission to the Graduate College subject to receiving their baccalaureate degrees within one calendar year. Applicants requesting acceptance of senior credits must follow the regular admission procedures. If admitted, such registration may count as residence in the Graduate College. Course work taken for graduate credit at this institution prior to receipt of the baccalaureate degree may not always be accepted for transfer to other institutions as graduate work. Students admitted to professional colleges at the University of Nebraska may enroll in up to a total of nine credit hours of graduate-level courses (800- and 900-series) as electives in the professional curriculum with the approval of the dean of the professional college, the instructors for the graduate courses, and the Dean for Graduate Studies. In exceptional circumstances, registrations above nine credit hours may be permitted subject to the same approval. Admission Status Graduate students will be admitted to the following categories: Full Graduate Standing Students who have met the minimum requirements for admission and who have been accepted by a department or interdepartmental degree program for work leading to a graduate degree. Provisional Status Students who show potential for successful graduate work but have deficiencies in prerequisite course work or other admission stipulations. Students with Provisional Status cannot become candidates for a degree unless they are recommended for Full Graduate Standing by the cognizant Graduate Committee. Non degree-seeking Status (Unclassified Students) Students who satisfy minimum Admission Requirements and desire to complete a minimum of course work without a degree objective. Typically, such students wish to take graduate courses for professional growth, improvement of skills, or transfer of course credits to a degree program at another institution, but do not anticipate working for an advanced degree at UNMC. Registration as an unclassified student is subject to the following conditions: 1. The student must comply with all requirements for admission to the Graduate College including submitting all official transcripts before the application can be fully processed. 2. Registration for each course taken as an unclassified student is subject to the approval of the course instructor and the Dean for Graduate Studies. In courses with limited enrollment, preference is given to degree-seeking students with full graduate standing. 3. Re-admittance as an unclassified student for the purpose of enrolling in an additional course is required for each subsequent semester. Re-admittance is contingent upon the student maintaining the same academic standards as regular graduate students. Should an unclassified student subsequently desire to pursue an advanced degree, he/she may change from unclassified to full graduate standing by submission of a complete application to the Graduate College as a degree-seeking student and admission into an appropriate program by the Dean for Graduate Studies. Appropriate credits earned in the unclassified 11

13 status may be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements only if approved by the program Graduate Committee, the student s Advisory/Supervisory Committee, and the Dean for Graduate Studies. No more than one-third of the course work applied toward a graduate degree may be taken as an unclassified student. 12

14 Grading System Scholarship Requirements Graduate students are graded by letter grades as follows: A+, A, A, B+, B, B, C+, C, C, D+, D, D, P (Pass), F (Fail), W (Withdrew), and I (Incomplete; see below). Only a Pass/Fail grade is to be used for research projects, thesis or dissertation work. The following quality points are given for courses completed: Grade Quality Points Grade Quality Points Grade Quality Points Grade Quality Points A+ 4.0 B C D A 4.0 B 3.0 C 2.0 D 1.0 A 3.67 B 2.67 C 1.6 D F 0.0 Grades of Incomplete The grade of Incomplete is to be used by an instructor at the end of a term to designate incomplete work in a course. It is used when a student, due to extenuating circumstances such as illness, military service, hardship or death in the immediate family, is unable to complete the requirements of the course in the term in which the student is registered for credit. A grade of Incomplete is given only if a student has already substantially completed the major requirements of a course. Each instructor must judge each situation. The instructor must indicate by a departmental record, with a copy to the student, how and by when the Incomplete is to be removed, and if he/she is at the University at the time of the removal, supervise the makeup work and report the permanent grade. In the event that the instructor is not available at the time of the student s application for removal of an Incomplete, the department chairperson shall supervise the removal of the Incomplete and turn in the permanent grade for the student. Grades of Incomplete must be completed within one semester after they have been awarded or they will be automatically changed to a grade of F. Any extensions to the one-semester time frame must be arranged with the Dean for Graduate Studies prior to the Incomplete being changed to a grade of F. A student with two or more current grades of Incomplete will not be permitted to enroll in any new courses until the number of current Incomplete grades becomes less than two. All grades of Incomplete on courses that are part of the degree requirements must be removed at least one month before the final oral/written examination for the Master s or Ph.D. degree. Grade Point Averages The grade point average (GPA) is determined by multiplying the quality points earned in each graduate-level course by the number of credit hours for that course, adding the products for all courses, and then dividing the sum by the total number of credit hours in which quality points were earned. Grades of Pass are not used in determining grade point averages. The cumulative GPA is calculated based on grades earned in graduate-level courses specified in the student s Program of Study and completed on any University of Nebraska campus. A student may repeat a course in which he/she has previously received an unsatisfactory grade with the approval of the student s Advisor/Supervisor, course instructor, and the Dean for Graduate Studies. A student registering for such a course should notify the Office of Academic Records of re-registration in the course. Both grades will appear on the transcript but only the last grade will be used in determining the grade point average. Transfer of Credit All graduate credits to be counted toward the satisfaction of degree requirements including all transfer credits must be approved and recommended by the Graduate Committee of the student s major department or area. Not less than 50 percent of the course work required for any graduate degree must be completed at the University of Nebraska. No graduate credit will be accepted for transfer unless earned at an institution fully accredited to offer graduate work; nor should the student expect any graduate credits to be transferred unless the Graduate Committee evaluates the quality 13

15 and suitability as equal or superior to offerings available at the University of Nebraska. Students should order official transcripts of graduate work taken elsewhere at least one semester before the student intends to graduate. Transcripts should be sent to the Graduate Studies Office, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska General Scholarship Requirements A student failing to receive a minimum acceptable grade in a course for graduate credit may not continue his/her program of studies without permission of the Advisory/Supervisory Committee or the program Graduate Committee. The committee's decision, along with an appropriate explanation and justification, must be filed in the Graduate Studies Office. To receive credit in didactic and seminar-type graduate level courses, it is expected that students will perform at the level of B or above in any course that is offered for graduate credit. A minimum grade of C may be acceptable for graduate level courses, but receipt of two grades of C may be cause for dismissal. Any grade below C is not acceptable for graduate credit and may be cause for dismissal. A student who fails to maintain an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 in any given semester will automatically be on academic probation and may not continue his/her program of study without special permission of the Dean for Graduate Studies acting on the recommendation of the appropriate Graduate Committee or Advisory/Supervisory Committee. The recommendation must include a review of the student s status and a program of remediation. To continue in the Graduate Studies program, the student must remove the probationary status (i.e., return to an overall 3.0 grade point average) within the next twelve (12) months. Because research activities comprise a major part of the endeavors of graduate students, excellence in research is expected of all students. Therefore, a failing grade in any research or non-research activity or non-didactic course (non-thesis research, Master s Thesis, Doctoral Dissertation, or Practicum) may be grounds for dismissal. The above minimum scholarship requirements apply to ALL students enrolled in ANY course for graduate credit. Additional requirements may exist for certain graduate programs and departments as set forth in the Programs and Courses section of this Bulletin, at websites maintained by each program, or in documents provided to students at the time of admission. 14

16 Requirements for Graduate Degrees The general requirements for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees conferred upon the recommendation of the Graduate College are discussed below. Students must also become familiar with any additional requirements established for their specific program. Such requirements are set forth under the Programs and Courses section of the Graduate Studies Bulletin and in program descriptions that may be provided to students at the time of their admission. Many of the requirements detailed below are accomplished/reported by the student via Seguidor, UNMC s online graduate student information system. Detailed degree requirement timelines, together with procedures and documentation instructions, can be found at the UNMC Graduate Studies website. General Requirements for the Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Residence and Time Requirements At least 50% of the required course work must be completed on the campuses of the University of Nebraska after the student has been formally admitted and registered in the Graduate College. Appropriate courses may be taken in departments located on other campuses of the University of Nebraska. The work required for the M.S. degree must be completed within 5 consecutive calendar years. Advisor and Advisory Committee The Graduate Program Director (chair of the program s Graduate Committee) shall serve as the student s temporary advisor until appointment of a permanent Advisor (mentor). The permanent Advisor, who chairs the student s Advisory Committee, must be a member of the Graduate Faculty. The Advisory Committee consists of 3 or more members, including the Advisor, selected by the program s Graduate Committee and formally approved by the Dean for Graduate Studies (via Seguidor). The Advisory Committee acts on behalf of, and reports to, the program Graduate Committee. The Advisory Committee must be appointed within 6 months after matriculation (8 months for part-time students), and is responsible for supervising the student s work toward earning the M.S. degree. In order to assure that the student receives routine guidance, the Advisory Committee must meet with the student at least once every 6 months. Program of Studies and Individual Development Plan (IDP) Within 4 months after matriculation (6 months for part-time students), the student and his/her Advisor (or temporary advisor) must prepare and submit to the Graduate Studies Office a draft Program of Studies that includes designation of all required courses, options for electives, and the general area of research for the thesis (if applicable; see below). Upon revision, if necessary, an Advisory Committee-approved Program of Studies must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office within 7 months after matriculation (9 months for part-time students). The Program of Studies is considered to be a living document; however, any changes in the program or in the thesis topic (if applicable) must be approved by the Advisory Committee and the action reported to the Graduate Studies Office. As a supplement to the academic and career guidance provided by his/her Advisor and Advisory Committee, each M.S. student must complete an IDP within 1 year after matriculation. The student should consult with the Graduate Program Director to identify the specific IDP that must be utilized. Documentation that the student has completed an IDP must be submitted to the Graduate Program Director. Options for the M.S. Degree The Graduate College, except in programs where such a choice is not given, offers the M.S. degree under two options: Thesis or Non-Thesis. In choosing an option, students should be guided by the type of training that is appropriate for their academic, professional and career goals. Course requirements for the M.S. degree under either option may be met (1) with approved courses selected from those offered in any department that has been approved to offer an M.S. degree, or (2) by approved courses selected from those offered in some field of study within a specific department or group of departments that has been approved by the Graduate Council. Thesis Option The Thesis Option should be chosen by M.S. students who are preparing for careers in research and scholarly work. The Thesis Option requires completion of a Master s Thesis in the candidate s research area. Regular participation in the seminar program of the major area of study is also required. Course requirements: 15

17 If a graduate program has an established Thesis Option core curriculum, students admitted to that program must meet only the course requirements for that program. For programs without an established core curriculum, Thesis Option students must complete at least 6 graduate courses that are graded (not pass/fail). No more than 3 of these courses may be "introductory" courses (800-level, with 600-level or lower counterparts). The program s Graduate Committee or the student s Advisory Committee may also require the student to complete various techniques courses, language courses, research courses, special topics, etc.; however, none of these courses may be used to meet the requirements for the 6 graduate courses. All M.S. students pursuing the Thesis Option must pass both a Comprehensive Exam and a Final Oral Exam (thesis defense; see Examinations, below). The Comprehensive Exam must occur no more than 10 months before completing degree requirements and at least 3 weeks before the Final Oral Exam. The subject of the Master s Thesis must be approved by the program Graduate Committee. The thesis work should reveal a capacity to carry on independent study or research and should demonstrate the student s ability to use the techniques employed in the field of investigation. The Thesis must conform to the style accepted at UNMC, as detailed in the Thesis & Graduation Instructions for M.S. Students. Candidates are encouraged to submit data contained in the Thesis for publication before completion of the degree requirements. The Master s Thesis must be presented in final form to the student s Advisor at least 4 weeks before the thesis defense (Final Oral Exam) and at least 6 weeks before Commencement. Any necessary revisions to the thesis must be completed, and the final document approved by the student s Advisor, before distribution to the student s Advisory Committee (at least 2 weeks before the Final Oral Exam). The Final Oral Exam must take place at least 2 weeks prior to Commencement. When the Final Oral Exam has been completed successfully, the final version of the Master s Thesis must be submitted electronically to the DigitalCommons@UNMC no later than 1 week prior to Commencement. Non-Thesis Option The Non-Thesis Option is offered in certain departments upon the advice and with the approval of the student s Advisor and the program Graduate Committee. This option permits more intensive work in formal courses and does not require a thesis or a Final Oral Exam. Regular participation in the seminar program of the major area of study is required. Non-Thesis students must complete a Comprehensive Exam (see Examinations, below) no more than 10 months before completing degree requirements and at least 2 weeks before Commencement. Course requirements: If a graduate program has an established Non-Thesis Option core curriculum, students admitted to that program must meet only the course requirements for that program. For programs without an established core curriculum, Non-Thesis Option students must complete 11 graduate courses, 4 of which may be "introductory" courses (800-level, with 600-level or lower counterparts). Because the Non-Thesis Option is not a research degree, no more than 2 of the 11 courses may be Research Other Than Thesis. Graduation Instructions for Non-Thesis M.S. Students are available online, providing guidance for these students as they approach the end of their degree program. Students who have earned the Non-thesis M.S. degree and later elect to pursue the Ph.D. degree must give evidence of ability to conduct independent research, which may require them to spend more than the minimum time in completing the requirements for the doctoral degree. Examinations A written and/or oral Comprehensive Examination is required to cover each M.S. student s approved Program of Study. The nature and format of the exam is specified by the Graduate Committee overseeing the program in which the student is enrolled. The Comprehensive Exam must be taken no sooner than 10 months prior to the completion of degree requirements. At least 2 weeks prior to the exam, the student must request (via Seguidor) scheduling of the Comprehensive Exam and provide the names of the Examining Committee members. The exam can be administered only after the request is approved by the Graduate Program Director and Dean for Graduate Studies. The Examining Committee must report (via Seguidor) the results within 7 days after completion of the exam. Thesis Option students also must compete a Final Oral Exam (thesis defense), which cannot be scheduled until they have passed the Comprehensive Exam. The Examining Committee for the Final Oral Exam shall consist of at least 3 members (typically, the student's Advisory Committee). One member of the Examining Committee must be Graduate Faculty (typically, the student s Advisor). At least 2 weeks prior to the anticipated date of the exam, the student must (via Seguidor) create the Examining Committee and submit the official request to schedule the Final Oral Exam. The student may complete the Final 16

18 Oral Exam only upon approval by the program Graduate Committee and Dean for Graduate Studies. The Examining Committee must report the results (via Seguidor) within 7 days after completion of the exam. (Note: Because the Examining Committee has 7 days to report the results of the Comprehensive Exam, and requests to schedule the Final Oral Exam must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to that exam, Thesis Option M.S. students should not plan to take the Final Oral Exam until at least 3 weeks after completing the Comprehensive Exam.) If more than one member of the Examining Committee recommends failure in a Comprehensive Exam or Final Oral Exam, the student shall be considered to have failed the examination. In the event of failure, the Examining Committee shall recommend to the Dean for Graduate Studies whether the student should be given the option of retaking the examination and, if so, the committee shall identify general areas of weakness that require special attention and any specific remedial actions that the student should complete prior to re-examination. This information must be transmitted in writing to the student. No student shall be permitted to take either the Comprehensive Exam or Final Oral Exam more than twice, and the student must wait a minimum of 3 months before retaking the examination. The same committee shall administer the reexamination unless the Graduate Committee responsible for the student s program recommends and the Dean for Graduate Studies approves a substitution. Requirements for Completion of the M.S. Degree in a Given Semester Students who expect to complete degree requirements within a given semester must file an application for the diploma and pay the non-refundable $50 fee by the date specified in the current academic calendar (generally, October 1 for December graduation, February 1 for May graduation, and June 1 for August graduation). Thesis Option students: Students who have passed the Final Oral Exam must have successfully uploaded their Master s Thesis to the DigitalCommons@UNMC and must submit the following documents to the Graduate Studies Office no later than 1 week prior to Commencement: Report on Master s Degree form, and the Certificates of Completion for 2 online surveys (Convocation & Accomplishments Survey, and the Graduate Program Effectiveness & Student Satisfaction Survey). Non-Thesis Option students: The following graduation documentation must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office no later than 1 week prior to Commencement: Report on Master s Degree form, and the Certificates of Completion for 2 online surveys (Convocation & Accomplishments Survey, and Graduate Program Effectiveness & Student Satisfaction Survey). The timeline and procedures necessary to ensure student progress toward the M.S. degree can be found at General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree Residence and Time Requirements The Graduate College has established a residence requirement for the purpose of ensuring that the Ph.D. program should be reasonably compact, continuous, coherent, and that a substantial portion be done at the University of Nebraska or under supervision of the faculty of the University of Nebraska. For any student beginning a Ph.D. program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the residency requirement is that at least 50% of the course requirements (other than dissertation) be completed within a consecutive 18-month period, with the further provision that the courses be taken after receipt of the M.S. degree or its equivalent. In exceptional circumstances, when it is clear that the purpose of residence will be fulfilled although the above formal conditions are not met, the student's Supervisory Committee may, with the approval of the Dean for Graduate Studies, recommend alternative procedures for satisfying the residence requirements. The plan for satisfying residence requirements shall be a part of the student's approved Program of Study. A minimum of 4 full years of graduate study is normally required to complete a program for the Ph.D. for a student who enters the program with a bachelor s degree. Neither the courses completed nor the time spent in study determines completion of requirements for the Ph.D. degree. It is earned primarily through the pursuit of excellence in some special field of scholarship that involves the demonstrated ability to conduct independent research. The Ph.D. degree must be completed within 7 years from the date of initial registration as a Ph.D.-objective student. Course Requirements To complete the Ph.D. degree, certain minimal course requirements must be met. Typically, this is accomplished by taking a core of courses defined by the graduate program and approved by the Graduate Council and the Dean for Graduate 17

19 Studies. Students admitted to a graduate program that does not offer a core curriculum must meet the following minimum course requirements: The student must complete at least 9 graduate level courses that are graded (not pass/fail), only 3 of which may be "introductory" courses (800-level, with 600-level or lower counterparts). Although the student s Supervisory Committee may require non-dissertation research work, special topics or techniques courses, foreign language courses, etc., none of these courses may be used to meet the requirement for 9 graduate level courses. It is the responsibility of the Supervisory Committee, in conjunction with the program s Graduate Committee, to ensure adequate didactic preparation of the student. Research Requirements All Ph.D. students are required to complete the UNMC Responsible Conduct in Research program, and must participate in the seminar program within their major area. A dissertation of publishable quality must be completed and successfully defended (see below). In addition, evidence must be presented that the dissertation material has been submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, with the student listed as first author on the manuscript. Shared first-authorship with another individual (i.e. author X and author Y contributed equally to this work) is acceptable with the Supervisor s written verification of the student s major role in the study. Cochrane-style systematic reviews and meta-analyses are acceptable; however, narrative literature reviews do not satisfy this requirement. In extraordinary circumstances, the Supervisory Committee may request a waiver of the submitted publication requirement, or any aspect of the requirement. Such a waiver requires approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies. Qualifying Procedure Certain programs may require specific qualifying procedures and/or examinations that must be completed during the early phases of study. Qualifying requirements are indicated in the Programs and Courses section of this Bulletin, as appropriate for individual graduate programs. If a Qualifying Exam is required, the student must create the Examining Committee and request to schedule the Qualifying Exam (via Seguidor) no later than 2 weeks prior to the examination. The student may complete the Qualifying Exam only upon approval by the program Graduate Committee and Dean for Graduate Studies. The majority vote of the Examining Committee is required to pass the examination. The Examining Committee must report the results (via Seguidor) within 7 days after completion of the exam. Supervisor and Supervisory Committee The Graduate Program Director (chair of the program s Graduate Committee) shall serve as the student s temporary supervisor until appointment of a permanent Supervisor (mentor). Within 12 months after matriculation (18 months for parttime students), each student must designate (via Seguidor) a member of the Graduate Faculty to serve as his/her Supervisor and at least 3 other members of the Graduate Faculty to serve as his/her Supervisory Committee. The student s Supervisor serves as chair of the Supervisory Committee, and should advise the student with regard to the overall composition of the Supervisory Committee. It is urged that one or more members of the Supervisory Committee be from a field or fields of study different from the major area of interest, whenever such representation will contribute to the student's program and/or the overall effectiveness of the graduate program. Faculty from outside the University of Nebraska may serve as members of the Supervisory Committee, serving in an advisory capacity (without a vote on exam outcomes). Individual degree programs may have additional requirements regarding the composition of the Supervisory Committee. Designation of the Supervisor and members of the Supervisory Committee is subject to approval by the program Graduate Committee and the Dean for Graduate Studies. In order to assure that the student receives routine guidance, the Supervisory Committee must meet with the student at least once every 6 months. Program of Studies and Individual Development Plan (IDP) Within 9 months after matriculation (12 months for part-time students), the student and Supervisor (or temporary supervisor) must prepare and submit to the Graduate Studies Office a draft Program of Studies that includes designation of all required courses, options for electives (which may be TBD), and the general area of research for the dissertation. Upon appointment of the Supervisory Committee, the student should confer with that group and his/her Supervisor regarding the draft Program of Studies. After incorporating any necessary revisions to the document, the Committee-approved Program of Studies must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office within 13 months after matriculation (19 months for part-time students). The Program of Studies is considered to be a living document; however, any changes in the program or in the dissertation topic must be approved by the Supervisory Committee and the action reported to the Graduate Studies Office. 18

20 As a supplement to the academic and career guidance provided by his/her Supervisor and Supervisory Committee, each student must complete an IDP within 1 year after matriculation. The student should consult with the Graduate Program Director to identify the specific IDP that must be utilized. Documentation that the student has completed an IDP must be submitted to the Graduate Program Director. Comprehensive Examination and Admission to Candidacy When a student has substantially completed his/her didactic studies (i.e., no more than 1 graded course remaining to be completed), he/she must pass a Comprehensive Exam that may consist of several parts. At the discretion of the Supervisory Committee or as a program requirement, the Comprehensive Exam format may be oral, written, or both. The Comprehensive Exam is not a repetition of course examinations but is an investigation of the student s breadth of understanding of the field of knowledge of which his/her special subject is a part. The Supervisory Committee or program Graduate Committee arranges for the Comprehensive Exam. At least 2 weeks prior to the exam, the student must create the Examining Committee (which may be the Supervisory Committee) and request to schedule the Comprehensive Exam. This is accomplished in Seguidor. The exam can be administered only upon approval by the program Graduate Committee and Dean for Graduate Studies. The report of the outcome of the exam must be filed (via Seguidor) within 7 days following the examination. If more than one graduate faculty member of the Examining Committee recommends failure, the student shall be considered to have failed the examination. In the event of failure, the Supervisory Committee shall recommend to the Dean for Graduate Studies whether the student should be given the option of retaking the examination and, if so, the Committee shall identify general areas of weakness that require special attention and any remedial actions which the student should complete prior to re-examination. This information must also be transmitted in written form to the student. No student shall be permitted to take either the written or oral portion of the comprehensive examination more than twice, and the student must wait a minimum of 3 months before retaking the examination. When the student has passed the Comprehensive Exam and satisfied the coursework and other requirements of his/her approved program, including those established by the Supervisory Committee, he/she will be admitted to Candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. The effective date of Candidacy shall be the date on which the student passed the Comprehensive Exam. The duration of Candidacy shall be 3 years, during which the Final Oral Exam must be completed. With permission from the Dean of Graduate Studies, the term of Candidacy may be extended beyond 3 years; without such permission, the Candidate must pass another Comprehensive Exam in order to extend the term of Candidacy. Following admission to Candidacy, all students must be continuously registered in the Graduate College (a minimum of 1 cr. each fall and spring semester) until receipt of the Ph.D. degree. Candidates who hold graduate assistantships or graduate research assistantships must also be registered during the summer terms (a minimum of 1 cr. in both the 8-week session and the 2 nd 5-week session) until receipt of the degree. Failure to maintain continuous registration will result in the termination of Candidacy. Dissertation and Final Oral Exam (Dissertation Defense) The dissertation is not of fixed length; rather, the dissertation should treat in depth a subject from the candidate s field as approved by the Supervisory Committee. It should show the student s technical mastery of the field and should advance or modify former knowledge; i.e., it should treat new material, or find new results, or draw new conclusions, or it should interpret old material with new insights. Requirements regarding the content and format of the dissertation are provided in the document Dissertation & Graduation Instructions for Ph.D. Candidates. The dissertation and abstract are to be presented to the members of the Supervisory Committee at least 4 weeks before the Final Oral Exam (dissertation defense). It is the student's responsibility to ensure that, at that time, the dissertation has been properly formatted and has been thoroughly checked for errors in terminology, grammar and spelling. During the ensuing period of at least 2 weeks, the members of the Supervisory Committee will have the opportunity to review the dissertation to determine whether it is in a fit condition, based on formatting, writing quality and preliminary scientific criteria, for the dissertation defense. Upon receiving such approval (or if no serious objections are raised), the student must login to Seguidor to request official scheduling of the Final Oral Exam to occur at least 2 weeks after submission of the request. The student s Supervisory Committee should serve as the Examining Committee, although additional examiners may be included. The exam can be administered only upon approval by the student s Supervisor, Graduate Program Director and Dean for Graduate Studies. The Final Oral Exam cannot be held until at least 7 months, and no more than 3 years, after admission to Candidacy. 19

21 This final examination is oral and public. It is administered by the Supervisory Committee after all other requirements have been met. The Supervisory Committee also determines the character and length of the defense, while maintaining compliance with the guidelines and usual practices followed by the major program. The examination may be devoted to the special field of the dissertation or to related matters, or it may be designed to test the candidate s judgment and critical powers. The Chair of the Supervisory Committee and at least 2 other Graduate Faculty members of the Supervisory Committee must be available for the examination. Exceptions may be made only by permission of the Dean for Graduate Studies. The report of the outcome of the exam must be filed (via Seguidor) within 7 days following the examination. If more than one Graduate Faculty member of the Supervisory Committee recommends failure, the student shall be considered to have failed the examination. In the event of failure, the Supervisory Committee shall recommend to the Dean for Graduate Studies whether the student should be given the option of retaking the examination and, if so, the Committee shall identify general areas of weakness that require special attention, and any specific remedial actions that the student should complete prior to re-examination. This information must also be transmitted in writing to the student. No student shall be permitted to take the final oral examination more than twice and the student must wait a minimum of 3 months before retaking the examination. When the Final Oral Exam has been completed successfully, the final version of the dissertation must be submitted electronically to the DigitalCommons@UNMC. Requirements for Completion of the Ph.D. Degree in a Given Semester Students who expect to complete degree requirements within a given semester must file an application for the diploma and pay the non-refundable $50 fee by the date specified in the current academic calendar (generally, October 1 for December graduation, February 1 for May graduation, and June 1 for August graduation). To meet requirements for completion of the degree in a given semester, the dissertation must have been successfully uploaded to the DigitalCommons@UNMC and the following graduation documentation must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office no later than 1 week prior to Commencement: Report on Doctoral Degree form, Certificates of Completion for 3 surveys (the UNMC Convocation & Accomplishments Survey, the UNMC Graduate Program Effectiveness & Student Satisfaction Survey, and the NSF Survey of Earned Doctorates), and proof of submission of at least a portion of the dissertation research to a peer-reviewed journal (see Research Requirements, above). The timeline and procedures necessary to ensure student progress toward the Ph.D. degree can be found at 20

22 Registration General Information Registration is accomplished before each academic term. Information and instructions regarding registration are circulated prior to the date of registration. Students must be formally admitted to the Graduate College to register in graduate courses. Tuition and Fees A partial listing of tuition and fees is provided below. An estimated cost of attendance can be found at the Financial Aid website. Tuition and fees charges are subject to future change without notice. Prospective and current students should inquire at the Student Financial Services Office to obtain the latest information on tuition and fees. Tuition is based on the number of hours enrolled. Tuition may be paid in full the first day of classes and must be paid not later than due date appearing on the statement mailed to student. During the academic year, the tuition rates for graduate courses are as follows: Tuition for Graduate Nursing Courses Nebraska resident: $ per semester hour Nonresident: $ per semester hour Tuition for All Other Graduate Courses Nebraska resident: $ per semester hour Nonresident: $ per semester hour Tuition Remission for Graduate Assistants The University remits tuition for up to 12 hours credit per semester for students holding Graduate Assistantships with at least one-third time appointments. Students holding such appointments should check with the Graduate Studies Office at the time of registration to determine if they qualify for tuition remission. Tuition Refund Policy Students who withdraw may receive a refund of a portion of their tuition for the term in which they are registered. (See the UNMC Student Handbook.) Miscellaneous Fees and Charges Graduate College application fee $45.00 UPFF-University Program and Facility Fee Fund A (semester) $5.00 UPFF Fund B-Student Health Facility Fall/Spring $99.75, Summer $73.00 UPFF Fund B-Center for Healthy Living (gym) (semester) $62.50 Student health insurance (basic plan/semester) $ Some courses require payment of a laboratory or course-related fee. Such fees will be indicated on the Summary of Courses portion of the billing statement. Special Service Fees Transcript of grades $10.00 Graduation fee (non-refundable) $50.00 Thesis/dissertation binding, per copy (pay at library) $20.00 Returned check charge $35.00 Add/drop course $10.00 Replacement of student identification card $10.00 Library fee $4.00/credit hour Distance Education Fee $25.00/credit hour Distributive Learning Fee (graduate nursing) $30.00/credit hour 21

23 Late registration $10.00 Late payment of tuition and/or fees $ Disenrollment fee $ Deposits (refundable) Key, inside door $10.00 Key, outside door $15.00 Application for the Diploma Each student who expects to receive a diploma must file an application for the diploma in the Office of Academic Records and pay a non-transferrable, non-refundable graduation fee. Announcements concerning deadlines for applications are posted throughout the campus and published in the internal communications of the Medical Center and on MyRecords. Convocation and Commencement Unless explicitly excused by the Dean for Graduate Studies, graduate students earning degrees in May and December are required to attend the Graduate Studies Convocation Ceremony and UNMC Commencement. Those students graduating in August have the privilege of participating in these events in December. Audit A course may be audited with the permission of the instructor and the Dean for Graduate Studies provided that the student is academically qualified, there is adequate space and facilities, and the student is interested in the course but does not wish to earn academic credit. The student s Advisor/Supervisor is normally consulted in this process. Application forms for auditing courses may be secured from the Office of Academic Records. The cost for auditing a course is one-half the current resident tuition. Arrangements must be made to audit of a course before the final date for adding a course. Drops, Adds and Withdrawals During the first 7 calendar days of the semester: Students may drop a course (see below for circumstances where students withdraw from the University) with a full refund of tuition. The Drop Course Fee will not apply. The course will not appear on the student s transcript. Students may add courses only during the first 7 calendar days of the term. The Add Course Fee will apply. Students admitted to a degree program after the term begins must register for class with 7 calendar days after admission. In this situation, the Add Course Fee will not apply. After the first week of the semester, but before 70% of the course has been completed: Students may not add new courses or adjust the number of credits for a variable credit course in which they are already enrolled. Students may drop a course, or switch from a graded course to an audit of the same course, only if he/she is able to demonstrate that conditions unforeseen at the time of registration (e.g., illness) will not permit continuance in the course. These unforeseen conditions will in no case be considered to include unsatisfactory scholarship. Approval from the student s Advisor/Supervisor, the course instructor, and the Dean for Graduate Studies is required. A refund will be processed as specified in the Tuition Refund Schedule (found in the UNMC Student Handbook). The student will be assessed a Drop Course Fee. A grade of W will appear on the student s transcript. After 70% of a course has been completed: Under no circumstance may a student drop a course after 70% of the course has been completed. A grade other than W must be assigned. Students withdrawing from the University are required to initiate their withdrawals in the Office of Academic Records. Grades are assigned by the instructor on the date of withdrawal. A grade of WP is given if the student is considered to be doing passable work; a grade of WF is given if the student is considered to be doing failing work at the time. The withdrawal form must be completed with appropriate signatures to insure appropriate entries for the permanent record. Employment and Registration 22

24 Graduate students holding major fellowships, assistantships or traineeships are expected to be enrolled in a full program of studies and are not to engage in other remunerative employment without permission of the Dean for Graduate Studies. Graduate students who are not employed, or graduate research assistants who are performing duties that are 100 percent thesis/dissertation related, may register for a maximum of 15 credit hours during a semester, 6 credit hours during one five-week summer session, 9 credit hours during one eight-week summer session, or 3 credit hours during a pre-session. Graduate students who are employed are not to exceed registration limitations established by the Graduate Council. These limitations reflect the fact that graduate-level course work serves mainly as a guide for independent, scholarly study. Graduate students are expected to master the course subjects and to devote substantial time in independent library and laboratory investigation beyond minimum credit hour requirements. Graduate students who are employed, hold a teaching assistantship, or hold a research assistantship that is not thesis/dissertation related must not exceed the following registration limitations: Full-time Status Maximum Registration (credit hours) Hours Employed Per Week Fall or Spring Semester 8-Week Summer Session 5-Week Summer Session Full Time Any exception to these registration limits requires permission from the Dean for Graduate Studies upon recommendation of the committee in charge of the student s program. Graduate students requiring certification as full-time students must be enrolled for at least 9 credit hours during a semester, at least 4 credit hours during an eight-week session, or at least 3 credit hours during a five-week session, whether or not the student holds a graduate assistantship. With approval of the Dean for Graduate Studies, students in the final semester of a Master s degree program or candidates for doctoral degrees registered for fewer than the minimum hours required for a full program may be granted full-time status provided they are not employed more than 20 hours per week (half-time). Intercampus Registration Graduate students in good standing who wish to register for courses on a University of Nebraska campus other than their home campus must complete an intercampus registration form available online at the UNMC Graduate Studies website. After the form is processed, you will be contacted by the host campus for further registration instructions. Nebraska Resident Status Each term, students are asked to certify their residency as part of the registration procedure. Students who reside in a state other than Nebraska or who have recently moved to Nebraska must apply for resident status. The Office of Academic Records has full information on the requirements for residency and the forms for applying for resident status. Interstate Reciprocity Agreement for Graduate Education Under an agreement between the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska and the Board of Curators of the University of Missouri, graduate students meeting the regular in-state requirements of the University of Missouri shall be regarded as in-state students at the University of Nebraska with respect to Admission Requirements, tuition and fees, scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships and other benefits normally available to Nebraska residents. Residency needs to be verified through the University of Missouri with a letter being sent to Academic Records. Students Holding a Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantship Any student on appointment as a Graduate Teaching or Research Assistant is eligible to pay tuition and fees at resident rates if the stipend received is equal to or greater than the non-resident tuition and fees for 9 credit hours during an academic year semester (3 credit hours during a five-week summer session, 4 credit hours during an eight-week summer session). 23

25 Services for Veterans All men and women planning to attend UNMC under Chapters 31, 34, and 35, and 1606, the educational assistance and vocational rehabilitation laws administered by the Veterans Administration, should inquire at the Office of Financial Aid before they register to make sure all necessary steps have been taken. Financial Assistance Loans Students who need to borrow funds for college expenses should inquire at the Financial Aid Office, or Assistantships A number of research assistantships are available from various departments within UNMC. All inquiries regarding assistantships should be directed to the department. Graduate assistants must be registered for full-time study during the period of their appointments unless specifically excused by the Dean for Graduate Studies. See Tuition and Fees for additional information relevant to students holding graduate assistantships. Fellowships and Traineeships A number of restricted and unrestricted fellowships and traineeships are available to students at UNMC. To be eligible an applicant must be admitted to a graduate department or area with a degree objective. Students interested in applying for these fellowships should contact the Graduate Studies Office for information. Fellowship recipients are expected to devote full time to graduate study during the period of their appointment and may not engage in remunerative employment without the permission of the Dean for Graduate Studies. Student Rights and Responsibilities The Bylaws of the Board of Regents at the University of Nebraska protect the rights of each member of the University community. Each individual has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and each has the right to learn. With these rights comes the responsibility of each individual to maintain an atmosphere in which others may exercise their human rights and their right to learn. Chapter V of the Bylaws fully delineates the rights and responsibilities of students. Access to Student Records In accordance with federal law as established in 1974 by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the University of Nebraska Medical Center maintains the confidentiality of student records and allows students to inspect and review information in their educational records at the Medical Center. The UNMC policy statement concerning student records may be found in the current UNMC Student Handbook or in the Office of Academic Records. General Procedures for Student Discipline Actions In accordance with Section 5.4 of the Bylaws of the Board of Regents and in order to insure the protection of students rights, the University of Nebraska Medical Center has established general procedures that must be followed if any disciplinary action is proposed against students. Students will be informed in writing by the Dean for Graduate Studies of the specific charges, the supporting evidence, and the proposed disciplinary action. The Dean for Graduate Studies will also inform students of their right to appeal. The UNMC "Procedural Rules Relating to Student Discipline" may be found in the UNMC Student Handbook. Academic Integrity and Professional Conduct The University of Nebraska Medical Center has established a policy on academic integrity and professional conduct. This policy may be found in the UNMC Student Handbook. All graduate students are expected to adhere scrupulously to this policy. Cheating, academic misconduct, fabrication, and plagiarism are viewed as serious matters and will lead to disciplinary action as described in the Student Handbook under Procedural Rules Relating to Student Discipline. Additional materials related to Responsible Conduct in Research can be found in the Student Handbook. 24

26 Guidelines for Graduate Assistant Work and Study Applies to Graduate Assistants/Graduate Research Assistants (revised 10/2012) Ph.D. students serving as Graduate Research Assistants and Graduate Teaching Assistants are all engaged in academic programs where their primary role is that of a full-time graduate student. All Ph.D. students in these positions are required to maintain full-time status (9 credit hours in Fall and Spring semesters; 7 credit hours in Summer session). In addition, students are not to hold other regular employment without the permission of their Supervisor, Supervisory Committee and Graduate Dean. Serving as a tutor for other students or other light-load special teaching experiences are typical exceptions to this no other work policy. Appointments are traditionally assigned an FTE of 0.49 with a stipend at, or above, the current NIH recommended level for Pre-Doctoral study. Some programs or mentors may supplement this level of stipend. These appointments are considered as exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This is due to the understanding that the positions are held by students and their education and training are their primary responsibilities. The exempt status has several implications, including no expectation of timecards and no overtime pay. In addition, students on Graduate Assistantships do not receive traditional benefits (retirement contribution, health insurance, vacation accrual, etc.). Nonetheless, in keeping with their emerging professional role, the University has established some expectations and benefits that apply to both the student and the program. 1) Graduate students are expected to devote an appropriate level of professional effort to work and study. The total time spent on the research project(s) at UNMC and in their enrolled curriculum will comprise full-time effort. [Note: The work of a professional in the sciences has noticeable variability in intensity. In all successful cases, the work necessary to get the job done describes how much time and effort is dedicated to a given project at a given time. Late nights, weekend projects and even occasional holiday work may be required, but are usually balanced by periods of less intense effort.] 2) Graduate students supported by a traditional 0.49 FTE stipend should average at least 20 hours of effort per week on the research project. 3) Graduate students will not be expected to work on traditional university holidays unless required by the unique schedule of an experiment design. (UNMC holidays: New Year s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day) 4) Graduate students may expect, on average, to be allowed at least 14 days (regular workdays, M-F) of personal vacation in a given year. Students desiring longer break periods should expect to use the allowance accumulated over more than one year, as well as receive appropriate approval from their Advisor/Supervisor and program Graduate Committee. 5) Graduate students requesting maternity/paternity leave (including for adoption) are required to get appropriate approval from the Dean for Graduate Studies or their designee. Maternity/Paternity leave and other forms of personal leave may require the suspension of the stipend and must be discussed with the mentor before meeting with the Graduate Dean's Office. (A reasonable expectation for maternity leave, supported by the Graduate Council, would be to arrange 8 weeks of leave as is common at most universities and suggested at UNL. Continued stipend support is generally provided during this period with the expectation that the student will devote a portion of her time toward reading, writing, data analysis or other activities that can be accomplished without being present on campus.) 6) All students, faculty and staff are expected to adhere to the UNMC Code of Conduct as detailed in UNMC Policy The Code reflects the professional ethical conduct that should be shown in all relationships and fosters development and maintenance of a supportive climate emphasizing respect and dignity. It also points to the special role that teachers, mentors and supervisors play in demonstrating or modeling professional ethical behavior. Finally, it makes very clear that laws and regulations often complement or even comprise elements of the Code. 7) If any member of the UNMC community has concerns about adherence to the Code of Conduct, they may contact the Human Resources Department, the Chief Student Affairs Officer, the Compliance Officer, the UNMC Ombudsman s office, or the UNMC Compliance Hot Line at Reports to the Compliance Hotline may be made anonymously. 25

27 Academic and Grade Appeals Approved by UNMC Graduate Council: 2/22/79; amended 5/20/82 and 2/25/99 I. Introduction Under the provisions of the Bylaws of the Board of Regents, students may appeal grades or other evaluations of their academic progress which they believe to have been prejudiced or capricious. In those cases in which informal attempts fail to resolve the problem, appeals or complaints should henceforth be made in writing to the appropriate individual or group as described below. All participants should act as expeditiously as possible to resolve the matter. In cases of appeals concerning matters other than grades the campus Graduate Council will serve as the Appeals Committee. For purposes of considering appeal of grades and other course evaluations (see Section IV), the campus Graduate Council will reconstitute itself as a Graduate Faculty-Student Appeals Committee. It will be augmented by an additional student to be recommended by the Graduate Student Association. In the absence of a functioning Graduate Student Association, the additional student representative would be selected by the Dean for Graduate Studies. In these deliberations, both students will be voting members of the Graduate Faculty-Student Appeals Committee. The Dean for Graduate Studies will not be present during deliberations of the Graduate Faculty-Student Appeals Committee; a member other than the Dean will act as chair. Any members of the Appeals Committee who has a conflict of interest in the case (e.g., same department or program as one of the parties, on the Advisory/Supervisory Committee, etc.) should be replaced through ad hoc appointment(s) made by the Dean for Graduate Studies. II. Intercampus Students When a student s graduate program consists of registrations essentially or entirely on one campus, the Appeals Committee of the campus administratively responsible for the program will constitute the appeal board. When a student s graduate program includes substantial registrations on a campus other than the one administratively responsible for the program, three members of the Appeals Committee for the other campus will be designated by the Dean for Graduate Studies on that campus to augment the Appeals Committee on the campus administratively responsible for the program. In this case, the augmented Appeals Committee will constitute the appeal board. The decision concerning augmentation of a campus Appeals Committee for a specific appeal involving registrations on a campus other than the one administratively responsible for the student s program will be made by the Deans for Graduate Studies on the campuses involved. III. Appeal of Matters other than Grades A. Graduate students holding admission with unclassified status in the Graduate College, admission with a master s objective, or admission with a doctoral objective (but prior to the appointment of a doctoral Supervisory Committee) should use the following procedure for appeals concerning general academic matters, other than grades or other course evaluations (e.g., constitution of programs, suspension or dismissal). 1. Initially, after official notification is received by the student, the appeal or complaint should be discussed with the student s Advisor/Supervisor in an attempt to resolve the conflict informally. 2. If the matter is not resolved satisfactorily, the appeal or concern may be submitted in writing to the (Program or Interdepartmental Area) Graduate Committee administratively responsible for the student s program. This written appeal must be presented within thirty days after official notification of an action is received by the student. 3. If the appeal to the Graduate Committee is denied, within thirty days of receipt of the denial notice a written appeal may be made to the Graduate Council for the campus administratively responsible for the student s program. At this point the student may be accompanied and advised by legal counsel. During these proceedings, legal counsel may not cross-examine or otherwise formally participate. The Graduate Council may also wish to have legal counsel present. Normally, the Graduate Council will be the-final appeals body (for exceptions, see paragraph III C). B. Graduate students holding admission with a doctoral objective in the Graduate College and for whom a doctoral Supervisory Committee has been appointed should use the following procedure for appeals concerning general academic matters or evaluations: 26

28 1. Initially, after notification is received by the student, the appeal or complaint should be discussed with the student s Supervisor in an attempt to resolve the conflict informally. 2. If resolution is not achieved, the appeal may be submitted to the student s Supervisory committee within thirty days after the meeting which resulted in no resolution of the complaint. 3. If resolution is not achieved, the appeal may be submitted in writing to the (Program or Interdepartmental Area) Graduate Committee administratively responsible for the student s graduate program within thirty days of receipt of the denial notice by the student. 4. If denied, a written appeal may be made within thirty days of receipt of the denial notice to the Graduate Council for the campus administratively responsible for the student s graduate program. At this point the student may be accompanied and advised by legal counsel. During these proceedings, legal counsel may not cross-examine or otherwise formally participate. The campus Graduate Council may also wish to have legal counsel present. Normally, this will be the final appeals body (for exceptions, see paragraph III. C.). C. Role of the Executive Graduate Council 1. In most cases, the decision of the campus Graduate Council will be final. Only under special circumstances will the Executive Graduate Council hear an appeal from the decision of the campus Graduate Council. These circumstances are limited to occasions where the Executive Graduate Council believes that: a. The campus Graduate Council has violated some element of due process or fair procedure (example: the concerned parties were not allowed to present their cases fully to the Graduate Council). b. The campus Graduate Council has failed to examine or give adequate weight to important evidence relevant to one party s position; c. The campus Graduate Council has given undue weight to evidence not pertinent to the case; d. Some gross miscarriage of justice would be perpetrated if the decision of the campus Graduate Council were allowed to stand. It is up to the discretion of the Executive Graduate Council to decide if any of these conditions exist. 2. Appeals to the Executive Graduate Council must be made in writing and must specifically outline the grounds for the appeal. Such appeal must be made within 20 working days of the day the decision of the campus Graduate Council is received. (Working days will not include those days the University is not in session.) 3. The Executive Graduate Council must make a decision to hear the appeal or not to hear the appeal within 30 working days after receipt of the appeal. Acceptance or denial of jurisdiction over the appeal will be made in writing. 4. The decision of the Executive Graduate Council on the merits of the case will be made and transmitted to the concerned parties within 40 working days after the decision to hear the appeal. 5. No person who was a member of the department or campus Graduate Council involved in the case will be eligible to participate in the decisions of the Executive Graduate Council either to decide whether the case should be heard or to decide the merits of the case. IV. Grade Appeals Students who believe that evaluation of their academic progress in a course has been prejudiced or capricious, may appeal that grade or evaluation as follows: A. Initially, an attempt should be made to resolve the matter through discussion with the instructor of the course for which the grade was received. B. If the matter is not resolved satisfactorily, the appeal may be submitted in writing to the chair of the department in which the course was taken. C. If the matter is not resolved satisfactorily, the appeal may be submitted in writing to the Graduate Faculty-Student Appeals Committee within two weeks following reporting or posting of the grade. This committee may change a student s evaluation if there is sufficient evidence that the evaluation of a student by a faculty member has been improper. When a student takes a course in a department that is administratively based on another campus, the student must follow the grade appeals procedure for that campus. In cases involving dual-listed courses, appeals should be made through procedures of the academic unit that granted admission to the course. D. The Graduate Faculty-Student Appeals Committee will be the final authority in resolution of grade appeals, except that either the student or the faculty member issuing the grade may within ten days submit an appeal in writing to the Dean for Graduate Studies setting forth his or her reasons for believing he or she was not accorded a fair hearing. The Dean will review the record and facts of the case and may return the matter to the Committee for reconsideration. The decision of the Dean as to whether the case should be reopened will be final. 27

29 Graduate Student Grievance Resolution Procedure A simple and expeditious process for resolution of graduate student grievances against faculty for violations of the UNMC Code of Conduct or other relevant policies, and grievances related to conditions that adversely impact the student s ability to successfully complete the graduate program. Examples of the types of grievances covered by this procedure include, but are not limited to: inappropriate conduct in the workplace (e.g. verbal abuse, threatening behavior, or favoritism); policy interpretation of time-off and excessive work hours; inappropriate delay of student progression toward degree attainment due to student s career interests and choices, reductions in funding or awards, and laboratory personnel changes (e.g. departure of supervising faculty). This procedure deals exclusively with graduate student grievances against UNMC faculty. The detailed procedure can be found at the link provided below: Health Services for Students Student Services Students registered for five or more hours per semester are required to participate in the outpatient student health services as provided by the Department of Family Medicine; participation by students registered for less than five hours per semester is optional. Hospitalization and major medical costs are not covered for students by outpatient Student Health. These charges will be filed with your insurance carrier (for UNMC insurance, claim forms can be obtained from the Student Insurance office by calling ). All graduate students registered for five or more hours per semester are required to have health and accident insurance through a student insurance program contracted by UNMC unless evidence of comparable coverage is provided. All UNMC students are required to be skin tested annually for tuberculosis and those who may have direct contact with patients or with material that may be contaminated with Hepatitis B virus must be immunized against Hepatitis B before there is any opportunity for such exposure. Specific details regarding Student Health Services, the student insurance program, and student immunization policies can be found in the UNMC Student Handbook. Student health information can also be found at Counseling & Student Development Center The UNMC Counseling and Student Development Center offers a wide range of professional counseling services, including general problem-solving, individual psychotherapy, stress management training, couples counseling, career exploration, communication consulting, and academic performance enhancement. These services are provided free of charge to all UNMC graduate students and their significant others. Counseling Center staff members have master's degrees in counseling or clinical social work, and the director is a licensed psychologist. Counseling services are provided in a private, confidential environment. With the exception of life-threatening situations (clear danger to self or others); no information is released without the written consent of the client. Counseling files cannot be accessed through any UNMC or hospital computerized records systems. And since services are free, there is no need to file insurance claims. In addition to personal counseling and consultation services, the center coordinates several student development programs designed to enhance the overall quality of campus life at UNMC. These programs include: Student government advising and administrative support. The academic success program (study skills, learning style assessments, test-taking). Student clubs and organizations. The student insurance plan (policy revisions, claim filing). Substance abuse education. Services for disabled students. A variety of new student orientation activities. Graduate students from all UNMC programs are invited to visit the Counseling Office located in Bennett Hall, Room To schedule a counseling appointment or to ask questions, please call

30 Student Ombudsperson UNMC has established an Ombudsperson system for all students, faculty and staff. The intent of the Ombudsperson Office is to help students and others resolve problems and to promote fair and equitable treatment for all members of the UNMC community. Dr. David Carver has been designated as the primary Ombudsperson for the students at UNMC, but other individuals may also be utilized. Contact the Ombudsperson Office for more information on this service ( ). Educational Resources Research laboratories containing modern equipment within the various colleges and institutes are available to students pursuing advanced research training. Modern computer facilities are available for graduate student research and education through the UNMC Computing Services. The Leon S. McGoogan Library of Medicine is one of the country s major health science libraries. The library s collection numbers approximately 249,000 volumes including 67,700 monographs and textbooks, 479 electronic books, 6,700 electronic journals, and an outstanding collection of rare and historical books. The library s catalog of books, journal holdings, and electronic resources such as MEDLINE and other health-related databases can be searched 24-hrs a day both on and off campus from the Library's webpage ( however, licensor restrictions limit availability to some electronic journals to on-campus only. Multimedia materials for computer-assisted instruction are collected and made available in the Sievers Facility for Interactive Instruction and adjacent Learning Resource Center. Reference and Education Services provide assistance and instruction with information needs, self-searching of numerous health related databases and understanding the concepts and scope of medical information management. Document delivery and interlibrary borrowing are also available, as are special services such as dissertation binding and medical and consumer health information services for the state of Nebraska. Accommodation of Students with Disabilities Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the coordinator of each course for a confidential discussion of their individual needs for academic accommodation. It is the policy of the University to provide flexible and individualized accommodation to students with documented disabilities; however, faculty are not required to provide accommodation without prior approval. To be eligible to receive reasonable accommodation, students must be registered with the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office. Once the request has been approved, an individualized accommodation plan will be formulated and an official Letter of Disability Accommodation will be issued to the student. To register, contact Pat Oberlander at or [email protected]. Graduate Student Association Student Organizations The Graduate Student Association of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (GSA-UNMC) is open to all students in an approved graduate program. The GSA-UNMC serves as a voice for the graduate students at the Medical Center, investigating and proposing solutions to problems unique to graduate students. The GSA-UNMC annually elects a representative to the Medical Center Graduate Council. Medical Center Student Senate The Medical Center Student Senate is the campus-wide student government body for the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The purpose of the Student Senate is to provide student input and leadership on issues related to campus life and student development. The Student Senate also sponsors philanthropic events and social activities. Senate members serve on a variety of UNMC committees and meet regularly with the Chancellor and other senior administrators. The President of the Student Senate also serves as a non-voting member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Student Senate business meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month from September through May and are open to all students. Elections for the Graduate Studies senate seats and Student Senate officers (President and Vice President) are held each November. 29

31 The Student Senate administrative office is located in Bennett Hall. Students with questions about the Medical Center Student Senate are encouraged to contact the senate advisor David Carver, Ph.D. at the Counseling & Student Development Center, Bennett Hall ( phone: ). Establishing a New Student Organization UNMC students who wish to establish a student organization and use campus facilities must receive formal recognition and approval. Application forms and guidelines can be obtained from the Counseling and Student Development Office, Bennett Hall, Room 6001 (phone ). 30

32 Programs & Courses Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Paul Sorgen (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. Kaustubh Datta; Dr. Keith Johnson; Dr. Duygu Dee Harrison-Findik; Dr. Anna Dunaevsky; Dr. Kate Hyde and Dr. Amar Singh Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Detailed descriptions of the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology graduate program and advanced degree requirements are contained in the document, "A Guideline for Graduate Programs Leading to the Ph.D. and M.S. Degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology." See the department's website: Admission Students seeking admission must have a baccalaureate degree and should submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and, if applicable, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores as part of their application. Applicants must also have a comprehensive background in chemistry, including courses in general and organic chemistry. Courses in general physics, mathematics (including calculus), and general biology are also required. Master of Science degree Students studying for the M.S. degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology must complete BRTP 821, 822, 823, and 824. The number of other graduate-level courses required will vary with each student. Individual programs of study will be designed for each student by their Advisory Committee with the approval of the Biochemistry & Molecular BIology Graduate Committee. Students must achieve a grade of "B " or better in each graduate-level course and maintain an overall 3.0 graduate GPA. Doctor of Philosophy degree The Supervisory Committee will determine the curriculum to be followed by the student. The following are required of all students: Satisfactory completion of BRTP 821, 822, 823, 824, and BIOC 935 with a minimum grade of "B " in each course. Registration for 1 credit of BIOC 970 (Seminar) and presentation in the departmental journal club is required each semester. In addition, students with a Ph.D. objective will be required to present a formal research seminar in the regular departmental seminar during the first semester after they become a Ph.D. candidate. All Ph.D. candidates must deliver a seminar-length presentation of their work in a publicly-announced forum sometime between their formal seminar and their dissertation defense, as well as for their defense of dissertation; journal club presentations are not required at these times. Attendance at the departmental seminar and journal club is required as a component of BIOC 970. Combined degrees Students enrolled in the College of Medicine may pursue a combined M.D. degree and an M.S. or Ph.D. degree. The student must meet all the Admission Requirements of the department and the Graduate College and be recommended by the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Graduate Committee. Admission into this combined degree program requires approval by the Dean for Graduate Studies and the Dean of the College of Medicine. The Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Graduate Committee will work actively with the student to develop a schedule that will make most effective use of his/her time while studying for the combined degrees. The student should plan to spend a considerable block of time working exclusively on thesis/dissertation research in order to complete the graduate program. Course Offerings in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BIOC) BIOC 880 PRINCIPLES AND METHODOLOGIES OF CANCER RESEARCH, 3 cr. Fall, annually. (Cross-listed as CRGP 880, PAMM 880, PHSC 880, PHAR 880) A survey of the biology and biochemical mechanisms underlying cancer development, prevention and therapy. Prereq: BRTP 821,822, 823 and 824 or equivalent, permission of instructor. BIOC 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS, 1-8 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. BIOC 899 MASTER S THESIS BIOC 921 BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY, 3 cr. Spring, even years. (Cross-listed as PHSC 921) The biophysical chemistry of nucleic acids and proteins, including the study of these molecules using NMR, calorimetry and fluorescence. Prereq: Permission of instructor. 31

33 BIOC 935 ADVANCED BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, 4 cr. Fall, annually. The objective of BIOC 935 is to teach Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology topics to second-year graduate students in order to help prepare them for their Comprehensive Exam. Secondary goals of this course are to critically review manuscripts and deign experiments. This 4 credit course will provide in-depth material in the areas of metabolism, protein function, and nucleic acid function that are not provided in BRTP courses 821, 822, 823, and 824. BIOC 935 is required for all second-year BMB students. Prereq: BRTP 821, 822, 823, and 824 or permission of instructor. BIOC 940 SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-3 cr. Presented at intervals depending upon the interest of the faculty or the request of students. A description of each course with its prerequisites is announced at the time the course is given. BIOC 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. Prereq: Permission of instructor. BIOC 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION Biomedical Informatics Graduate Program Joint UNO/UNMC Curriculum Committee Dr. Ann Fruhling (UNO); Dr. James McClay (UNMC); Dr. Babu Guda (UNMC); Ashish Joshi (UNMC); Jane Meza (UNMC); Dhundy Bastola (UNO); Scott Campbell (UNMC) Graduate Committee (UNMC) Dr. James McClay (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. Babu Guda (co-chair); Dr. Dele Davies; Dr. Howard Fox; Dr. Ann Fruhling; Dr. Ashish Joshi; Dr. Jane Meza; Dr. Joe Sisson; Dr. Shelley Smith; Dr. Cheryl Thompson; Dr. James Turpen, Terri Vadovski (GSO) The Biomedical Informatics graduate program is jointly administered by UNMC and UNO. This is a multidisciplinary, interprofessional program that integrates the theory and practice of information technology management, computer science, telecommunications, decision support systems, applied computing with medical science, biological sciences, bio-imaging, and public health. A Joint Bioinformatics Graduate Program Coordination Committee is responsible for coordinating the overall effort across campuses, so as to maintain unity of the proposed program in terms of planning, policymaking, and periodic program evaluation. Campus-based Biomedical Informatics Graduate Program Committees (at UNMC and UNO) are responsible for admitting students, matching them with potential supervisors, conducting all examinations, and monitoring student progress. Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Admission Applicants must choose to apply to either UNMC or UNO, as appropriate for on their area of interest and faculty expertise. Applicants must follow the formal procedures established for admission to the graduate program at the appropriate campus. Applicants are expected to have: A successfully completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Preference is given to students with a master s degree or doctoral degree from a related field. Demonstrated superior performance in mathematics, including calculus, discrete mathematics and statistics, and a sequence of courses in the theory and practice of one or more information technology areas. Documented test aptitude, interest and commitment to scholarly activities and research. Proficiency in English, sufficient to engage in advanced studies. Evaluation for admission is based on a portfolio approach that includes the following: Class standing during the applicant s baccalaureate and master s level studies. Grade point average in the undergraduate degree that is equivalent to 3.0 or higher. Verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Letters of recommendation from references who are able to provide an in-depth evaluation of the applicant s strengths and weaknesses with respect to academic work, and who are competent to judge the applicant s probable success in graduate school. A CV and narrative. Other evidence of graduate potential, such as a portfolio of quality papers or publications, projects, etc., completed by the applicant either in an academic or industrial setting. 32

34 A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based test) or 90 (internet-based test), or 7.0 on the IELTS exam is required of all applicants from countries where English is not the primary language. A personal interview, if warranted and feasible. Admission will be contingent on our ability to place the applicant with a mentor to ensure a successful experience. The applicant must also contribute in finding a qualified mentor. Master of Science degree The M.S. degree in Biomedical Informatics requires 36 credit hours of course work that include the following areas: 18 credits of core courses from research and quantitative methods, biomedical sciences, computer science and biomedical informatics; 6 credits in BMI shared electives: 6 credits in their major track (Health Informatics or Bioinformatics); and 6 credits towards the thesis. Doctor of Philosophy degree Academic requirements for the PhD in degree include: 1) Doctoral research seminars in one or more of the thematic areas of the program; 2) Advanced courses (subject to dissertation advisor and Biomedical Informatics Graduate Committee approvals) related to the student s expected field of study/research area; 3) Courses in an associated field of study; 4) Courses or colloquia relating to teaching, ethics and research; 5) Participation in relevant graduate research seminars each semester; 6) Successful passing of comprehensive examination; 7) Presentation and defense of a dissertation research proposal on a topic in the approved major field of study/research area; and 8) Submission of the final dissertation manuscript in appropriate format after a successful dissertation defense. A full PhD student program of study (90 cr.) without advanced placement would be as follows: Biomedical Science Core (6 cr; choose among HSRA 810, GCBA 823, HPRO 830 and PAMM 940) Research & Quantitative Methods Core (6 cr; choose among BIOS 806, HPRO 803, NRSG 841, HPRO 935, HPRO 803 and HPRO 807) Computing Core (UNO-CSCI 8010, plus 3 cr chosen among UNO-CSCI 8325, UNO-ISQA 8050 and UNO-CSCI 8080) Informatics Core (6 cr; chose among BMI 810, BMI 970, GCBA 815, UNO-ISQA 8570) Research Foundations/Seminars/Tools Courses (18 cr.) Major Field of Study Electives (18 cr; Health Informatics Track or Bioinformatics Track; see website) Cognate Area of Study Electives (9 cr.) Colloquia (3 cr; UNO courses: CIST 9040, CIST 9050 or CIST 9060) Doctoral Dissertation (18 cr.) Course Offerings in Biomedical Informatics (BMI)* BMI 810 INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL INFORMATICS, 3 cr. An introduction to the field of biomedical informatics. The historical development of the field and the current state of the art will be discussed. Issues related to bioinformatics, clinical informatics, and public health/population informatics will be discussed. Prereq: Admitted to BMI program or permission of the instructor. BMI 850 SPECIAL TOPICS IN CLINICAL INFORMATICS, 3 cr. An in-depth discussion of implementation science and clinical decision support sciences in health informatics. The focus is on the integrative knowledge of theory and applications in clinical informatics. Grading is based on reflections and course project. BMI 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS BMI 899 MASTER S THESIS BMI 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. Student and faculty presentations on current research and topics in health informatics. The focus is on creating a venue for student and faculty health informatics researchers to present, discuss and receive constructive criticism on their research. Prereq: Enrolled in the Biomedical Informatics graduate program, MSIA graduate program (Health informatics) or Bioinformatics, or by permission. BMI 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION *see also IMED 840 (Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area) 33

35 Biomedical Research Training Program The Biomedical Research Training program (BRTP) is an umbrella admission program for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. degree in the biomedical sciences. While not a degree-granting program, the BRTP offers a first-year curriculum (BRTP 821, 822, 823 & 824) that is required for most of the basic science graduate programs within the College of Medicine. Courses Offered by the Biomedical Research Training Program (BRTP) BRTP 801 BIOSCIENCE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, 2 cr. Fall, annually. To move from discovery to commercialized clinical applications, the entrepreneur must have a wide variety of skills to address a variety of economic, legal and scientific requirements. The purpose of this course is to define these essential skills and provide a background of the requirements that are necessary to commercialize new inventions. BRTP 821 MACROMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & FUNCTION, 4 cr. Fall, annually. Introduction to fundamental concepts in the biochemistry of macromolecules, including structure, characterization, purification, and functional analysis of proteins and nucleic acids. Prereq: Permission of instructor. BRTP 822 MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY, 3 cr. Fall, annually. Introduction to fundamental concepts of cell structure, cell division, the experimental study of cells, and the mechanisms of cellular transport/trafficking, communication, and adhesion. Prereq: Permission of Instruction. BRTP 823 GENETICS & GENE REGULATION, 2 cr. Spring, annually. Fundamental concepts for understanding genetic analysis, gene expression, and mechanisms by which genes are regulated. Prereq: Permission of instructor. BRTP 824 CELL SIGNALING, 3 cr. Spring, annually. Introduction to fundamental concepts of cell signaling and cell regulation. Concepts include receptor systems, signal transduction, regulation of membrane potential, and the relationships between cell signaling and cancer, neurobiology, and immunobiology. Prereq: BRTP 821 or Permission of instructor. BRTP 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS, 1-9 cr. BRTP 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. Biostatistics Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Gleb Haynatzki (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. James Anderson; Dr. Baojiang Chen; Dr. Jiangtao Luo; Dr. Kendra Schmid and Dr. Fang Yu Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Admission Students seeking admission must hold an M.S. or M.A. in Biostatistics/Statistics or equivalent degree (e.g. Biostatistics M.P.H. plus courses in mathematical statistics at the master s level, and matrix algebra and mathematical analysis at the bachelor s level [equivalent to UNL STAT 882 & 883, MATH 314, and MATH325]), and should submit Graduate Record Examination scores (a minimum combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections) taken in the past 3 years as part of their application. A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00/4.00 on all relevant graduate course work is also required for admission. All international applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit a TOEFL score with a minimum of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (internet-based test). At least three, but no more than four, letters of recommendation are required for admission. At least two of these letters must be from faculty members from the applicant s previous program who can attest to the applicant s ability to pursue successfully the Ph.D. degree in Biostatistics. Doctor of Philosophy degree The expected completion time for the Ph.D. in Biostatistics is 4-5 years. The Ph.D. program requires (i) successful completion of 60 semester hours of courses beyond the Master s level (including core, required, elective, cognate, and dissertation hours), (ii) passing a comprehensive exam at the Ph.D. level based on the core courses, (iii) writing a doctoral dissertation, and (iv) oral defense of the dissertation. No more than one-third of the credit hours for the Ph.D. may be master s level or introductory courses (800-level with 600-level or lower counterparts). Examples of Master s level courses that may be taken by Ph.D. students include those in a 34

36 cognate field, as well as the 800-level courses from the Biostatistics M.P.H. program, the latter being prerequisites for some of the Ph.D.-level courses. At least 50% of the coursework for the doctoral degree must be completed at the University of Nebraska. No graduate credit will be accepted for transfer unless earned at an institution fully accredited to offer graduate work; nor should the student expect any graduate credit to be transferred unless the Biostatistics Graduate Committee evaluates the quality and suitability as equal to the offerings available at the University of Nebraska. Each student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all graduate courses completed toward the Ph.D. degree. Failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA will result in suspension or termination from the Ph.D. program. Students must conform to all scholarship requirements specified in the UNMC Graduate Studies Bulletin. Course Offerings in Biostatistics (BIOS) BIOS 806 BIOSTATISTICS I, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course is designed to prepare the graduate student to understand and apply biostatistical methods needed in the design and analysis of biomedical and public health investigations. The major topics to be covered include types of data, descriptive statistics and plots, theoretical distributions, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing, and one-way analysis of variance. A brief introduction to correlation and univariate linear regression will also be given. The course is intended for graduate students and health professionals interested in the design and analysis of biomedical or public health studies; not intended for Ph.D. students enrolled in the Biostatistics Graduate Program. BIOS 808 BIOSTATISTICS II, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course is designed to prepare the graduate student to understand and apply advanced biostatistical methods needed in the design and analysis of biomedical and public health investigations. The major topics to be covered include multiple linear regression, analysis of covariance, logistic regression, and survival analysis. The course is intended for graduate students and health professionals interested in the design and analysis of biomedical or public health studies; not intended for Ph.D. students enrolled in the Biostatistics Graduate Program. Prereq: BIOS 806 or an equivalent statistics course. BIOS 810 INTRODUCTION TO SAS PROGRAMMING, 3 cr. Fall, annually. (Cross-listed as CPH 651) An introduction to programming for statistical and epidemiologic analysis using the SAS Software System. Students will learn to access data from a variety of sources (e.g. the web, Excel, SPSS, data entry) and create SAS datasets. Data management and data processing skills, including concatenation, merging, and sub-setting data, as well as data restructuring and new variable construction using arrays and SAS functions will be taught. Descriptive analysis and graphical presentation will be covered. Concepts and programming skills needed for the analysis of case-control studies, cohort studies, surveys, and experimental trials will be stressed. Simple procedures for data verification, data encryption, and quality control of data will be discussed. Accessing data and summary statistics on the web will be explored. Through in-class exercises and homework assignments, students will apply basic informatics techniques to vital statistics and public health databases to describe public health characteristics and to evaluate public health programs or policies. Laboratory exercises, homework assignments, and a final project will be used to reinforce the topics covered in class. The course is intended for graduate students and health professionals interested in learning SAS programming and accessing and analyzing public use datasets from the web. Prereq: BIOS 806/CPH 506 or an equivalent introductory statistics course; EPI 821/CPH 621; and permission of instructor. BIOS 816 BIOSTATISTICAL METHODS I, 3 cr. (Cross-listed as CPH 516) This course focuses on statistical methods for the design and analysis of biomedical and public health investigations. Major topics include types of data, descriptive statistics and plots, theoretical distributions, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing, nonparametric methods, and one-way ANOVA. Prereq: Calculus (covering differential and integral calculus); instructor permission. Note: This course is being phased-out. BIOS 818 BIOSTATISTICAL METHODS II, 3 cr. Spring, annually. (Cross-listed as CPH 652) Analysis of continuous data and the interpretation of results. Major topics include simple and multiple linear regression, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). SAS statistical software will be used. Prereq: Permission of instructor; calculus (including differential and integral calculus); BIOS 806/CPH 506 Biostatistics I or BIOS 816/CPH 516 Biostatistical Methods I or an equivalent statistics course; BIOS 810/CPH 651 Introduction to SAS Programming, or equivalent experience with SAS programming. BIOS 823 CATEGORICAL DATA ANALYSIS I, 3 cr. Fall, annually. (Cross-listed as CPH 653) A survey of the theory and methods for the analysis of categorical response and count data. The major topics to be covered include proportions and odd ratios, multiway contingency tables, generalized linear models, logistic regression for binary response, models for multiple response categories, and loglinear models. Interpretation of subsequent analysis results will be stressed. Prereq: Permission of instructor; BIOS 816/CPH 516 or equivalent course work (for example, calculus, BIOS 806/CPH 506 and BIOS 810/CPH 651 or equivalent experience with SAS programming). 35

37 BIOS 824 SURVIVAL DATA ANALYSIS, 3 cr. Fall, annually. (Cross-listed as CPH 654) The course teaches the basic methods of statistical survival analysis used in clinical and public health research. The major topics to be covered include the Kaplan- Meier product-limit estimation, log-rank and related tests, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Interpretation of subsequent analysis results will be stressed. Prereq: Permission of instructor, calculus (including differential and integral calculus); BIOS 806/CPH 506 Biostatistics I or BIOS 816/CPH 516 Biostatistical Methods I or an equivalent statistics course; BIOS 810/CPH 651 Introduction to SAS Programming, or equivalent experience with SAS programming. BIOS 825 CORRELATED DATA ANALYSIS, 3 cr. Spring, annually. (Cross-listed as CPH 655) A survey of the theory and methods for analysis of correlated continuous, binary, and count data. Major topics to be covered include linear models for longitudinal continuous data, generalized estimating equations, generalized linear mixed models, impact of missing data, and design of longitudinal and clustered studies. Interpretation of subsequent analysis results will be stressed. Concepts will be explored through critical review of the biomedical and public health literature, class exercises, two exams, and a data analysis project. Computations will be illustrated using SAS statistical software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA.). The course is intended for graduate students and health professionals who will be actively involved in the analysis and interpretation of biomedical research or public health studies. Prereq: Permission of instructor and BIOS 823/CPH 653. BIOS 835 DESIGN OF MEDICAL STUDIES, 3 cr. Spring, annually. (Cross-listed as CPH 517) This course is designed to prepare the graduate student to understand and apply principles and methods in the design of biomedical and public health studies, with a particular emphasis on randomized, controlled clinical trials. The major design topics to be covered include sample selection, selecting a comparison group, eliminating bias, need for and processes of randomization, reducing variability, choosing endpoints, intent-to-treat analyses, sample size justification, adherence issues, longitudinal follow-up, interim monitoring, research ethics, and non-inferiority and equivalence hypotheses. Data collection and measurement issues also will be discussed. Communication of design approaches and interpretation of subsequent analysis results also will be stressed. Concepts will be explored through critical review of the biomedical and public health literature, class exercises, and a research proposal. The course is intended for graduate students and health professionals interested in the design of biomedical or public health studies. Prereq: Permission of Instructor; BIOS 806/CPH506 or an equivalent introductory statistics course. BIOS 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS, variable cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. (Cross-listed as CPH 677) This course is for more advanced students who wish to pursue their research interests in selected areas of Medical Humanities. BIOS 918 BIOSTATISTICAL LINEAR MODELS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS, 3 cr. This course on linear models theory includes topics on linear algebra, distribution theory of quadratic forms, full rank linear models, less than full rank models, ANOVA, balanced random mixed models, unbalanced models and estimation of variance components. Prereq: Linear algebra, BIOS 818, one year of mathematical statistics, and permission of instructor. BIOS 921 ADVANCED PROGRAMMING FOR SAS, 3 cr. The objective of this course is to prepare students in advanced SAS programming. The main topics comprise advanced SAS programming techniques, SAS macro programming, using SQL with SAS, and optimizing SAS programs, which are similar to those covered on the SAS Advanced Programmer Exam offered through the SAS Institute, Inc. Prereq: BIOS 810 or a similar course, and permission of instructor. BIOS 924 BIOSTATISTICAL THEORY AND MODELS FOR SURVIVAL DATA, 3 cr. The course teaches the statistical theory and models for survival data analysis used in biochemical and public health research. Major topics include parametric, nonparametric, and semiparametric theory and models. The statistical software SAS and R will be used. Prereq: STAT 980 and STAT (provided by UNL) or equivalent, BIOS 824 or equivalent, and permission of instructor. BIOS 925 THEORY OF GENERALIZED LINEAR AND MIXED MODELS IN BIOSTATISTICS, 3 cr. This course focuses on the theory of generalized linear models for both continuous and categorical data. Major topics include generalized linear models, linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models. Prereq: BIOS 918 or equivalent. BIOS 935 SEMIPARAMETRIC METHODS FOR BIOSTATISTICS, 3 cr. The fundamental theory and application of semi parametric methods in biomedical and public health studies. The major topics include additive semiparametric models, semiparametric mixed models, generalized semiparametric regression models, bivariate smoothing, variance function estimation, Bayesian semiparametric regression and spatially adaptive smoothing. Prereq: BIOS 925, familiarity with the software R and SAS, and permission of instructor. BIOS 941 ESSENTIALS OF BIOSTATISTICAL CONSULTING, 2 cr. This course is designed to provide the graduate student with a fundamental understanding and insight into the practice of biostatistical consulting and give students practice in the skills required to become an effective consultant. Major topics include an overview of biostatistical consulting, communication skills, methodological aspects including design and analysis considerations, documentation and preparing reports. Prereq: Minimum of 3 graduate-level statistics of biostatistics courses and permission of instructor. 36

38 BIOS 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. BIOS 996 DIRECTED READING AND RESEARCH, 1-9 cr. Variable. This course is specific to doctoral level work in the College of Public Health. Content of this independent study may include research other than dissertation, directed readings, and other study of a doctoral level all under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. Prereq: Doctoral student status and program permission. BIOS 998 SPECIAL TOPICS, variable credit. (Cross-listed as CPH 679) Independent study course focusing on selected topics or problems. The subject will be dependent on student demand and staff availability. BIOS 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION, 1-15 cr. The dissertation represents original research on a defined problem in biostatistics. The PhD dissertation must be a significant, original piece of biostatistical research that makes a contribution to knowledge in the field. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Cancer Research Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Joyce Solheim (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. Tadayoshi Bessho; Dr. Jennifer Black; Dr. Pi-Wan Cheng; Dr. Xu Luo; Dr. Youri Pavlov, Dr. Pankaj Singh and Dr. Angie Rizzino Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Admission The Cancer Research Graduate Program (CRGP) is an individualized program that considers each applicant's educational background, career goals and interests in the admissions process. Students typically begin their training in the summer or fall semester, although spring admission is also possible. Students interested in applying for fall admission are encouraged to apply in January or February of that year. Admission to the CRGP will require: A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or a related science field. Coursework in organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics through calculus. Biochemistry is also recommended. Students can make up some deficiencies once admitted to the CRGP. For example, a summer school course can be completed prior to starting as a CRGP student. Results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), including verbal, quantitative and analytical writing scores. The advanced chemistry, biology or biochemistry examination is recommended but not required. Three letters of recommendation from scientists or other individuals who can assess the student's talents and training. A statement of personal goals and career objectives. Research experience, while not required, is a major asset for admission. Applicants will be expected to interview with CRGP faculty unless there is a good reason to waive the interview. Foreign applicants will be required to meet UNMC Graduate Studies requirements for admission. Master of Science degree The CRGP program is intended to be for the training of Ph.D. students; however, the faculty recognizes that circumstances may warrant a student's leaving the program prior to completion of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree. An example for premature termination might include a change in the student's educational plans. The student may qualify for a master's degree (Thesis Option) provided that the following conditions have been met: Completion of all didactic coursework (BRTP 821, BRTP 823, CRGP 880, and at least two electives to be determined by the student's Advisory Committee); the annual Short Course in Cancer Biology (CRGP 940); attendance at seminars, including presentation of an annual research seminar; and the Journal Club in Cancer Biology. Completion of the comprehensive examination. Completion of a research project consistent with a master's level achievement. Completion and successful defense of a master's thesis. Concurrence of the Advisor/mentor, the student's Advisory Committee, and the CRGP Graduate Committee. Other requirements of the UNMC Graduate Studies program, such as Responsible Conduct in Research, must also be met. Doctor of Philosophy degree 37

39 Completion of all didactic coursework (BRTP 821, BRTP 823, CRGP 880, and at least two electives to be determined by the student's Supervisory Committee); the annual Short Course in Cancer Biology (CGRP 940); attendance at seminars, including presentation of an annual research seminar; and the Journal Club in Cancer Biology. Completion of the comprehensive examination. Completion of a research project consistent with a Ph.D. level of achievement. Completion and successful defense of a doctoral dissertation. Concurrence of the mentor and the student's supervisory committee. Concurrence of the CRGP Graduate Committee. Other requirements of the UNMC Graduate Studies program, such as Responsible Conduct in Research, must also be met. Course Offerings in Cancer Research (CRGP) CRGP 880 PRINCIPLES AND METHODOLOGIES IN CANCER RESEARCH, 3 cr. Fall, annually. (Cross-listed with BIOC 880, PAMM 880, PHAR 880, PHSC 880) A survey of the biology and biochemical mechanisms underlying cancer development, prevention, and therapy. Prereq: BRTP 821, 822, or equivalent, or permission of instructor. CRGP 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS, 1-15 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. CRGP 899 MASTER S THESIS CRGP 940 SHORT COURSE IN CANCER BIOLOGY, 1 cr. Summer, annually. CRGP 970 SEMINAR, 1-3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. In this course, the student will attend (and in some cases deliver) presentations related to cancer research. CRGP 998 SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-4 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. An advanced course related to cancer research that will be presented at intervals as necessary. A description of each course will be announced at the time that the course is submitted for student registration in an upcoming semester. CRGP 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION Cellular & Integrative Physiology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Pamela Carmines (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. Babu Padanilam; Dr. Steven Sansom and Dr. Matthew Zimmerman Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees The Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology offers programs of graduate training leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. The M.S. program is designed to provide background in physiology to enhance a career in allied fields such as medicine, bioengineering or dentistry. The Ph.D. program is designed to provide more comprehensive knowledge of mammalian physiology at the cellular and integrative levels, including the research and training required for the development of independent investigators. The Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology participates in the Biomedical Research Training Program (BRTP). Admission Enrollment in Cellular & Integrative Physiology degree programs requires matriculation in the fall semester, although summer enrollment can be arranged in special circumstances. Students interested in the Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply before February 1 (priority deadline). The final application deadline for the Ph.D. program is March 15. The application deadlines for the M.S. program are June 1 for domestic applicants and April 1 for international applicants. Admission to the M.S. or Ph.D. programs in Cellular & Integrative Physiology requires a bachelor's degree (or higher) in science from an accredited college or university. The following undergraduate courses are required for admission: 2 semesters of organic chemistry, 2 semesters of physics, and 2 semesters of biology (preferably in the zoological sciences). Deficiencies in the required undergraduate coursework must be eliminated by the end of the first year of graduate study. In addition, undergraduate courses in biochemistry and vertebrate or mammalian physiology are recommended. Applicants to either the M.S. program or the Ph.D. program must submit official transcripts and GRE (or MCAT) scores, with either a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale or GRE scores (Verbal & Quantitative) at or above 38

40 approximately the 50 th percentile. Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet or exceed the minimum score requirement on either the TOEFL (100 on ibt, or 600 on PBT) or the IELTS (7.0 Overall Band Score). Students are selected for admission based on composite science and math GPA, overall undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and the personal statement. The personal statement should reflect interest in Cellular & Integrative Physiology, including any relevant experience and/or educational training. Performance in graduate-level courses is also given consideration. Master of Science degree Non-Thesis option: This option is recommended for most M.S. students in Cellular & Integrative Physiology, especially individuals with a career goal in medicine or dentistry. This degree program can be completed in 1.5 years (matriculate in the fall semester, graduate at the end of the following fall semester). Students pursuing the non-thesis option M.S. degree must complete a compulsory core curriculum composed of the following courses: Graduate Physiology (CIP 806) and its associated recitation (CIP 807), the 12 cr. BRTP curriculum (BRTP 821, 822, 823 & 824), two advanced physiology electives (choose among CIP 914, 916, 920, 922 & 930), Seminar (CIP 970, each semester beginning with the 2 nd semester), and two additional graduate-level electives (minimum of 5 total credits; choose among CIP , GCBA 806 or PHAR ; other courses upon approval of the Cellular & Integrative Physiology Graduate Committee). No more than 3 cr. of CIP 896 can be applied toward the graduate-level electives requirement. The M.S. degree (non-thesis option) is awarded upon satisfactory completion of the core curriculum and passing the comprehensive examination (writing a review article in the style of Annual Review of Physiology). Thesis Option: This option is recommended only for individuals with a laboratory-based career goal (e.g. lab manager in the pharmaceutical industry or in academia) or those individuals who are considering the possibility of eventually pursuing the Ph.D. degree in physiology or another basic biomedical science. Students pursuing the M.S. degree (thesis option) must complete a compulsory core curriculum composed of Graduate Physiology (CIP 806) and its associated recitation (CIP 807), at least 6 credits from the BRTP curriculum (choose among BRTP 821, 822, 823 & 824), two advanced physiology electives (choose among CIP 914, 916, 920, 922 & 930), Seminar (CIP 970, each semester beginning with the 2 nd semester), Research Other Than Thesis (CIP 896), and 8-10 cr. of Master s Thesis (CIP 899). The M.S. degree (thesis option) is awarded upon completing the core curriculum, passing the comprehensive examination (writing a review article in the style of Annual Review of Physiology), and completing a research project that results in a written thesis with an oral defense. Doctor of Philosophy degree Didactic Training: Ph.D. students in Cellular & Integrative Physiology must complete a compulsory core curriculum composed of Graduate Physiology (CIP 806) and its associated recitation (CIP 807), the 12 cr. BRTP curriculum (BRTP 821, 822, 823 & 824), two advanced physiology electives (choose among CIP 914, 916, 920, 922 & 930) and Seminar (CIP 970; each semester until successfully completing the dissertation defense). The student's Supervisory Committee defines additional course requirements on an individual basis. Research Training: During the first year of graduate study, students complete two semesters of Research Other Than Thesis (CIP 896), which entails a research rotation in a different laboratory each semester. These rotations introduce the student to research, in terms of specific questions and techniques as well as general aspects of research strategies and problem solving. After completion of the rotations, students select a faculty advisor and laboratory for their dissertation research project. Ph.D. students must present a seminar in the Physiology Forum series prior to beginning the comprehensive examination. Students advance to Ph.D. candidacy by completion of a comprehensive examination consisting of the preparation (written), revision, and defense (oral) of a grant proposal. This examination must be completed within 3 years of enrollment at UNMC as a Ph.D. student (either directly into a degree-conferring program or via the BRTP). Failure to meet the comprehensive examination deadline results in dismissal from the CIP Graduate Program. Ph.D. candidates must have at least one first-author research paper published or accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal prior to graduation. A research publication with shared first-authorship (e.g. author X and author Y contributed equally to this study ) does not satisfy this requirement. The Ph.D. is awarded upon the completion of the above requirements and a research program that results in a dissertation of publishable quality with an oral defense. Completion of the degree usually requires 5 years. M.D./Ph.D. degree Students enrolled in or accepted into the College of Medicine can apply to the CIP Graduate Program to work toward the combined M.D./Ph.D. degrees. Applications are reviewed by the Cellular & Integrative Physiology Graduate Committee separate from the College of Medicine application procedures. Admission into this combined degree program requires approval by the Dean for Graduate Studies and the Dean of the College of Medicine. The following modifications of the Ph.D. degree requirements in CIP apply specifically to M.D./Ph.D. students: 39

41 Upon successful completion of the first 2 years of the medical school curriculum, the Cellular & Integrative Physiology Graduate Committee will waive the requirement for completing the 12 cr. BRTP curriculum (BRTP 821, 822, 823 & 824), CIP 806/807, and CIP 896. The student must complete the comprehensive exam by the end of his/her 2nd year of graduate study. The student must enroll in CIP 970 each semester during his/her graduate school years, complying with all course requirements until successfully completing the dissertation defense. The student must meet all other requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Cellular & Integrative Physiology, including the completion of 2 advanced physiology electives (choose among CIP 914, 916, 920, 922 & 930), participation as a discussion facilitator in CIP 807, the first-author research publication requirement, and a successful dissertation defense. Course Offerings in Cellular and Integrative Physiology (CIP) CIP 806 GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY, 6 cr. Fall, annually. An introduction to the processes that regulate the activity of individual cells and organ systems. Lectures cover cell, neural, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine and reproductive physiology. CIP 807 GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY RECITATION, 1 cr. Fall, annually. Guided study in significant issues related to the content of CIP 806. Co-req: CIP 806 CIP 814 SCIENTIFIC WRITING, 2 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. (Cross-listed as PHAR 814) This course develops the writing skills needed to prepare each section of a manuscript for submission to scientific journals, as well as figure design, use of reference software and responding to reviewer critiques. Students must have sufficient research data to support a preliminary manuscript, which will be constructed through completion of individualized assignments throughout the course. Prereq: Permission of instructor. CIP 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS, 1-9 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. Research rotations in one laboratory (for Ph.D. students) or two laboratories (for M.S. students) within the Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology. CIP 899 MASTER S THESIS CIP 902 SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-4 cr. Presented at intervals depending upon the interest of the faculty or the request of students. A course description with its prerequisites is announced at the time the course is offered. CIP 916 CARDIOPULMONARY FUNCTION IN HEALTH & DISEASE, 2 cr. Fall, odd years. A lecture/discussion-based course concerned with current advances in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases such as heart failure and hypertension. Prereq: CIP 806 (or equivalent; see instructor). CIP 920 ION CHANNELS & DISEASE, 2 cr. Spring, odd years. Biophysical mechanisms underlying diseases linked to abnormalities of ion channel function. Prereq: CIP 806 (or equivalent) and permission of instructor. CIP 922 REDOX BIOLOGY IN HUMAN DISEASE, 2 cr. Fall, even years. Biochemical sources and regulation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, and their role in diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Prereq: CIP 806 (or equivalent; see instructor). CIP 930 PHYSIOLOGY & PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE KIDNEY, 2 cr. Spring, even years. Integrative, cellular and molecular mechanisms of renal function, with emphasis on the alterations accompanying renal disease. Prereq: CIP 806 (or equivalent; see instructor). CIP 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. This course provides students with experience in presenting their own research in the form of abstract-based 10 min oral presentations, as well critical analysis of recent publications in the biomedical sciences. CIP 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION Emergency Preparedness Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Sharon Medcalf (Chair & Graduate Program Director) and Dr. Phil Smith Requirements for the M.S. Degree 40

42 The Master of Science degree in Emergency Preparedness is designed to prepare professionals in a world where emergency preparedness and response skills are essential to the public health infrastructure. Events explored include naturally occurring disasters, intentional acts of terrorism, and new emerging infectious disease threats. The course curriculum is designed to be reflective and inclusive of current and nationally endorsed competencies in emergency preparedness leadership, communication, information management, practice improvement and planning and worker health and safety. The M.S. in Emergency Preparedness is designed as a 36 credit hour program (thesis option) that can be completed in two academic years as a full-time student or a part-time student can take up to five years to complete. Students must choose to enroll in either the practice-based track or the academic-based track. Practice Track A total of 36 credit hours must be completed in the Master s degree Practice Track. Required courses (21 cr.) are HPRO 810, EPI 811, HPRO 812, HPRO 813, HPRO 830, EPI 820, and CRCJ 8230 (UNO). In addition, students must complete 9 cr. of electives coursework and 6 cr. of Master s Thesis. Academic Track A total of 36 credit hours must be completed in the Master s degree Academic Track. Required courses (27 cr.) are HPRO 810, EPI 811, HPRO 812, HPRO 813, HPRO 830, EPI 820, HPRO 805, BIOS 806, and CRCJ 8230 (UNO). In addition, students must complete 3 cr. of electives coursework and 6 cr. of Master s Thesis. Environmental Health, Occupational Health & Toxicology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Chandran Achutan (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. Alan Kolok (UNO); Dr. JoEllyn McMillan; Dr. Pat Shea (UNL); Dr. Terry Stentz (UNL) and Dr. Aaron Yoder Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Admission Students seeking admission must have a baccalaureate degree and should submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as part of their application. They should be able to demonstrate a satisfactory background in science and math areas relevant to environmental health, occupational health, and toxicology, including basic chemistry, basic biology, and calculus. Applicants whose native language is not English must present a TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) 213 (computerbased) or 80 (internet-based) is required. The application must include a statement of intent (up to five double-spaced pages) describing the applicant's interest in pursuing an advanced degree in environmental health, occupational health and toxicology. At least three letters of recommendation are required, including at least two from academicians. Doctor of Philosophy degree Core required courses are Foundations of Public Health (HPRO 830), Epidemiology Theory and Practice (EPI 820); Biostatistics I (BIOS 806), Biostatistics II (BIOS 808), and Seminar (ENV 970, each semester). In addition, students must successfully complete the required courses for one of the three educational tracks: Environmental & Occupational Hygiene, Occupational Biomechanics, or Toxicology. For each track, the Ph.D. degree requirements include satisfactory completion of required and elective courses (31-47 hours), completion of a grant proposal outside the student s area of dissertation research with oral defense, submission of at least one article from the dissertation research for publication in a peerreviewed journal, and completion of a dissertation with oral defense. Course Offerings in Environmental Health, Occupational Health & Toxicology (ENV) ENV 800 ELEMENTS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES, 3 cr. Spring. An introduction to safety in the general work environment with emphasis on selected OSHA safety regulations, human costs of injuries, safety programs and management, field trip work observations, risk assessment, hazard/risk communications. No previous experience or coursework in safety is required. Prereq: ENV 892 or equivalent introductory environmental health sciences course; permission of instructor. ENV 804 ERGONOMICS & HUMAN FACTORS FOR HEALTH SCIENCES, 3 cr. Fall. An introduction to fundamental concepts of physical work, human abilities and capabilities (ergonomics) including psychological and cognitive aspects of human work performance (human factors) for the reduction of occupational injuries and illnesses, reduced costs, productivity improvement, worker well-being and longevity, quality of work life, and job satisfaction. Prereq: Graduate student status in health sciences or related discipline and permission of instructor. 41

43 ENV 810 PRINCIPLES OF OCCUPATIONAL & ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, 3 cr. Fall. This course is designed to allow students to develop an understanding of human health outcomes associated from environmental and occupational exposures. Students will learn how key issues in environmental health and environmental and occupational medicine are approached from a public health perspective. Prereq: ENV 892 or equivalent introductory environmental health sciences course; permission of instructor. ENV 816 ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT, 3 cr. Fall. The course will allow students to develop their understanding and knowledge of exposure assessment methods and their application to substantive issues in occupational and environmental health. The course emphasizes methodological principles and good practice, and highlights the many similarities and some interesting differences between occupational and environmental health. Prereq: ENV 892 or equivalent introductory environmental health sciences course; BIOS 806 or equivalent introductory biostatistics course; permission of instructor. ENV 840 CLIMATE CHANGE, SUSTAINABILITY & PUBLIC HEALTH, 3 cr. Spring. A survey of the dynamic public health features of global environmental and climate change expected during the 21 st century. This interdisciplinary course covers key public health impacts related to health sciences, policy, economics, and energy production, environmental footprint, climate dynamics, and global regional health effects, migration, agriculture, built environment, etc. Strategies will be considered and evaluated for sustaining a high level of public health in the long term. ENV 875 CHEMICAL CARCINOGENESIS, 2 cr. Fall, odd years. (Cross-listed as PHSC 875). Basic concepts of chemical carcinogenesis, and introduce the major carcinogens, their biochemistry of activation and mode of action. Prereq: Biochemistry or permission of instructor. ENV 888 PRINCIPLES OF TOXICOLOGY, 3 cr. Spring. An introduction to the principles and methods that are used to determine whether an adverse effect is a result of exposure to a specific agent. A primary purpose of toxicology is to predict human toxicity and human health risk assessment relies heavily on toxicological data obtained from animal studies. This course covers basic mechanisms of toxicity as they pertain to whole organisms, organ systems, and specific toxic agents. ENV 892 PUBLIC HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & SOCIETY, 3 cr. Fall. An introduction to environmental factors (including biological, physical and chemical factors) that affect the health of a community. The main focus will be the effects of exposures that have been associated with human health and environmental problems in the Midwest, specifically water and air pollutants related to animal feeding operations, arsenic in ground water, pesticides, herbicides, lead and radiation. The effects of global warming, ergonomic problems in the meat packing industry and occupational and environmental problems in health care will also be discussed. ENV 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS, 1-9 cr., variable, Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. This course is for more advanced students who wish to pursue their research interests in selected areas of Medical Humanities. ENV 902 SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-4 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. Independent Study focusing on selected topics or problems. The subject will be dependent on student demand and availability of staff. ENV 950 ADVANCED TOXICOLOGY, 3 cr. Fall, even years. (Cross-listed as PHSC 950) This course deals with the adverse effects of chemicals on biological systems. Physiological and biochemical mechanisms of toxicity at the cellular and subcellular levels will be emphasized. Prereq: Permission of instructor and ENV 888 or equivalent. ENV 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. ENV 996 DIRECTED READING AND RESEARCH, 1-9 cr. Variable. Fall, Spring, Summer, annually. This course is specific to doctoral level work in the College of Public Health. Content of this independent study may include research other than dissertation, directed readings, and other study of a doctoral level all under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. Prereq: Doctoral student status and program permission. ENV 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION, 1-9 CR. Variable, Fall, Spring, Summer annually. Epidemiology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. Debbi Barnes-Josiah; Dr. Danstan Bagenda, Dr. KM Monirul Islam and Dr. Amr Soliman (ex officio) Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree 42

44 The student enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Epidemiology is required to complete a minimum of 48 credit hours in course (36 credits) and dissertation (12 credits) in order to graduate. The student may request a transfer of up to 12 credits of epidemiology and biostatistics courses from his/her degree from an accredited graduate program. The transfer request will be reviewed by the graduate committee of the department after the student is enrolled in the Ph.D. program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The committee will make the review on case-by-case basis and will make a recommendation for approval or rejection of the request. The student who receives an approval for credit transfer will need to take additional courses as recommended by his/her supervisory committee to satisfy the 48-credit hour requirement. In addition to the coursework, the student is required to pass the qualifying and comprehensive exams of the department. A detailed description of these exams is presented in the following section. At least 50% of the coursework for the doctoral degree must be completed at the University of Nebraska. No graduate credit will be accepted for transfer unless earned at an institution fully accredited to offer graduate work; nor should the student expect any graduate credit to be transferred unless the Epidemiology Graduate Committee evaluates the quality and suitability as equal to the offerings available at the University of Nebraska. A candidate must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all graduate courses completed for the PhD. Failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA will result in suspension or termination from the PhD Program. Students must conform to all scholarship requirements specified in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Graduate Studies Bulletin. Students are expected to complete the courses listed below or an equivalent. These courses are subject to change and other courses can be substituted at the discretion of the supervisory committee. Course Offerings in Epidemiology (EPI) EPI 801 INTRODUCTION TO CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY, 2 cr. Spring, annually. (Cross-listed as CPH 641). This course will review the basic concepts of cancer etiology and carcinogenesis. It will provide the background on sociodemographic magnitude of cancer, basic concepts of cancer biology and the causes of cancer. Methods for designing and implementing research studies and evaluating genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, such as tobacco, alcohol, radiation, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, viruses and nutrition will be reviewed. Prereq: EPI 820 or permission of instructor. EPI 802 CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY IN SPECIAL POPULATIONS, 1 cr. Spring, annually. (Cross-listed as CPH 642). The focus of this course will be on epidemiologic, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors of cancer in international and ethnically-diverse populations. Topics will include in-depth discussion of incidence, mortality, and survival of cancer in special populations, distinct aspects of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors, and research methods for conducting epidemiologic studies on cancer in special populations. Prereq: EPI 820 or permission of instructor. EPI 803 TOPICS IN CANCER PREVENTION I, 1 cr. Spring, annually. This seminar provides an overview of the current scientific basis for cancer prevention and control in humans, introduces current methods of determining risk factors along with their subsequent alteration, and suggest future opportunities through integration of selected areas of basic science with classic etiologic research to define and quantify risk factors. Current opportunities for early detection of preclinical cancer will also be presented. EPI 804 TOPICS IN CANCER PREVENTION II, 1 cr. Fall, annually. This seminar provides an overview of the current scientific basis for cancer prevention and control in humans, introduces current methods of determining risk factors along with their subsequent alteration, and suggest future opportunities through integration of basic science with etiologic and prevention research to define and quantify risk factors. Current opportunities for early detection of pre-clinical cancer will also be presented. EPI 811 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: PROTECTION, 3 cr. Online, annually. An introduction to emergency preparedness concepts, in preparation for naturally occurring disasters, intentional acts of terrorism, and new emerging infectious disease threats. Students will explore Critical Infrastructure protection, agriculture, and food safety, surveillance and detection of biological agents among other topics. EPI 812 CHRONIC DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY, 3 cr. Fall, annually. The target audience for this course includes, but is not limited to, students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of public health. The course will cover risk factors for major chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, musculoskeletal disease, and chronic lung disease. Through the course, students will learn advanced concepts and methodology in chronic disease epidemiology research, including disease surveillance and etiologic and outcomes research. Students will also gain experience developing a proposal to conduct an etiological study of a selected chronic disease. Prereq: EPI 820 or EPI 821; BIOS 806 or BIOS 816. Also recommended: BIOS 808 or BIOS 818. EPI 820 EPIDEMIOLOGY IN PUBLIC HEALTH, 3 cr. Fall (in-class and online)/spring (online), annually. This course provides an opportunity for graduate and professional students and fellows to gain knowledge and skills in basic epidemiological concepts 43

45 and applications. Major topics to be covered include sources of data, study designs and analytical strategies, interpretation of findings and applications to inferring causality and controlling public health problems. EPI 821 APPLIED EPIDEMIOLOGY, 3 cr. Fall, annually. (Cross-listed as CPH 621). This course is designed to provide advancedlevel graduate students with epidemiologic data analysis, interpretation and presentation skills. The course presents advanced principles and methods of Epidemiology through the use of simulated and actual research data. The course is suitable for both advanced-level master s students and doctoral students in epidemiology and related fields. The primary goal is to provide working knowledge of the fundamentals of epidemiology to graduate students who wish to further their careers in public health research. Prereq: EPI 820; BIOS 806; BIOS 810. EPI 825 INFECTIOUS DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY, 3 cr. Spring, annually. Methods of infectious diseases, surveillance, outbreak investigation, and the epidemiology of communicable diseases. The course also critically reviews published literature in this field. Prereq: EPI 820 or EPI 821; Permission of instructor. EPI 830 ADVANCED INFECTIOUS DISEASES EPIDEMIOLOGY, 3 cr. Spring, annually. An advanced course that presents in-depth infectious diseases epidemiology of major global infections including tuberculosis, malaria, STls, and HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the course is to introduce infectious disease research methodology in international settings and the use of mathematical models. These models are tools to predict epidemics and to identify factors responsible for epidemics. This course will generate graduates from UNMC who will be better prepared to meet the challenges of global infectious diseases. Prereq: EPI 820; EPI 825; permission of instructor. EPI 835 HEALTH INFORMATION & SURVEILLANCE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course covers the role of health information and health information systems for the practice of national, state- and community-level public health. Prereq: BIOS 806 or BIOS 816 or a similar graduate-level public health research methodology course; EPI 820 or EPI 821. EPI 840 EPIDEMIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS & RESEARCH IN MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH, 2 cr. Spring, annually. This course focuses on methodological tools for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) research and practice. It introduces key theoretical frameworks for understanding health problems, then addresses indicators and measurements of health and disease, types of studies needed or used in this field, then applies these to topical issues from fertility through quality of care. Prereq: EPI 820 or EPI 821; BIOS 806 or BIOS 816; HPRO 880. EPI 846 MENTAL HEALTH EPIDEMIOLOGY, 3 cr. Fall, biennially. The course will give an overview of epidemiology of mental disorders and discuss epidemiologic research methods used to study mental disorders. Students will gain experience in conceptualizing and preparing a research proposal in psychiatric epidemiology. The target audience for this course includes students, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of public health, medicine, nursing and other health science disciplines. Prereq: EPI 820/CPH 504 or equivalent. EPI 897 SERVICE LEARNING FOR MPH STUDENTS, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. This practicum course provides students with a community-based experience that results in firsthand, scholarly, supervised experience in a practice setting. This course constitutes one-half (3 semester hours) of the six semester hour service-learning/capstone culminating experience required of all Master of Public Health students. The course is intended for MPH students only. Prereq: Completion of all core and concentration MPH requirements; Permission of instructor. EPI 898 MPH CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. The purpose of this course is to implement a capstone project proposal that clearly demonstrates integrated and applied knowledge, principles, and skills acquired through classroom instruction. Projects must demonstrate the development, enhancement, and application of core public health competencies in the MPH program competency domains. This course fulfills three semester hours of the six credithour requirement for MPH Service-Learning/Capstone Experience. It also fulfills the requirement of 150 contact hours generally spent working on the research and paper. Prereq: All MPH Core and Concentration course work; Permission of instructor. EPI 900 EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF BINARY & INCIDENCE-RATE DATA, 3 cr. Fall, annually. Analysis of data from common epidemiological study designs using logistic, proportional hazards, and Poisson regression models. Covers model building, estimation, assessment of confounding and modification and threats to validity. Prereq: EPI 845, BIOS 818; BIOS 810 or equivalent experience in statistical programming. EPI 905 CRITICAL EVALUATION OF EPIDEMIOLOGIC RESEARCH, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course is designed to prepare doctoral students to better understand the advanced issues in the analysis and interpretation of epidemiologic data. This course will focus on selected theoretical and methodological issues related to the analysis of epidemiological data with the purpose of drawing casual inference. The topics covered will include long-standing fundamental issues as well as new techniques or novel epidemiologic applications of methods used in other disciplines. Prereq: EPI 821; EPI 845; BIOS 806 or BIOS

46 EPI 910 RESEARCH GRANT PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT, 2 cr. Spring, annually. This course is designed to provide graduate and professional students with a practical experience writing a research grant proposal for submission to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Students will learn how to formulate research questions, develop study aims, and build research study designs closely tied to analysis plans and outcomes. Students will also participate in mock NIH study section working interactively with faculty members. EPI 932 EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DISEASE, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course will emphasize the in depth pathophysiology of diseases and its application to epidemiologic research. This will enable students to better understand the individual disease presentations, disease biology, natural history, and disease progression in individual as well as in populations. Ultimately, course will prepare students to conduct research or practice epidemiology and public health. Prereq: Physiology course in undergraduate or permission of instructor. EPI 936 INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND CANCER, 3 cr. Fall, annually. The objective of this course is to adapt infectious diseases epidemiology theories and methods to current relevant problems in infectious disease and cancer. The course has a focus on emerging infectious agents and health problems and also applies them to the study of infectious agents that are related to cancers. The course is designed to prepare participants to conduct research and practice infectious disease epidemiology. Prereq: EPI 820. EPI 941 EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS IN APPLIED CLINICAL GENETICS I, 1 cr. Summer, annually. This course is designed to prepare the graduate or professional student on the theory and methods of genetics of complex diseases using association studies. Major topics including: Mendelian inheritance, design strategies for genetics association studies, bias in genetic studies and population stratification, SNP selection, genotype diplotype and haplotype analyses, linkage disequilibrium, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and clinical genetics. Prereq: EPI 821 or EPI 820 or BIOS 806 or equivalent courses. EPI 942 EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS IN APPLIED CLINICAL GENETICS II, 1 cr. Summer, annually. This course is designed for graduate or professional students and extends the theory and methods of genetics of complex diseases covered in EPI 941. Major topics include: pharmacogenetics, gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, clinical genetic screening and counseling, ethics of human genetic studies, state-of-the-art genotyping methods, and hands-on data analysis using specialized genetics software. Prereq: EPI 941. EPI 945 EPIDEMIOLOGIC RESEARCH METHODS, 4 cr. Spring. This is a comprehensive course in the concepts and methods of epidemiologic research. The course is theoretical and practical, with emphasis on primary and secondary research design, random and systematic error, impact of complex sampling on statistical analysis, and hands-on SAS categorical analysis, logistic regression and survival analysis. Prereq: BIOS 806, EPI 821 or equivalent introductory epidemiology course; BIOS 810 or equivalent introductory SAS programming course is strongly recommended. EPI 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. A series of scientific sessions on current topics exploring advanced concepts and methods in epidemiology. The course will promote the development of knowledge of epidemiologic methods, analytic approaches, disease etiology, natural history, and current issues related to the application of these concepts for conducting epidemiologic research and practice. Prereq: Standing as a doctoral student in epidemiology. EPI 996 DIRECTED READING AND RESEARCH, 1-9 cr. Variable. This course is specific to doctoral level work in the College of Public Health. Content of this independent study may include research other than dissertation, directed readings, and other study of a doctoral level all under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. Prereq: Doctoral student status and program permission. EPI 998 SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-4 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. Course focusing on selected topics or problems. The subject will be dependent on student demand and availability of staff. EPI 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION, 1-15 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. The dissertation represents original and significant research on a defined epidemiological problem. This research is the culmination of a training process designed to ready the student to do independent research including development of a research question, data collection, analysis and interpretation. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Karen Gould (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. Vimla Band; Dr. Andy Dudley; Dr. Shantaram Joshi; Dr. Runqing Lu and Dr. San Ming Wang 45

47 Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees The graduate program in the Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy is designed for qualified students who wish to pursue research and teaching careers in the broadly defined area of molecular genetics, cell biology and related areas, and/or to obtain a firm foundation for teaching anatomical sciences. The Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy graduate program participates in the Biomedical Research Training Program (BRTP). Admission To be eligible for graduate admission as an M.S. or Ph.D. student in Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy, applicants must meet the requirements of the Graduate College and must present an academic record and background that is acceptable to the Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy Graduate Committee. Applicants are selected for admission on the basis of various factors, including composite science and math grade point average in addition to overall undergraduate grade point average, Graduate Record Examination scores, and research experience. The Graduate Record Examination is required of all applicants. Foreign applicants must submit TOEFL scores. Lab rotations & mentor selection Students may be admitted directly to a lab or perform laboratory rotations to identify a mentor. Rotating students will be expected to complete rotations in three different faculty laboratories during their first year, spending a period of up to two months in each of these laboratories. A list of laboratories accepting student rotations will be made available to each student, and rotation selections from this list will be made by the students in conjunction with the Program Director. Following these rotations, the students will select their faculty Advisor/Supervisor and laboratory for their dissertation research project. Master of Science degree (Thesis Option only) M.S.-seeking students must register each semester for Seminar (GCBA 970) and Journal Club (GCBA 903), and must complete 4 graduate-level classes (graded). Any additional course requirements will be defined on an individual basis by the student s Advisory Committee. Each student must pass a comprehensive examination consisting of a 7-10 page review-type paper written on a subject approved by the student s Advisory committee. Master s students are typically admitted directly to a lab for pursuit of their thesis research. Completion of the degree involves research performed in the mentor s laboratory over an approximately 2-yr period, resulting in submission and defense of a written M.S. thesis. Doctor of Philosophy degree All Ph.D.-seeking students in GCBA must register each semester for Seminar (GCBA 970) and Journal Club (GCBA 902A). Students on the research track must complete a compulsory core curriculum composed of the following courses: Molecular Cell Biology (BRTP 822), Genetics and Gene Regulation (BRTP 823), Teaching and Research Presentation Skills (GCBA 806), either Human Histology (GCBA 826) or Modern Approaches in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (GCBA 912), and one other graduate course. Each student on the teaching track must complete Molecular Cell Biology (BRTP 822), Genetics and Gene Regulation (BRTP 823), Teaching & Research Presentation Skills (GCBA 806), Human Histology (GCBA 826), Human Neuroanatomy (GCBA 812) and Human Gross Anatomy (GCBA 910/920). Teaching track students will also complete the Human Histology, Neuroanatomy and Gross Anatomy teaching practical (GCBA 940, 942 and 949). For all Ph.D-seeking GCBA students, a comprehensive examination is required for admission to candidacy. This exam is to be completed by December 21 st following the end of the fall semester of the student s 3 rd year of graduate school. Typically, the topic of the exam/proposal is the proposed thesis topic/research area of the student; however, with the approval of the mentor, a student s supervisory committee may consider a different topic at the request of the student or mentor. The format of the written part of the exam is a grant proposal in the form of an NIH R01 application. The examination includes a written document, an open oral presentation, and a closed oral defense. Ph.D. students must present their research in a department seminar, typically during the student s 3rd or 4th year in the program. A dissertation based on original research in the candidate s chosen field of study is required. The candidate must successfully defend his/her dissertation in an oral examination. The candidate must have a first author research paper (not review) published or accepted for publication prior to scheduling the dissertation defense. Course Offerings in Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy (GCBA) GCBA 806 TEACHING & RESEARCH PRESENTATION SKILLS, 2 cr. Spring, annually. An introduction to fundamental concepts in developing effective teaching and research presentation skills. 46

48 GCBA 812 HUMAN NEUROANATOMY, 4 cr. Spring, annually. A study of the neuronal organization of the nervous system and the way interneuronal relationships explain the function of the sensory and motor systems. Medical aspects of the structure and function are demonstrated from clinical case material. Prereq: Permission of instructor. GCBA 813 NEUROANATOMY LECTURE, 3 cr. Spring, annually. Prereq: GCBA 908 and GCBA 909. GCBA 814 NEUROANATOMY LAB, 1 cr. Spring, annually. Prereq: GCBA 908 and GCBA 909. GCBA 815 TOOLS & ALGORITHMS IN BIOINFORMATICS, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course covers most of the commonly used tools for bioinformatics data analysis. The main objectives of this course are to briefly explain the underling algorithms (methods) of various data analysis tools and to provide hands-on practice opportunities to students using a real datasets. Typically, each bioinformatic tool will be covered in a 3-hour session that includes a lecture and a lab. This course will introduce the field of bioinformatics and cover the major bioinformatic tools that are used for analyzing a broad spectrum of bioinformatic datasets. GCBA 823 FUNDAMENTALS IN GENETICS, 2 cr. Spring, variable years. A 10 lecture introduction to basic concepts in genetics as well as the current tools and technologies used in molecular genetics research, followed by a 6 week independent study focusing on an instructor-approved topic in genetics. GCBA 825 HUMAN HISTOLOGY, 4 cr. Spring, annually. A study of cells, fundamental tissues, organ systems at both the light and ultramicroscopic level. Includes sections on tissue & cell fixation, and processing for light & advanced microscopy. Prereq: GCBA 908 and GCBA 909. GCBA 826 HUMAN HISTOLOGY, 3 cr. Summer, annually. A study of cells, fundamental tissues and organ systems at both the light and ultramicroscopic level. Prereq: Permission of instructor. GCBA 830 FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTRON MICROSCOPY, 2 cr. Spring, variable years. The general theory and techniques of electron microscopy, including special methods involved in the fixation, embedding, sectioning, and staining of specimens. Prereq: GCBA 826 and permission of instructor. GCBA 845 CLINICALLY-ORIENTED HUMAN ANATOMY, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This is the first semester of a 2 semester clinicallyoriented human anatomy course. The content of the two courses includes human anatomy presented in a systems approach the utilizes a wide variety of imaging modalities and clinical correlations to understand gross anatomy with cell biology, histology, embryology and neuroanatomy followed by a review applying the information to anatomic regions of the human body. The sequence of the units correlates with SAHP 445. GCBA 846 CLINICALLY-ORIENTED HUMAN ANATOMY II, 2 cr. Fall, annually. This is the second semester of a 2 semester clinicallyoriented human anatomy course. The content of the two courses includes human anatomy presented in a systems approach that utilizes a wide variety of imaging modalities and clinical correlations to understand gross anatomy with cell biology, histology, embryology and neuroanatomy followed by a review applying the information to anatomic regions of the human body. The sequence of the units correlates with the SAHP 446. GCBA 853 HUMAN EMBRYOLOGY, 1 cr. Summer, annually. (Cross-listed as GCBA 513). GCBA 881 FUNDAMENTALS OF CANCER RESEARCH, 2 cr. Fall, variable years. An 8 lecture introduction to basic concepts in cancer research, followed by a 6-week independent study focusing on an instructor-approved topic in cancer biology. GCBA 894 CLINICAL AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCES, 2 cr. Fall, annually. In this course students are required to spend a minimum of 48 hours of 1) shadowing a series of physicians or other healthcare professionals from participating units and/or 2) conducting research rotations in participating laboratories. Through the course of the experiences, students will have the opportunity to see first-hand how knowledge of human anatomy is utilized on a day to day basis in clinical practice, to explore various healthcare professions as potential career paths, and to explore research as a potential career path. GCBA 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS, 1-6 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. GCBA 899 MASTER S THESIS GCBA 902 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ANATOMY, 1-2 cr. per semester max 8 cr. total, Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. Current problems, techniques, and literature pertaining to the major subdivisions of the field of anatomy. The student may participate in selected research topics, under the supervision of a selected instructor. Prereq: Permission of instructor. GCBA 903 JOURNAL CLUB, 1 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. GCBA 904 ANATOMICAL SCIENCES JOURNAL CLUB, 1 cr. Fall, annually. 47

49 GCBA 906 TEACHING THEORY & APPLICATION, 2 cr. Fall/Summer, annually. This course is targeted to graduate/professional students or anyone in interested in expanding their knowledge of teaching theory. This course blends research on learning principles, effective classroom teaching and the skill of application to improve their foundation of teaching. GCBA 908 GROSS ANATOMY LECTURE, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course builds the foundation required for the student to learn basic descriptive, functional, clinical and radiological human anatomy through didactic lectures, small group learning activities, e-learning modules and repetitive testing. GCBA 909 GROSS ANATOMY LABORATORY, 5 cr. Fall, annually. This course allows hands-on application of anatomical concepts and relationships through whole body dissection in small groups. Prereq: GCBA 908 (or concurrent enrollment). GCBA 910 HUMAN GROSS ANATOMY I, 3 cr. Fall/Summer, annually. A study of the human body (upper limb, head, neck, and thorax) by means of gross dissection, cross section, lecture, demonstration, radiographs and scans. Readings in, and oral reports from, anatomic literature introduce students to research topics. Prereq: Permission of instructor. GCBA 912 MODERN APPROACHES IN CELL BIOLOGY & MOLECULAR GENETICS, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This advanced-level course will focus on current techniques and concepts in cell biology and genetics. This course includes a didactic component as well as discussion section where the students will be asked to present their interpretations and ideas on cutting-edge research. Hands-on workshops and demonstrations are also conducted weekly. Prereq: Permission of instructor. GCBA 913 CROSS-SECTIONAL ANATOMY I, 2 cr. Spring, annually. This course provides an understanding of the basic musculoskeletal, thoracoabdominal and pelvic anatomy as viewed through cross-sections on CT and MRI images, as well as, three-dimensional human sections. The course provides a comprehensive basis for evaluation of spatial relationships in human anatomy through hands-on laboratory approach and medical imaging. Prereq: GCBA 908 and GCBA 909 GCBA 914 CROSS-SECTIONAL ANATOMY II, 2cr. Spring, annually. This course provides an understanding of head and neck anatomy, including the brain, as viewed through cross-sections on CT and MRI images, as well as, three-dimensional human sections. It will provide a comprehensive basis for evaluation of spatial relationships in human anatomy through hands-on laboratory approach and medical imaging. Prereq: GCBA 913 GCBA 918 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY I, 3 cr. Fall, variable years. An examination of the major areas of development, using current literature addressing well defined topics. The first semester covers oogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, establishment of the body axis, gastrulation, neurulation and morphogenesis. Prereq: Permission of instructor. GCBA 920 HUMAN GROSS ANATOMY II, 3 cr. Fall/Summer, annually. A continuation of 910 covering the abdomen, pelvis, and lower limb. Prereq: CBA 910 and permission of instructor. GCBA 922 NEUROBIOLOGY I, 3 cr. Fall, variable years. (Cross-listed as PHAR 922). Presentation of current literature addressing the classical topics of neuroembryology, neurohistology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and neuropathology. Prereq: Permission of instructor. GCBA 924 SELECTED PROBLEMS IN ELECTRON MICROSCOPY, 1-2 cr. Spring, variable years. Problems will be selected involving the ultrastructure of cells, inter-relationships between cells and the characteristics of intercellular substances. Emphasis will be on operation and use of the electron microscope. Prereq: GCBA 830 and permission of instructor. GCBA 928 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY II, 3 cr.. Spring, variable years. A continuation of GCBA 918, with an emphasis on the molecular basis for the determination of cell fate and the generation of cell diversity. Prereq: GCBA 918. GCBA 932 NEUROBIOLOGY II, 3 cr. Spring, variable years. A continuation of selected topics from GCBA 922, with an emphasis on the molecular biology of the neuron and the function of the central nervous system. Current topics will vary every year. Prereq: CBA 922 and permission of instructor. GCBA 945 STEM CELL BIOLOGY, 1 cr. Spring, variable years. An in depth study of the basic science of stem cell biology, as well as clinical applications of stem cells. Special emphasis is placed on embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and stem cell plasticity. ANATOMY TEACHING PRACTICUMS. A series of courses designed to provide an opportunity for students to develop and apply the skills requisite for effective teaching in the anatomical sciences. Prereq: Appropriate GCBA course(s) or equivalent, GCBA 806, GCBA 910, GCBA 920 and permission of instructor. GCBA 940 TEACHING PRACTICUM: HUMAN GROSS ANATOMY, 2 cr. Fall/Summer, annually. GCBA 942 TEACHING PRACTICUM: HUMAN NEUROANATOMY, 1 cr. Spring, annually. GCBA 949 TEACHING PRACTICUM: HUMAN HISTOLOGY, 2 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. 48

50 GCBA 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. GCBA 971 PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES SEMINAR, 1 cr. Fall, annually. In this course students will shadow a series of physicians of healthcare professionals from participating units. Through the course of these shadowing experiences, student will have the opportunity to see firsthand how knowledge of human anatomy is utilized on a day-to-day basis in clinical practice. GCBA 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Ghada Soliman (Chair); Dr. Dejun Su; Dr. Asia Sikora Kessler; Dr. Melissa Tibbits, Dr. Amy Yaroch and Aja Kneip Pelster (student representative) Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Admission Any applicant desiring admission into the Ph.D. program in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research at UNMC must submit a fully completed application. Below is a complete list of all required documents. It is the applicant s responsibility to request an official copy of the academic record be sent to the Graduate Studies office from each college or university that the applicant has attended. A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00/4.00 on all graduate course work attempted at a regionally accredited institution of higher education is required for admission. Masters or other advanced degrees are required for admission, although exceptional students with Bachelor s degree will be considered. (Most successful applicants will have verbal and quantitative GRE scores at or above the 60 th percentile.) The official results from the GRE must be submitted to the graduate office. The GRE must have been taken no more than five years prior to the application date. All international applicants whose native language is not English and who do not have a MS from an accredited institution are required to submit a TOEFL of 550 (paper), 213 (Computer), or 80 (Internet). The TOEFL must have been taken no more than two years prior to the application date. Each applicant must submit a written statement of career goals. This writing sample of words will be used to assess writing competence as well as career objectives. Three letters of recommendation are required for admission. At least one of these letters must be a letter from a faculty member in the applicant s previous program who can attest to the applicant s ability to pursue successfully a PhD program. The remaining two letters may be academic or professional references. Complete list of documents and scores required of applicants: Fully completed application form Official copy of academic record- sent to the graduate office- minimum of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale GPA for all graduate course work Masters or other advanced degrees, although exceptional students with Bachelor s degree will be considered. GRE results from test taken no more than five years prior to the application date. Most successful applicants will have verbal and quantitative GRE scores at or above the 60th percentile. International students: TOEFL of 550 (paper), 213 (computer), or 80 (internet) Written statement of career goals, words Three letters of recommendation; at least one from a faculty member in the applicant s previous program. Remaining two letters- academic and/or professional Course Requirements Students in the Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research Ph.D. program are required to complete all of the following courses prior to starting the dissertation. Health Promotion (18 credit hours) Health Behavior: 3 hours Interventions in Health Promotion: 3 hours 49

51 Advanced Theories in Public Health: 3 hours Health Promotion Program Planning: 3 hours Complex Systems Thinking: 3 hours Foundations of Public Health: 3 hours Research (24 credit hours) Biostatistics I: 3 hours Biostatistics II: 3 hours Introduction to SAS Programming: 3 hours Fundamentals of Epidemiology: 3 hours Epidemiology in Public Health: 3 hours Applied Research in Public Health: 3 hours Humanistic Traditions in Qualitative Research: 3 hours Public Health Program Evaluation: 3 hours Writing (4 credit hours) Scientific Writing or Critical Writing or Publication Writing: 2 hours Grant Proposal Writing: 2 hours Ethics (3 credit hours) All students completing the Ph.D. program will have successfully completed 3 credit hours in ethics. Directed Research (6 credit hours) All students completing the PhD program will have successfully completed at least 6 credit hours (i.e., two courses at 3 credit hours each, three courses at 2 credit hours each) of directed research. The intent of the directed research course is to allow students to acquire new research skills, expand their exposure to new research, and increase publication opportunities. Each course involves hands-on research working closely with a faculty member and developing a publishable scholarly product (e.g., something that can be documented on a CV such as manuscript for peer-reviewed publication, national conference presentation, book chapter, policy brief, community report, technical report, or program manual). Under the supervision of the course instructor, the student is expected to develop and submit to the Graduate Program Director of HPSBH a course outline, timeline (including timeline for production of a scholarly product which may occur outside of the semester in which the credits are taken) and expected outcome(s) for each directed research course before the start of the semester on the Directed Research Course Agreement form. The instructor of the directed research course(s) does not have to be the student s advisor. Elective Courses (23 credit hours) All students completing the Ph.D. program will have successfully completed 26 credit hours of elective courses. Electives, which are selected by the doctoral student in concert with his/her Supervisory Committee, are used to strengthen and solidify the Program of Study. Dissertation Hours (12 credit hours) After successfully completing the comprehensive exam, the student must register for 9 hours of dissertation research. Students must register for at least one credit hour of dissertation for each semester and summer session until the completion of the degree. Course Offerings in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research (HPRO) HPRO 805 APPLIED RESEARCH IN PUBLIC HEALTH, 3 cr. Fall/Spring (online), annually. The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to research methods in public health. Students will learn about the steps of scientific research. The course will cover the following topics: formulation of research problem, purpose, objectives, hypotheses, and types of variables; the process of literature review; conceptual frameworks; ethical issues in research; sampling; instrumentation; experimental, non-experimental, and qualitative designs; dissemination of research findings; and grant proposals. These topics will be discussed in detail in the context of critically reviewing several peer-reviewed articles. HPRO 807 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY-BASED PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course is designed to prepare the student to utilize Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles in research, evaluation, and practice. A philosophical and practical approach will guide the examination of CBPR and its use. The course assumes students will come already grounded in multiple research methods, both qualitative and quantitative. Prereq: HPRO 805/HED 8050 (or equivalent course) or permission of the instructor; permission will require a demonstrable knowledge of research methods. 50

52 HPRO 808 PUBLIC HEALTH LAW, 3 cr. Summer, annually. Conceptual foundations of public health law, including constitutional considerations, federal and state statutes and regulations, tort (civil) law, balancing competing interests (e.g. civil liberties v. monitoring, reporting, persuading, regulating at various levels), current issues & emerging trends. HPRO 809 INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH DISPARITIES & HEALTH EQUITY, 3 cr. Fall, annually. The course provides a critical understanding of health disparities in the U.S. and examines the underlying social, cultural, biological, behavioral, economic, and political factors that contribute to such disparities in society. Prereq: Permission of instructor. HPRO 810 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: PREVENTION, 3 cr. Fall, annually. An introduction to emergency preparedness concepts such as the Incident Command System, The National Response Framework, agencies, infrastructures, and assets in place to plan for, and respond to emergencies. HPRO 812 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: RESPONSE, 3 cr. Spring, annually. An introduction to disaster response-related concepts such as Responder Safety and Health, Citizen Evacuation, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Medical Surge among other topics. HPRO 813 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: RESPOND & RECOVER, 3 cr. Spring, annually. An introduction to emergency preparedness concepts, focusing on disaster response-related concepts such as Medical Surge, Behavioral Health, and Mass Fatalities, in addition to short and long term disaster recovery topics. HPRO 817 COMMUNITY-ORIENTED PRIMARY CARE (COPC): PRINCIPLES & PRACTICE, 3 cr. Fall, annually. Principals and methods needed to plan the application of community orientation of health services by integrating clinical care and public health through the COPC approach. HPRO 818 OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES IN THE APPLICABILITY OF COMMUNITY-ORIENTED PRIMARY CARE (COPC), 3 cr. Spring, annually. The course is designed to prepare public health students on the critical analysis of the organization (levels of care, public/private partnership, insurance, coverage, access) and functions (curative/preventive, general practice, family medicine, specialties) of primary care services to be able to identify the opportunities and the challenges in the applicability of COPC. Prereq: HPRO 817 and permission of instructor. HPRO 827 INTERVENTIONS IN HEALTH PROMOTION, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course will provide health promotion students with an opportunity to investigate, contrast, develop, implement, and evaluate a variety of intervention activities, to be applied in different settings. Theories regarding methods to enhance behavior change and teaching strategies to meet the health needs of a diverse population will be explored. HPRO 830 FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC HEALTH, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. An introductory survey of the fundamental concepts and theories that provide the basis for the body of knowledge in the field of public health. This course will prepare students to work in public health with a sound theoretical, conceptual, and historical basis for their work. HPRO 840 HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM PLANNING, 3 cr. Spring, annually. An in-depth application of the health promotion program planning process utilizing a comprehensive model called PRECEDE-PROCEED. Students submit six papers applying each phase of this model: social diagnosis, epidemiological diagnosis, behavioral/environmental diagnosis, educational/ organizational diagnosis, administrative/policy diagnosis, and evaluation at the process, impact and outcome levels. Prereq: HPRO 860, EPI 820 or HPRO 805. HPRO 841 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL MARKETING & HEALTH COMMUNICATION, 3 cr. Spring. An introduction to the basic concepts of social marketing and health communication principles including the application to health behaviors and public health issues. HPRO 842 APPLIED SOCIAL MARKETING, 3 cr. Fall, annually. (Cross-listed as CPH 542) This course will explore the application of social marketing at the population, community, business, and government levels. Students will examine the concepts of social marketing from perspectives of collaboration and co-creation, value and service driven design, and an ethical framework of dignity and honor. Prereq: HPRO 841/CPH 541. HPRO 843 HEALTH LITERACY AND COMMUNICATION FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course is an in-depth study of health literacy and communication. Students will build competencies in health communication (from theory and practice) to promote individual and community health and well-being. HPRO 844 NUTRITION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course is designed to prepare graduate students to apply basic concepts in nutrition and metabolism to healthy lifestyle during each stage of the life cycle. The following topics will be covered: nutrition and health promotion; undernutrition and overnutrition; dietary guidelines; healthy diet for individuals and populations; public food and nutrition programs, and nutrition assessment, within the framework of the life course perspective. 51

53 HPRO 860 HEALTH BEHAVIOR, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. The purpose of this course is to study the theoretical foundations of health behavior. Candidates will develop an understanding of the determinants of health behavior, the models, and theories that provide a framework for predicting health behavior, and the strategies employed to bring about behavioral changes for health and disease prevention in individuals and groups. HPRO 869 SEXUAL HEALTH: ONTOLOGY, RESEARCH & EDUCATION, 3 cr. Spring, biennially. This course is designed to prepare the graduate student to address sexual health issues in a culturally relevant manner through sound research and education practices. A social ecological approach will guide the examination of the topic. Prereq: HPRO 830 or permission of instructor. HPRO 875 PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM EVALUATION, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course is designed to provide an overview of methods for evaluating public health programs. Students will learn methods for choosing appropriate evaluation designs and procedures for data collection, choosing and developing survey items, and interpreting and describing evaluation results. HPRO 880 INTRODUCTION TO MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course will introduce the life course approach in maternal and child health (MCH), and address specific MCH topics (i.e. immunizations, nutrition, pre-term births) from the local, regional, and global perspectives, and organization and policy issues in MCH care in the U.S. Prereq: EPI 820/CPH 504, HPRO 860/CPH 501. HPRO 881 ADVANCED MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH, 3 cr. Spring, annually. Critical analysis of current and emerging priority areas in maternal and child health (MCH), including biological, behavioral, and health care issues, based on defining the problem, identifying gaps in population health or health care and discussing alternative approaches towards gap reduction. Prereq: Graduate standing. HPRO 882 CHILD & ADOLESCENT GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT, 2 cr. Spring, annually. An introduction to the study and assessment of child and adolescent growth and development from a public health perspective. Physical, neurological, psychological, and social development will be discussed. Prereq: HPRO 880/CPH 546. HPRO 883 WOMEN S HEALTH, 2 cr. Spring, annually. An overview of women s health issues across the lifespan from a multidisciplinary perspective. HPRO 895 PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course incorporates public health leadership theory and practices that are grounded in biomedical and social science and sanctioned by public law. Also included is the politics of communities and organizations. Advocacy is emphasized as a key tool to secure funding and to help assure that local, state, and federal policy-makers will adopt, implement, and maintain important public health regulations, policies and programs. HPRO 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS, variable cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. This course is for more advanced students who wish to pursue their research interests in selected areas of Medical Humanities. HPRO 901 ADVANCED THEORIES IN HEALTH PROMOTION & DISEASE PREVENTION, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This doctoral level seminar is designed to prepare the graduate or professional student for a research career in public health and/or related disciplines. The class will provide students with the opportunity to engage in an in-depth analysis of the role of the paradigms, conceptual frameworks, and theories that influence and have utility for health-related research. Prereq: CPH 501 or equivalent HPRO 902 COMPLEX SYSTEMS THINKING, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course covers the major topics of systems thinking, including key terminology, general systems theory, systems analysis, systems mapping and dynamics, structural thinking, systems design, modeling, and applications of simulation models for policy decision-making. Prereq: Permission of instructor. HPRO 910 HUMANISTIC TRADITIONS OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH, 3 cr. Spring, annually. The course provides a framework for a diverse group of qualitative research methods that emphasize approaches to inquiry drawn from the humanities, arts, and social sciences. The course focuses on the philosophical grounding of such inquiry, study designs, methodological implementation, analysis of findings, and construction of concluding arguments. Prereq: HRPO 805 or equivalent. HPRO 911 STRATEGIC SYSTEMS MODELING & SOCIAL DYNAMICS, 3cr. Spring, annually. This course introduces the theory and application of the system of dynamics modeling as it used to support strategic decision making in complex social systems. It involves the qualitative and quantitative mapping of the relevant system structures. This course covers system dynamics modeling processes, structure and behavior of dynamic systems, tools for systems modeling and model validation, and policy decision making. Prereq: HPRO 902 or instructor s permission. HPRO 935 RESEARCH ETHICS, 3 cr. Summer, annually. The course is intended for graduate students and health professionals who will be actively involved in the design, analysis, and interpretation of biomedical research or public health studies 52

54 involving human subjects. There are no pre-requisites for this course, although some experience with research design or practice (or a course in research design or practice) is preferred. HPRO 996 DIRECTED READING AND RESEARCH, 1-9 cr. Variable. This course is specific to doctoral level work in the College of Public Health. Content of this independent study may include research other than dissertation, directed readings, and other study of a doctoral level all under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. Prereq: Doctoral student status and program permission. HPRO 998 SPECIAL TOPICS, variable cr. Fall/Spring, annually. A course focusing on selected topics or problems. The subject will be dependent on student demand and availability of staff. HPRO 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION Health Services Research, Administration & Policy Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Fernando Wilson (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. Li-Wu Chen, Dr. Hongmei Wang; Dr. Jungyoon Kim and Dr. Alice Schumaker Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Admission Application procedure and requirements for admission to the Ph.D. program are listed below: Apply online to UNMC Graduate Studies. Please ensure that you select the Health Services Research, Administration, and Policy program to avoid delaying your application process. Request that official transcripts from all graduate and undergraduate programs attended be sent to the Graduate Office. Submit official GRE scores taken within the past three years. Many factors are considered in evaluating an individual's application, but many successful applicants will have scores above the 40th percentile. Submit a resume or curriculum vitae. Submit three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references: At least one letter should be from a faculty member in your previous academic program. It is strongly encouraged that one of the letters be from an individual who knows you in a professional setting. Submit a statement of intent, no longer than 1000 words, that describes your: Interest in and potential for contributing to the field of health services research, administration, and policy. Career goals. Self-assessment of your fit into the Ph.D. program at UNMC. Self-assessment of your qualifications, experiences, and general preparation for succeeding in the program. International Applicants: Results from the TOEFL are required for international students and students who have earned their undergraduate degree from a non-english speaking institution. Minimum scores required are: 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 80 on the internet-based TOEFL. International students who have earned a graduate degree from a U.S. institution are not required to submit a TOEFL score. Further instructions for international applicants can be found at the UNMC Graduate Studies website. Official transcripts or mark sheets of college-level work not in English or the standard U.S. grading scale must be sent to a foreign educational credential evaluation service for evaluation prior to submission to UNMC. The transcript evaluation must be a course-by-course evaluation that identifies and describes each diploma or certificate with periods of education and equivalency of each document. The preferred credential evaluation services are World Education Services (WES) and Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE). Other services approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) will also be accepted. Transcripts must carry the signature of a responsible official at the academic institution where the work was done and the seal of that institution, or must be certified true copies of the original records. If photocopies are provided, the copies must be certified after duplication as true copies of the original document. Transcripts should clearly indicate the grades received or the standing attained on required examinations. If transcripts do not show the degree earned and the date on which it was conferred, official degree statements must also be provided. 53

55 The standards for the above criteria are determined by the HSRA Graduate Program Committee, which considers the prospective student s academic qualifications and professional experience. Course Requirements Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program without a master s degree are required to complete a total of 90 credit hours in course and dissertation work, including the following: Credits Course Work 39 Required courses 15 Area of emphasis courses Elective courses Dissertation The required courses are designed to help students build a strong foundation of multidisciplinary knowledge and skills for scholarship in health services research. After completing all required courses, students will then take area of emphasis courses. In addition to coursework, all PhD students are expected to attend the monthly Doctoral Program Seminar throughout their program of study. Required Courses: HSRA 810 US Healthcare System HSRA 874 Health Policy HSRA 873 Health Services Administration HSRA 860 Health Economics HSRA 830 Health Care Organizational Theory & Behavior HSRA 930 Design of Health Services Research HSRA 872 Health Care Finance HSRA 920 Quantitative Methods in Health Sciences Research HPRO 830 Foundations of Public Health HPRO 910 Qualitative Research Methods EPI 820 Epidemiology in Public Health BIOS 806 Biostatistics I BIOS 808 Biostatistics II Area of Emphasis Courses (selected see advisor for more options): HSRA 940 Integrated Seminar in Economics and Health Services Research HSRA 950 Application of Medical Geography to Health Services Research HSRA 960 Seminar in Health Care Administration HSRA 980 Seminar in Health Policy HSRA 896 Research Other Than Thesis Course Offerings in Health Services Research, Administration & Policy (HSRA) HSRA 810 THE U.S. HEALTH CARE SYSTEM: AN OVERVIEW, 3 cr. Fall, variable years. This course will offer the student an overview of the health and medical care delivery system in the U.S. Topics covered from a historical, economic, sociological, and policy perspective include the following: social values in health care; need, use, and demand for services; providers of health services (people and places); public and private payment systems; alternative delivery systems; and models from other countries. Current health care reform proposals will also be addressed. HSRA 820 GLOBAL APPLICATIONS IN PUBLIC HEALTH, 3 cr. Fall, variable years. The course provides a survey of the field of global health including the health conditions, resources and programs, and deals with the application of the principles of public health to health problems of countries around the world, and global forces that affect health. Prereq: Permission of instructor. HSRA 830 HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY & BEHAVIOR, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course focuses on introductory level of organizational theory (OT) and organizational behavior (OB) in health services research. Organizational theory is a macro examination of the organizations, focusing on the organization as a unit, and inter-organizational and environmental relationships. Organizational behavior is a micro approach to studying organizations, focusing on individuals in organizations as the unit of analysis. HSRA 841 HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course explores human resources management and workforce planning in healthcare organizations. Students will gain in depth knowledge of the legal environment and major rules and regulations governing recruitment, selection and retention processes, as well as methods and techniques used in job analysis and interviews and organizational development. Another major focus area will be given to health professions workforce planning, succession planning, health safety preparedness, global issues facing healthcare workforce and future trends affecting human resources in healthcare organizations. The course is intended for 54

56 students who are enrolled in MPH program and students from other graduate degree programs that have an interest in managing human resources in health organizations. Not open to Unclassified Students. HSRA 853 STRATEGIC PLANNING & MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course examines the theory and practice of strategic planning and management in public health, health services, and voluntary health and welfare organizations. Application of specific principles, concepts, and techniques of strategic planning and management for these organizations will be addressed. The roles and responsibilities of public health and health services administrators in developing, implementing, monitoring and revising strategy will also be examined. Prereq: Permission of instructor. HSRA 860 HEALTH ECONOMICS, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course is designed to help students understand how the theories and models of economics can be applied to the study of health and health care. The examination of the markets (demand and supply) for health, health care and health insurance is stressed. In addition, the economic analytic tools such as microeconomic theories and economic evaluation methods will also be reviewed and introduced. The objective of this course is to equip students with the knowledge/tools to examine and analyze the problems/issues of health care from the perspective of economics. Prereq: UNO-ECON 2200 or equivalent. HSRA 867 HEALTH POLICY ANALYSIS & EVALUATION, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course will provide a framework for understanding how to analyze and evaluate the impact of health policies in public health and health care settings. Topics include structuring policy problems, gathering data for policy analysis, monitoring and evaluating policy performance, and communicating the results of policy analysis. Prereq: HSRA 874 and HPRO 830. HSRA 870 PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATICS, 3 cr. Summer, annually. (Cross-listed as CPH 575; BMI 870). Students will be oriented to the field of public health informatics and will learn how to design, develop and evaluate informatics-enabled interventions to improve population health outcomes in diverse settings. HSRA 872 HEALTH CARE FINANCE, 3 cr. Fall, annually. Health care finance represents an analysis of health care concepts, issues and trends from a health care and an organizational perspective. Application of specific principles, concepts, and techniques of financial management to health care systems will be addressed. Examination of the role and responsibilities of health care administrators in relation to financial management will also be explored. HSRA 873 HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, 3 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. An introduction to the management of health services organizations and systems in the United States. Specifically, this course will introduce students to the types of health services organizations and health systems in the United States, the context surrounding the administration of these organizations and delivery of health care services, and the skills needed to manage a health services organization within this setting. This is a core course in the Master of Public Health Program. HSRA 874 HEALTH POLICY, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course covers the fundamental issue of the health policy process by emphasizing the historical, social, economic, and political environment of contemporary US public health and health care policies. Students are expected to become knowledgeable about policy formation, implementation, modification, and evaluation within public health and health care systems. This course is intended for students who are enrolled in the MPH program and students from other graduate degree programs who have an interest in health policy. HSRA 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS, 1-4 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. This course is for more advanced students who wish to pursue their research interests in selected areas of Medical Humanities. HSRA 897 SERVICE LEARNING FOR MPH STUDENTS, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. A practicum course providing students with a community-based experience providing firsthand, scholarly, supervised experience in a practice setting. This course constitutes one-half (3 semester hours) of the six semester hour service-learning/capstone culminating experience required of all Master of Public Health students. The course is intended for MPH students only. Prereq: Completion of all core and concentration MPH requirements; permission of instructor. HSRA 898 MPH CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. The purpose of this course is to implement a capstone project proposal that clearly demonstrates integrated and applied knowledge, principles, and skills acquired through classroom instruction. Projects must demonstrate the development, enhancement, and application of core public health competencies in the MPH program competency domains. This course fulfills three semester hours of the six credithour requirement for MPH Service-Learning/Capstone Experience. It also fulfills the requirement of 150 contact hours generally spent working on the research and paper. Prereq: Completion of all MPH core and concentration course work; permission of instructor. HSRA 920 QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, 3 cr. Spring, variable years. This course is designed to equip students with in-depth understanding of theories and applications of some more advanced quantitative methods to conduct 55

57 independent health services research. The course emphasizes the application of quantitative methods to answer causal questions using observational data. Prereq: BIOS 806 or equivalent; BIOS 808 or equivalent. HSRA 930 DESIGN OF HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, 3 cr. Spring, variable years. An overview of health services research design and methods. The course focuses on the logic of causal inference, the formulation of testable hypotheses and the design of methods and measures to facilitate the study of questions in health services research. Prereq: BIOS 808; permission of instructor. HSRA 940 INTEGRATED SEMINAR IN ECONOMICS & HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, 3 cr. Spring, variable years. This doctoral seminar course emphasizes the application of economics to the study of health services and health policy. This course is a doctoral seminar course for the PhD program in Health Services Research, Administration, and Policy. This course is also expected to be useful for health professionals or students of other PhD programs on campus who seek an in-depth understanding of the application of economics to health services research and policy analysis. Prereq: HSRA 860; permission of instructor. HSRA 950 MEDICAL GEOGRAPHY & SPATIAL METHODS IN HEALTH SERVICES, 3 cr. Fall, variable years. The course provides theoretical and analytical aspects of medical geography, spatial analysis, and geographic information systems (GIS) in health services. It examines the role of geographic contexts in shaping health outcomes and how location contexts shape the health of residents. Prereq: BIOS 808 or equivalent; an introductory course in GIS or 1 cr. short course on GIS for public health (requires approval by the instructor); permission of instructor. HSRA 960 SEMINAR IN HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION, 3cr. Fall, annually. This course will provide graduate students with indepth study of organizational theory and behavior in health care organizations. It will prepare students to articulate, analyze and interpret health care organizations and the theories that underlie their structure and development. It focuses on historical, current and future perspectives of organizational theory and behavior and their role in the successful delivery of health care. Prereq: PA 8090 (UNO); permission of instructor. HSRA 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, variable years. Prereq: permission of instructor. HSRA 980 SEMINAR IN HEALTH POLICY, 3 cr. Spring, variable years. An in-depth examination of the formation and implementation of health policy in the United States, including comparisons to policy formation and implementation in other developed nations. The course includes both seminar sessions and independent research activities. Graduate students will complete research projects analyzing a particular policy or implementation question. Prereq: HSRA 874 or equivalent; permission of instructor. HSRA 996 DIRECTED READING AND RESEARCH, 1-9 cr. Variable. This course is specific to doctoral level work in the College of Public Health. Content of this independent study may include research other than dissertation, directed readings, and other study of a doctoral level all under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. Prereq: Doctoral student status and program permission. HSRA 998 SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-4 cr. Fall/Spring, variable years. A course focusing on selected topics or problems. The subject will be dependent on student demand and availability of staff. Prereq: permission of instructor. HSRA 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area Graduate Program The Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area is intended for those who wish to pursue individually designed programs of an interdisciplinary nature within the medical sciences leading to the Master of Science and/or the Doctor of Philosophy degree. For example, individual programs of study may be developed in the following research areas: immunology, drug metabolism, human genetics, neurological sciences, oral biology, health services research, and others. MSIA Sub-Plans: Clinical and Translational Research; Cytotechnology; Emergency Medicine; Family Medicine; Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy; Internal Medicine; Medical Nutrition; Munroe-Meyer Institute and Behavior Analysis; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Oral Biology; Orthopedic Surgery; Pathology & Microbiology; Pediatrics; Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience; Physical Therapy Education; Preventive and Societal Medicine; Psychiatry; Radiology; and Surgery. Graduate Committee Co-Chairs & Graduate Program Directors: Dr. Laura Bilek (Physical Therapy Education, SAHP) and Dr. David Shaw (Oral Biology, COD) Members: 56

58 Dr. Iqbal Ahmad (Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences); Dr. Keshore Bidasee (Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience); Dr. Michael D. Boska (Radiology); Dr. Carol Casey (Internal Medicine); Dr. John S. Davis (Obstetrics & Gynecology); Dr. Amber Donnelly (Cytotechnology); Dr. Joe Evans (Pediatrics); Dr. Jeanne Geske (Family Medicine); Dr. Karen Gould (Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy); Dr. Hani Haider (Orthopedic Surgery); Dr. Corrine Hanson (Medical Nutrition); Dr. Lani Zimmerman (Clinical & Translational Research); Dr. James McClay (Emergency Medicine); Dr. Dennis P. McNeilly (Psychiatry); Dr. Joseph Siu (Physical Therapy Education); Dr. Iraklis Pipinos (Surgery); Dr. Eleanor Rogan (Preventative & Societal Medicine); Dr. Rakesh Singh (Pathology & Microbiology); Dr. Wayne Stuberg (MMI); and Dr. Valerie Volkert (MMI - -Applied Behavior Analysis). Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Admission In addition to the general requirements governing admission to the Graduate College, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. Individuals who have completed the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), or the Veterinary Aptitude Test (VAT) may substitute these tests for the GRE. Scores on the GRE, DAT, MCAT, and VAT serve as general guidelines for admission. Master of Science degree The Master of Science degree in the Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area may be earned only under the Thesis Option. Doctor of Philosophy degree Please see the document entitled "Procedures Governing the Admission and Progress of Students in the Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area Graduate Program." Course offerings in the Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area (MSIA) MSIA 899 MASTER S THESIS MSIA 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. This seminar allows a unique seminar plan to be generated for each student regarding attendance and presentation. The plan will include attendance and presentation at research seminars in your home department and across campus and participation in journal clubs. Prereq: enrolled in MSIA graduate program or by permission. MSIA 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION Course Offerings in Clinical & Translational Research (CTR)* CTR 901 SEMINAR IN CLINICAL TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH GRANTSMANSHIP I, 2 cr. Fall, annually. This course is designed to understand the concepts and guidelines involved in the writing of clinical and translational research grant applications. Emphasis will be given to learning the art and science of grant writing using the NIH format. Detailed discussions of sample funded K, R21, and R01 grants will be performed. Elements of NIH grant applications will be discussed from research strategy, subject recruitment, IRB regulations, and budget. Prereq: Bachelor s degree in health sciences, basic statistics knowledge, and permission of instructor. CTR 903 MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM BUILDING AND CONCEPT BUILDING, 2 cr. Spring, annually. This seminar introduces the scholars to the need for multidisciplinary team building and various multidisciplinary conceptual models used in behavioral science, information and communication theories, and assessment of the quality of health care. The Scholars are asked to build an investigative team that fits their planned studies, while critically understanding the roles, skills, and contributions of each member of the team to complete a study. Prereq: BIOS 806, CTR 901 or permission of instructor. CTR 914 MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC ILLNESSES, 3 cr. Fall. Chronic illness is the major health problem today, and requires interdisciplinary teams to prevent and manage such illnesses. This course will focus on chronic disease frameworks and models and research methods to prepare for a program of research that addresses the management of chronic illnesses. Concepts such as healthy lifestyle behaviors, adherence to medical regimen, patient activation to adhere to therapeutic regimen, patient and family resilience, caregiving, risk, vulnerability and disability, symptom management, economic considerations, and planning for the future. Prereq: Multivariate statistics or permission of instructor. CTR 923 RURAL HEALTH RESEARCH: CONSIDERATIONS & IMPLICATIONS, 3 cr. Spring, biennially. This course focuses on understanding the issues to conducting research in rural and disparate populations. Emphasis is placed on content related to challenges and disparities in rural health, health care access and health care policy, and strategies for conducting research such as the use of technology, considerations of the environment and community needs. Legal, ethical, political and economic indications for research in rural areas will be discussed. Prereq: multivariate statistics or permission of instructor.

59 CTR 928 TRANSLATIONAL & INTERDISCIPLINARY OUTCOMES RESEARCH, 3 cr. Spring, Summer, Fall, annually. This course focuses on outcomes: measurement, management, and evaluation of health care outcomes and translational research as a process that drives the clinical research engine. The Medical Outcomes Study conceptual framework (Structure of Care, Process of Care, and Outcomes) with an emphasis on the broad categories of outcome types: clinical end points, functional status, general well-being, satisfaction with care, and economic evaluations will be employed. Different translational approaches will be discussed T1-T4 (with an emphasis on T2-T4) along with common and unique research methods used. Legal, ethical, political and economic implications for practice and research will be discussed. Prereq: multivariate statistics or permission of the instructor. CTR 998 SPECIAL TOPICS: SEMINARS IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDY CONCEPTS, 1-2 cr. Fall, annually. Course Offerings in Cytology (CYTO) CYTO 801 INTRO TO CYTOTECHNOLOGY & CYTOPREPARATION, 1 cr. Fall, Spring, Summer. The course introduces the goals of cytotechnology and the goals of cytotechnology and the science of cytology with emphasis on the principles of microscopy and cytopreparation. Permission of instructor required. CYTO 802 CYTOLOGY OF THE FEMALE GENITAL TRACT, 4 cr. Fall. The course covers basic histology, cell biology and possible pathologic change in the female genital tract including identification of normal and infections agent, non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions. Permission of instructor required. CYTO 803 CYTOLOGY OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT, 2 cr. Fall. The course covers the cytology of cells of the human respiratory tract. It includes the study of all collection methods as well as the cytology and pathology of normal, infectious, nonneoplastic non-infectious and malignant conditions of the lung. Permission of instructor required. CYTO 804 CYTOLOGY OF THE URINARY TRACT, 1 cr. Fall, on demand. This course presents the cytology of benign disorders, infections, malignancies and therapeutic effects as seen in the urinary tract. Prereq: Admission to the Cytotechnology program and permission of instructor. CYTO 805 CYTOLOGY OF BODILY FLUIDS & CEREBROSPINAL FLUID, 1 cr. Fall, on demand. This course covers the cytologic evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid and pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and pelvic washing fluids. The student will be able to identify normal cells and cellular markers of infectious diseases, benign conditions, and malignancies associated with these body fluids. Prereq: Admission to the Cytotechnology program and permission of instructor. CYTO 810 CYTOLOGY OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT, 1 cr. Spring, on demand. This course prepares the student in the collection and evaluation of scrapings, brushing, and washings from the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, and rectum. This student will be able to identify normal cells, non-cellular material and the cytologic markers of infections, benign conditions, and malignancies of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Prereq: Admission into the Cytotechnology program and permission of instructor. CYTO 811 FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION, 3 cr. Spring, on demand. This course is designed to familiarize the student with the collection of cellular specimens using find need aspiration (FNA) from a variety of body sites. During this course the student will develop the skill to interpret FNA specimens obtained from the breast, thyroid, salivary gland, lymph nodes, soft tissue, bone, mediastinum, liver, pancreas, kidney, adrenal gland and all metastatic tumors. Prereq: Admission into the Cytotechnology program and permission of instructor. CYTO 812 IMMUNOCYTOCHEMISTRY, 1 cr. Spring, on demand. Immunocytochemistry is a staining technique used to demonstrate cellular antigens. It is used as an adjunctive test to the standard morphology of cells. During this course, students will learn the principle of staining process, as well as its utility and appropriateness. The staining procedure will be observed and performed, and the students will learn to interpret the staining results. Prereq: Admission into the Cytotechnology program and permission of instructor. CYTO 813 CYTOLOGY LABORATORY MANAGEMENT, 1 cr. Spring, on demand. This course will introduce students to activities required for the management of a cytopathology laboratory. Of particular emphasis will be the compliance with federal and accrediting agency mandates. This includes quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, procedure manuals, statistics, workload, and accreditation. Other topics discussed will be personnel issues, financial management, and basic principles of clinical investigation. Prereq: Admission to the Cytotechnology program and permission of instructor. Course Offerings in Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy (GCBA) In addition to participating in the MSIA graduate program, Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy has an independent program leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. See Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy Graduate Program for GCBA course offerings. 58

60 Course Offerings in Emergency Medicine (EMED) BMI 850 SPECIAL TOPICS IN CLINICAL INFORMATICS. 3 cr. An in-depth discussion of implementation science and clinical decision support sciences in health informatics. The focus is on the integrative knowledge of theory and applications in clinical informatics. Grading is based on reflections and course project. Course Offerings in Family Medicine (FMED) FMED 850 ACADEMIC MEDICINE THEORY & PRACTICE, 2 cr. Fall, annually. This course will prepare students for successful careers as teachers in academic medicine regardless of specialty by providing learning opportunities in medical education theory and practice. Topics include curriculum development, educational strategies in various learning situations, concepts in assessment, professional development, and education-based scholarly activity. This course complements topics covered in GCBA 806. Prereq: Permission of instructor. FMED 990 FAMILY MEDICINE ACADEMIC PRACTICUM, variable cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. This practicum experience provides learning opportunities for application of educational principles in an academic setting. While supervised by faculty, students will have hands on experiences in medical student and family medicine resident education in the following settings: one-on-one outpatient care, inpatient rounds, small group discussions, and large group lectures. Administrative experiences will also be provided. Prereq: Previous completion or concurrent enrollment in FMED 850 and instructor permission. Courses Offerings in Health Psychology (HPSY) HPSY 835 EXPERIMENTAL & QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIOR, 3 cr. Spring, biennially. A graduate-level introduction to basic behavioral research. This course covers seminal and current research in the experimental and quantitative analysis of behavior and relates this work to research and practice in applied behavior analysis. HPSY 896 DOCTORAL RESEARCH OTHER THAN DISSERTATION, variable cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, on demand. Each doctoral student participates in ongoing research project(s) other than dissertation under the direction of MMI Applied Behavior Analysis faculty. Doctoral students must take at least two semesters and a minimum of 6 credits. HPSY 904 BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY OF PARENT-CHILD INTERACTION TRAINING, 3 cr. Fall, biennially. This course addresses research and conceptual models of behavioral parent training. This course is designed to provide a foundation for trainees interested in the integration of applied behavior analysis and clinical intervention with families using a structured parent training treatment model. HPSY 906 BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY APPLICATION IN SCHOOLS, 3 cr. Spring, biennially. This course provides knowledge of how applied behavior analysis principles and research methods can be employed in academic school settings form preschool to elementary to secondary educations settings. Emphasis will be upon applying Applied Behavior Analysis to address academic and behavior problems in the schools. HPSY 907 COMMUNITY APPLICATIONS OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY, 3 cr. Fall, biennially. This course identifies models of community Applied Behavior Analysis interventions with an emphasis on using the website The Community Tool Box (CTB) to involve individuals and agencies in participatory research into community and public health problems. Prereq: Permission of the instructor. HPSY 908 ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT OF CHILD PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, 3 cr. Fall, biennially. The purpose of this course is to teach students in the Applied Behavior Analysis Program about behaviorally based assessment and therapeutic approaches and techniques that have been empirically supported with children. Course content will focus on the theoretical conceptualization and assessment of clinical problems and the conceptual rationale for selecting and implementing behavior therapy techniques. Students will also have the opportunity to observe and practice specific techniques in clinical settings. HPSY 911 BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY: DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN, 3 cr. Spring, biennially. This course identifies models of development across the life span and provides a basis for understanding use of applied behavior analysis principles. Emphasis is upon exploring various developmental approaches and theories from a behavioral assessment perspective. Prereq: Master s degree (basic coursework in behavior analysis). HPSY 915 BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY, 3 cr. Fall, biennially. A graduate level course that provides the student with an understanding of the interdisciplinary area of behavioral pediatrics, defined as the integration of behavioral science and pediatric medicine to understand and treat behavior associated with medical disorders and problems in pediatric health care. Prereq: This course is at the advanced (900) level with student prerequisites including: a) a Master s degree in a related area, b) graduate coursework in applied behavior analysis at the Master s level, and c) preparation and classes leading to eventual 59

61 certification as a behavior analyst (i.e., BCBA credential). With special permission of the instructor, students from the joint Master s degree program between UNO and MMI may also take this course. HPSY 916 BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY IN AUTISM & RELATED DISORDERS, 3 cr. Spring, biennially. The goals for this course are to: (a) provide a summary of characteristics related to the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), (b) evaluate etiological theories related to an ASD diagnosis, (c) familiarize students with a variety of behaviorally-based treatments that are utilized in the treatment of children with an ASD, (d) evaluate the treatment outcome research, and (e) allow students to demonstrate their ability to write behavioral-acquisition programs for individuals with ASD. HPSY 920 ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT OF SEVERE BEHAVIOR DISORDERS, 3 cr. Fall, biennially. The goals for this course are: (a) to grasp a basic understanding of the etiology of severe behavior disorders, (b) to develop an in-depth evaluation of the primary types of assessment methods used to evaluate the occurrence of severe behavior disorders, and (c) to develop an in-depth understanding of how one identifies empirically derived treatments for severe behavior disorders given the outcome of a behavioral assessment. Prereq: Master s degree (basic coursework in behavior analysis). HPSY 940 ANALYSIS OF VERBAL BEHAVIOR, 3 cr. Fall, biennially. The purpose of this course is to provide an analysis of human language in objective terms. The goals for this course are: (a) to distinguish language from non-language behavior by the way it achieves its effect on the environment, (b) to develop an understanding of elementary verbal relations with some emphasis on motivational variables, (c) to provide a conceptual understanding of a behavioral approach to language, and (d) to develop skills to program curricula for teaching language to individuals with disabilities. HPSY 950 ADVANCED METHODS IN SINGLE CASE RESEARCH, 3 cr. Fall, biennially. The purpose of this course is to provide (1) readings/discussion of tactics of scientific research (e.g., experimental design), (2) readings/discussion of the analysis of behavior within a scientific context, (3) readings/discussion of various discussion and data-based articles and (4) readings/ discussion of empirical applications. The course is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the application of single-subject research design. HPSY 980 PRACTICUM IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, as needed. This course consists of in- depth practical, hands on learning experiences in applied behavior analysis with children, adolescents and families. Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis is taken every semester and involves clinical supervision from an ABA faculty member. Prereq: Master s in related area (graduate coursework in behavior analysis). HPSY 990 INTERNSHIP IN APPLIED BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY, variable cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, as needed. This course is designed to provide training in, and supervised application of, evidence-based behavioral intervention practice, including data-driven decision making and the implementation of empirically-derived behavioral treatment technology. This course is repeated over three (3) semesters and provides supervised application of functional diagnostic and behavioral treatment procedures in Applied Behavioral Psychology at MMI. Students also participate in applied research during their year-long internship sequence. Each student will have two (2) rotations that are supervised by program faculty and will involve either or both program tracks of the ABA program. HPSY 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION, variable cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, as needed. Students must register for this course during the 3 rd year and as needed during the 1 st and 2 nd year. Course Offerings in Internal Medicine (IMED) IMED 840 CLINICAL SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE & FUNCTION, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course will explore and integrate multiple topics in health care information systems history, architecture, function and design in order to create an understanding of the complexities of clinical care systems and prepare the student to create and manage the next generation of clinical information systems. The needs of multiple clinical disciplines will be explored to understand how they can share, communicate and manage patient information using clinical information standards and principles of clinical informatics. Prereq: UNO Information Systems/Quantitative Analysis students will be required to have completed foundation requirements for the M.S. in Management Information Systems; PSM 810 or comparable healthcare experience; clinical applicants from the Colleges of Medicine or Nursing must have completed UNO-ISQA 8050 and CIST 2050 or equivalents; Waiver of these requirements is contingent upon review and permission of instructor. IMED 937 DIABETES MELLITUS, 1 cr. Fall/Spring. Selected topics of interest in diabetes mellitus. The emphasis is investigational. The laboratory emphasis must relate to studies underway in the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism. Prereq: Permission of instructor. IMED 972 MEDICAL SEMINAR, 1 cr. Fall/Spring. Prereq: Permission of instructor. 60

62 Course Offerings in Medical Nutrition (MNED) MNED 875 RESEARCH METHODS IN MEDICAL NUTRITION, 3 cr. Fall, annually. An introduction to the basic components of the medical nutrition research process including formulation of a valid research hypothesis and appropriate research methodology in a clinical practice setting. Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of research methods, enabling them to critically evaluate published research in medical nutrition. Course content includes appropriate procedures for conducting a comprehensive literature review, hypothesis development, study design, and statistical analysis. Students will develop a research proposal and will complete CITI training. Prereq: Permission of instructor. MNED 877 MEDICAL NUTRITION & DIAGNOSIS RELATED CARE, 3 cr. Fall. This course focuses on nutrition care for patients with varied medical diagnoses. Format includes lectures by practicing clinicians and case studies from clinical settings to apply knowledge of nutrition assessment, diagnosis and intervention. Prereq: Permission of instructor. MNED 975 APPLIED MEDICAL NUTRITION RESEARCH II, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course is designed to familiarize students with evidence based research and libraries, provide experiences designed to develop oral presentation and professional writing skills, and provide the experience of conducting medical nutrition research in the clinical setting. Students will obtain IRB approval for their research proposal developed in MNED 875, and execute the research project using appropriate methods, ethical procedures, and statistical analysis. Students will present their findings orally in class and in poster format at the SAHP Forum on Evidence-Based Medicine. Students will be assigned published papers and specific sections of books to read, and websites to visit prior to classes five through seven. The papers will be used as examples of study design. The website provides current information on dietary supplements and their regulation. Prereq: MNED 875 and permission of instructor. MNED 977 MEDICAL NUTRITION & THE NUTRITION CARE PROCESS, 3 cr. Spring. A didactic course designed to analyze nutrition care practice using the American Dietetic Association Nutrition Care Process. Students will engage in application of strategies associated with evidence based practice and outcome measures in the medical nutrition therapy. Prereq: MNED 877 and permission of instructor. MNED 998 SPECIAL TOPICS IN MEDICAL NUTRITION, 1-3 cr. Fall, Spring, Summer. An independent study course that allows students to explore in depth a specific topic not offered in existing curriculum. Topics may include an evidence for specific nutrition therapy or other medical nutrition issues. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Courses Offered by the Monroe Meyer Institute (MMI) MMI 901 DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, 3 cr. Fall, biennially. An introduction to the fundamental mechanisms underlying neural development with an understanding that the brain continues to develop throughout life. The course is also designed to promote the abilities of students to critique research in the area of developmental neurobiology. Prereq: Permission of instructor. MMI 902 INFANT DEVELOPMENT, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, on demand. This course focuses on the developmental time period of infancy, with a critical review of research examining selected aspects of motor behavior, perception, cognition, language, emotion and social relationships. Theoretical issues considered will be the interaction of all of the above, embodied cognition, continuity and discontinuity in development, systems theory, and individual differences affecting the developmental trajectory. Conditions that put infants at risk for poor development will also be considered including prematurity, early medical complications, early experience and sensitive periods for development of different systems. Research design methods will be discussed in the context of examining change over time and intra- and inter-individual differences. Prereq: Permission of instructor. MMI 903 CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS & GAIT, variable cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, on demand. This course is designed to teach clinical gait analysis to health care providers and graduate students interested in research related to clinical gait disorders. The mechanics of gait including kinematics, kinetics and use of electromyography are covered along with clinical biomechanics to gait analysis. Prereq: CBA 571, PHYS 606, PE 4630 or equivalent & permission of instructor. MMI 911 HUMAN GENETICS & CYTOGENETICS PRINCIPLES, 2 cr. Fall, annually (5 student enrollment required for the course to be taught). (Cross-listed as PEDS 911). Human genetics principles, etiologies of disease, genetic syndromes, counseling issues, population genetics and ethical considerations in genetics. Prereq: Bachelor s or Master s degree in a biological or related field, and permission of instructor. MMI 912 HUMAN CYTOGENETICS LABORATORY, 2 cr. Fall, annually (5 student enrollment required for the course to be taught). (Cross-listed as PEDS 912). Development of research tools in human genetics. Includes culture of peripheral blood and human chromosome methodology, analysis and identification. Prereq: PEDS 911 (or concurrent), a Bachelor s or Master s degree in a biological or related field, and permission of instructor. 61

63 MMI 917 HUMAN MOVEMENT VARIABILITY, 3 cr. Variably Offered. Variability measures are rapidly becoming a valuable research tool for understanding neuromuscular control and health of the neuromuscular system. In this course, the student will develop the necessary scientific background to understand the current theoretical perspectives on the variations the are present in human movement and how to properly measure. Prereq: MMI 903 or permission of instructor. Course Offerings in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGY) The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology participates in the MSIA Graduate Program, but does not offer any graduate courses. Course Offerings in Oral Biology (OBIO) OBIO 803 BIOSTATISTICS, 3 cr. Spring, even years. Fundamental concepts of statistical inference for application to the planning and executing of scientific studies in biomedical, translational, and clinic research. Prereq: Permission of instructor. OBIO 818 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY, 5 cr. Spring, annually. An in-depth survey of the physiology of cells and organ systems, including cell membrane, neural, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, and endocrine physiology. Topics are presented to provide a basis for understanding normal function in the human, with an emphasis on the oral cavity. Prereq: Permission of instructor. OBIO 840/841 CRANIOFACIAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT I/II, 1 cr. each. Fall/Spring, annually. A lecture and seminar study of prenatal and postnatal growth and development of the head with special emphasis on osteology, prenatal and postnatal factors influencing growth, and clinical management of craniofacial growth disorders. Prereq: Permission of instructor. OBIO 849/850 BIOPHYSICAL PRINCIPLES I/II, 1 cr. each. Fall/Spring, annually. The study of the construction, application, and operations of orthodontic appliances with special consideration given to the physiological reaction of oral and dental tissues to the forces involved. Prereq: Permission of instructor. OBIO 851 ADVANCED DENTAL BIOMATERIALS, 3 cr. Spring, even years. Advanced topics in biomaterials science and their application to clinical dentistry and dental specialty practice. Topics include Hooke s Law, viscoelasticity, structure-property relationships of biological materials, failure and strengthening mechanisms of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites and elastomers. Prereq: Permission of instructor. OBIO 855 ADVANCED ORAL BIOLOGY, 3 cr. Fall, even years. A didactic study of the development, molecular and cell biology, histology and physiology of orofacial structures. Oral microbial ecology and resultant diseases, dental asepsis and OSHA are also discussed. Prereq: Permission of instructor. OBIO 860 ADVANCED ANATOMY, 2 cr. Fall, annually. Studies of general and special gross anatomy, embryology and neuroanatomy of the human body with emphasis on the head and neck. Lecture/lab, as arranged. Prereq: Permission of instructor. OBIO 862 ADVANCED DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY, 1 cr. Spring, odd yrs. A didactic study of the pharmacological principles of drug action at the cellular and organ levels. Emphasis is placed on drugs utilized in dentistry. Prereq: Permission of instructor. OBIO 866 IMMUNOLOGY & MICROBIOLOGY OF ORAL INFECTIOUS DISEASE, 3 cr. Fall, odd years. A study of the immune system, secretory immunology, immunopathology, and resistance mechanisms of the human body. Pathogenic microbes related to oral diseases and dental asepsis, their pathogenesis and epidemiology are discussed. Prereq: Permission of instructor. OBIO 870/871 ADVANCED PERIODONTOLOGY I/II, 2 cr. each. Fall/Spring, annually. The study of etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases. Prereq: Permission of instructor. OBIO 895 ADVANCED ORAL PATHOLOGY, 2 cr. Fall, annually. Common oral lesions resulting from developmental, inflammatory, metabolic and neoplastic changes. Prereq: Permission of instructor. OBIO 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. Spring, annually. Student-led discussions of their own research and/or analysis of recent publications in the biomedical sciences. OBIO 992 SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, on demand. Course offerings in Orthopedic Surgery (ORTH) The Department of Orthopedic Surgery participates in the MSIA Graduate Program, but does not offer any graduate courses. Course Offerings in Pediatrics (PEDS) 62

64 PEDS 896 RESEARCH IN PEDIATRICS, variable cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. PEDS 911 HUMAN GENETICS & CYTOGENETICS PRINCIPLES, 2 cr. Fall, annually (5 student enrollment required for the course to be taught). (Cross-listed as MMI 911). Human genetics principles, etiologies of disease, genetic syndromes, counseling issues, population genetics and ethical considerations in genetics. Prereq: Bachelor s or Master s degree in a biological or related field, and permission of instructor. PEDS 912 HUMAN CYTOGENETICS LABORATORY, 2 cr. Fall, annually (5 student enrollment required for the course to be taught). (Cross-listed as MMI 912). Development of research tools in human genetics. Includes culture of peripheral blood and human chromosome methodology, analysis and identification. Prereq: PEDS 911 (or concurrent), a Bachelor s or Master s degree in a biological or related field, and permission of instructor. PEDS 913 ADVANCED GENERAL PEDIATRICS, 3-11 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. In depth study in any of the pediatric subspecialties. May include lectures, conferences, readings, or research. Prereq: permission of instructor. PEDS 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. Course Offerings in Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience (PHAR) In addition to participating in the MSIA graduate program, Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience has an independent program leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. See Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience Graduate Program for PHAR course offerings. Course Offerings in Physical Therapy Education (PHYT) PHYT 942 SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-6 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. A directed independent study graduate course designed to address a specific and limited area of content in depth. The course is not intended for students who desire an overview or global content course. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHYT 943 LABORATORY PRACTICUM, 2-6 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, on demand. Students devise and execute a research project with emphasis on developing proficiency in data collection and data analysis pertinent to the study of motor control or physical activity. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Course Offerings in Psychiatry (PSYC) The Department of Psychiatry participates in the MSIA Graduate Program, but does not offer any graduate courses. Course Offerings in Radiology (RADI) RADI 850 INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & IMAGE ANALYSIS, 3 cr. Fall, annually. The principles and applications of biomedical imaging and image analysis technologies employed in current biomedical research. The first part of the course will provide the students the underlying principles of biomedical imaging including the basic physics and mathematics associated with each modality including X- ray CT, SPECT, PET, and MRI. The second part of the course provides the descriptions of the methods currently being used for biomedical image processing and analysis. Concepts of digital images and image enhancement are first introduced. Advanced image analysis technologies such as image segmentation, registration and morphological analysis will then be described. Prereq: An undergraduate or graduate level course in physics or mathematics, an undergraduate or graduate level course in mammal anatomy or physiology, and permission of instructor. Course Offerings in Surgery (SURG) The Department of Surgery participates in the MSIA Graduate Program, but does not offer any graduate courses. Nursing Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Ann Berger (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. Sue Barnason (ex officio); Dr. Marlene Cohen (ex officio); Dr. Karen Grigsby (ex officio); Dr. Juliann Sebastian (ex officio); Dr. Bunny Pozehl (elected); Dr. Carol Pullen (elected); Dr. Kathy Kaiser (elected); Dr. Karen Schumacher (elected); Dr. Paula Schulz (elected) and 1 student member to be appointed each academic year. 63

65 The College of Nursing offers a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy. Graduate level nursing courses are offered by the Graduate Faculty at the College of Nursing. Graduate level cognate courses in the basic, behavioral and social sciences may be taken at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, or the Medical Center, or from any other accredited graduate program. Programs of study are planned with the major advisor (Supervisor) after acceptance into the graduate program. Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Purpose Doctoral education in nursing prepares nurses for leadership roles in the development and application of nursing knowledge in the health care system. The PhD program prepares nurse scientists to discover knowledge to improve health. Nurse scientists improve the health of human beings through the development, testing, and dissemination of nursing science. All nurses should be prepared to understand and work to promote well-being and ameliorate health care problems within their scope of practice at local, state, national, and global levels. Outcomes The doctoral program prepares beginning nurse scientists who are recognized for their focused area of expertise and who receive this recognition based on the following: Essential Competencies for a PhD Program UNMC Ph.D. in Nursing Program Competencies Master in-depth theoretical and research knowledge in an area of emphasis. Generate and test knowledge for patient care, health systems, or nursing education. Collaborate with interdisciplinary colleagues to conduct team science. Utilize professional judgment in the conduct of research with regard to legal, ethical, political, cultural, and economic implications. Analyze the evolution of nursing science and the implications for the roles and responsibilities of nurse scholars. Demonstrate leadership in education, professional organizations, and various professional and public groups. Communicate research findings, as well as their implications for policy, nursing practice, and the profession, to lay and professional audiences Essential Attributes of Nurse Scholars Demonstrates high ethical standards and behavior Examines alternative ethical stances to arrive at reasoned choices in the research process Recognizes personal strengths and areas that need improvement Seeks and uses feedback on ideas and oral/written communication skills consistent with scholarly work Demonstrates respect for alternative perspectives Recognizes limits of own knowledge and seeks life-long learning Develops negotiation skills or conflict management skills Demonstrates mentor/mentee role skills Competencies: Defines and analyzes health and/or health-related concepts as the phenomenon of concern for nursing science and for own research focus. Defines and analyzes problems in nursing education and/or practice that require development of new knowledge and application of research findings Leads discussions pertinent to knowledge in a focus area Evaluates potential sources of funding in focus area Demonstrates collaborative skills required to build and work in a multidisciplinary research team Develops and presents a convincing written and oral argument that supports the dissertation topic and method of choice for extending knowledge Articulates national priorities in focus area Identifies unique contributions of nursing knowledge to the interdisciplinary enterprise of the student s own research focus area Develops a personal identity as a nurse scholar Demonstrates and maintains skill in use of emerging technology for education and research Explores social, legal, ethical, political, environmental and economic context within which research is conducted 64

66 Discusses a futuristic perspective of the discipline and takes risks to move the discipline forward Uses effective collaboration skills to develop projects within an interdisciplinary context Represents nursing science in interdisciplinary debates about ethics and social justice issues, e.g., right to health care or universal access Considers societal needs for knowledge pertinent to specified problem within a focus area Engages in inter-professional policy (global, national & state level) discussions that shape the research, education and practice of nursing Explains types of knowledge and methods for knowledge generation and philosophy of science underpinnings Articulates the development of nursing as a scientific discipline Evaluate theories related to individual s focus area Identifies a conceptual framework related to research Develops evidence-based tables to synthesize empirical literature (integrative review) and identify gaps in focus domain of research to build on background knowledge Seeks critical review of work pertinent to synthesis of theory and research in focus area Describes research designs and methods for application to research questions Synthesizes knowledge from psychometric theories and research as it relates to selection of reliable and valid measurement instruments for dissertation Understands how theories are developed, adapted, and utilized in nursing research from other sciences Synthesizes knowledge from cognates to apply to focus domain Demonstrates skill in critiquing literature, manuscripts, proposals, etc. Submits 3 or more articles for publication or prepares dissertation tome and 1 article for publication Establishes and communicates effectively with colleagues to conduct research Demonstrates knowledge of qualitative and quantitative design and analytical methods Gains more in-depth knowledge of methods to apply to research focus (e.g. advanced qualitative or quantitative methods courses) Applies knowledge and skills of both qualitative and quantitative methods to answer research questions Demonstrates ability to logically link a significant researchable problem with a research hypothesis, methods, and application to practice Performs data management and analysis in all research experiences. Conducts own data analysis for dissertation (quantitative or qualitative) Critically analyzes various forms of analytical and empirical methods to generate nursing knowledge and scholarship Explores potential dissemination and adoption of knowledge in clinical practice Critiques scholarly work of others and provides constructive feedback through mock or actual review panels Develops and considers submitting a grant proposal for funding in student s focus area Understands components of grant management Communicates research that advances the body of scientific knowledge through abstracts, manuscripts, and oral or poster presentations at professional meetings Interprets research findings from the dissertation appropriately for application to practice and policy Attends and constructively participates in professional conferences and organizations Communicates research findings to the public and those who set policy Develops a career transition plan (including career goals and developmental action plan) that demonstrates an understanding of developing a program of research while balancing organizational responsibilities such as teaching, service, and citizenship / governance) Admission Following receipt of the completed application and a complete set of transcripts from all educational institutions attended, students will be selected from a pool of qualified applicants meeting the requirements established by the Graduate College of the University of Nebraska, as well as the following program-specific requirements: B.S.N. or Master s degree in nursing from an accredited school. Students without a Master s degree in Nursing may be accepted into the B.S.N.-to-Ph.D. program. Necessary Master s course work will be completed under the supervision of the advisor. General congruence between research interests of the applicant with a faculty research advisor, the program s goals, and the resources of the university. Professional accomplishments as evidenced by a biographical sketch including a description of the applicant s goals relative to his/her professional career. A minimum grade point average of 3.2 in the B.S.N. and/or Master s program. 65

67 Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Evidence of capacity for original scholarship and research in nursing. Evidence of the ability to communicate in a scholarly manner both orally and in writing. Participation in an interview with a minimum of two doctoral program faculty members with one of the two faculty being a potential research interest match. Three letters of reference (preferably from persons holding a doctorate): two academic references, preferably one reference focusing on the applicant s research ability, and one professional performance reference. United States citizens, prior to admission to the graduate program, must have successfully passed the NCLEX and be legally licensed to practice nursing in one of the 50 states. Foreign citizens entering the M.S.N.-Ph.D. program will need to successfully pass the NCLEX before being accepted to the program, and be legally licensed to practice nursing in the United States and shall provide evidence that they have the equivalent of a Master s degree in nursing. Exceptions may be made on an individual basis. Foreign citizens entering the B.S.N.-Ph.D. program will be expected to pass the NCLEX as part of their degree program. If applicable, students must meet Registered Nurse Licensure requirements in the particular state/states in which they will be performing data collection. Procedures: 1. The Ph.D. program faculty recommends applicants for admission to the Ph.D. program to the Ph.D. Affairs Council. The Ph.D. Affairs Council then recommends applicants for admission to the Dean for Graduate Studies. The applicant may appeal the recommendation of the Ph.D. Affairs Council according to Graduate College policy as listed in the Graduate College Bulletin. 2. Applications for admission are reviewed by the Ph.D. Program Faculty and the Ph.D. Affairs Council annually in January. 3. Recommendations for admission are made in the spring (usually March). Doctor of Philosophy degree In addition to meeting Graduate College requirements for the Ph.D. degree, completion of NRSG 909, 916, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, 936, 937, 998, and 999 are required. A multivariate statistics course is required. In addition, at least three graduate-level cognates are required to support the student s area of research and career goals. Students must participate in departmental research seminars. Course Offerings in Nursing (NRSG) - Full course descriptions available on College of Nursing website. NRSG 802 NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, 1, 3, or 4 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 602). This course is designed to engage the learner in critically examining the scholarship of nursing. Emphasis is on the description and appraisal of nursing theories, research and other forms of literature as the foundation of evidenced-based advanced nursing practice. Prereq: Graduate Statistics, or permission of instructor. NRSG 803 LEADERSHIP IN NURSING, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 603). This course enhances the development of future nurse leaders capable of improving delivery of care to individuals, families, communities, organizations and health care systems. Students will develop an understanding of professional leadership theories and how these theories can shape the advanced practice leader in the roles of a nurse practitioner, administrator, educator and/or researcher. Special attention will be given to developing skills for effective leadership, for example collaboration, conflict resolution, decision-making, and negotiation. Students explore their personal and professional leadership style and skills and analyze strategies to advance programs and policy to meet the needs of populations. NRSG 804 HEALTH SYSTEMS INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 604). This course is designed to understand the US health care system and to analyze changes within the evolving health care system. Students apply principles of quality improvement as a basis for shaping innovation in healthcare. Group functioning to change healthcare is the major focus. NRSG 805 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES I, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 605). An integrated study of the pathophysiology of disorders seen in primary care settings. Prereq: Course in undergraduate pathophysiology or permission of instructor. NRSG 809 HEALTH PROMOTION FOR POPULATIONS, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 609). This course is designed to examine health promotion and disease prevention interventions. The course provides a foundation for population-based health promotion intervention with an emphasis on theoretical models, intervention strategies and culturally sensitive practice. 66

68 NRSG 814 RESEARCH IN CLINICAL TRAINING, 1-2 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 614). Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to apply new or existing knowledge to improve health care interventions and/or system processes, initiate change, improve clinical practice and/or monitor and evaluate outcomes. Under supervision of graduate faculty, the student engages in an evidence-based application project, and communicates the project in writing and in a scientific forum. Prereq: NRSG 802 and graduate statistics. NRSG 815 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN III: TRANSLATIONAL CARE OF ADULTS WITH CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS, 2 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 615). This is the fourth or five sequential theoretical courses to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to care for adults (adolescent through geriatric) across the lifespan. This course focuses on the role of the APRN in managing adults with chronic, complex health problems and facilitating care transitions across settings. Care transitions span multiple care settings (e.g. hospital to home, hospital to skilled care, and home to long-term care) which necessitate interdisciplinary team interventions and coordination of services to achieve optimal patient/client outcomes. The focus is on empowering the adult to maintain or regain health through the framework of evidence-based care and use of best practices. Prereq: NRSG 818 Coreq: NRSG 823, 824 & 825. NRSG 816 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT, HEALTH PROMOTION AND RISK MANAGEMENT, 1 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 616). This is the first of five sequential theoretical courses to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to care for adults (adolescent through geriatric) across the lifespan in multiple care settings. The focus of this course is to apply adult-gerontology, comprehensive assessment, risk management and health promotion concepts from late adolescence to senescence. In addition, the student will learn to assess risk factors that lead to chronic disease illness, disability and injury. The risk assessment will include functional status, independence, physical and mental status, social roles and relationships, sexual function and wellbeing and economic or financial status. Prereq: NRSG 807 Coreq: NRSG 830, 831, or 832. NRSG 817 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACROSS THE LIFESPAN I: COMMON ADULT HEALTH PROBLEMS, 1 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 617). This is the second of five sequential theoretical courses to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to care for adults (adolescent through geriatric) across the lifespan in multiple care settings. This course will address the theoretical and clinical foundation for evidence based management strategies of adult-gerontology health problems and illnesses. Emphasis is on comprehensive assessment, clinical decision-making and the implementation of scientifically based clinical management plans in collaboration with the healthcare team. The focus is on empowering the adult to maintain or regain health through the framework of evidence-based care and use of best practices. Prereq: NRSG 816 Coreq: NRSG 830, 831 or 832. NRSG 823 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER (NP) II, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 623). This course is the clinical component intended to be taken concurrently with NRSG 815: Adult Gerontology Across the Lifespan III: Translational Care of Adults with Chronic Health Problems. This course will provide the student with clinical experiences to apply the course objectives in the clinical setting. Coreq: NRSG 815. NRSG 824 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER (NP) II, 3 cr. Fall/Spring Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 624). This course is the clinical component intended to be taken concurrently with NRSG 815: Adult Gerontology Across the Lifespan III: Translational Care of Adults with Chronic Health Problems. This course will provide the student with clinical experiences to apply the course objectives in the clinical setting. Coreq: NRSG 815. NRSG 825 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST (CNS) II, 3 cr. Fall/Spring Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 625). This course is the clinical component intended to be taken concurrently with NRSG 815: Adult Gerontology Across the Lifespan III: Translational Care of Adults with Chronic Health Problems. This course will provide the student with clinical experiences to apply the course objectives in the clinical setting. Coreq: NRSG 815. NRSG 830 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER COMPREHENSIVE ASSESMENT PRACTICUM, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 630). This course is the clinical component intended to be taken concurrently with NRSG 816 and NRSG 817. This course will provide the primary care NP student with clinical experiences to apply the course objectives for NRSG 816 and NRSG 817 in the outpatient clinical setting. Coreq: NRSG 816 and NRSG 817. NRSG 831 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER COMPREHENSIVE ASSESMENT PRACTICUM, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 631). This course is the clinical component intended to be taken concurrently with NRSG 816 and NRSG 817. This course will provide the acute care NP student with clinical experiences to apply the course objectives for NRSG 816 and NRSG 817 in the inpatient and specialty care clinical setting. Coreq: NRSG 816 and NRSG 817. NRSG 832 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESMENT PRACTICUM, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 632). This course is the clinical component intended to be taken concurrently with NRSG 816 and NRSG 817. This course will provide the adult-gerontology CNS student with clinical experiences to apply the course objectives for 67

69 NRSG 816 and NRSG 817 to adult-gerontology patients and groups of patients in inpatient and outpatient settings. Coreq: NRSG 816 and NRSG 817. NRSG 834 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ADULT-GERONTOLOGY NURSING, 1-6 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 634). Independent study of selected clinical problems in the area of Adult-Gerontology Nursing. NRSG 837 HEALTH PROMOTION AND ADVANCED CLINICAL SKILLS IN PRIMARY CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES, 5 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 637). Assessment and interventions for risk management, disease prevention and case findings for individuals and families across the lifespan. Prereq: Admission to the Professional Graduate Nursing Program or permission of the instructor. Twelve (12) months of recent full-time clinical experience per CON policy. NRSG 838 PRIMARY HEALTH CARE OF YOUNG FAMILIES, 3-7 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 638). Knowledge and skills for providing primary health care to children and child-rearing families. Prereq: NRSG 837 or permission of instructor. NRSG 842 ADVANCED RURAL HOSPITAL CARE (ARHC) II, 1 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 642). The content in this course will build upon NRSG 841 and focus on additional emergency care and hospital management of acute conditions and exacerbations of chronic conditions. Content is centered on access to care, delivery of evidence based care and coordination of care for the critically injured or ill patient, as well as use of quality indicators in evaluating patient care outcomes. Prereq: NRSG 841. NRSG 843 ADVANCED RURAL HOSPITAL CARE (ARHC) III, 1-6 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 643). This capstone course is in the advanced clinical practice in the rural hospital setting. The emphasis is on evidence-based holistic care in which physical, cultural, economic and legal/ethical focuses and resources of the individual/family/community are applied in case management in the rural hospital setting. Prereq: NRSG 841 and NRSG 842. NRSG 848 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE NURSING, 1-6 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 648). Provides opportunity to explore selected topics or clinical problems related to advanced practice in primary health care nursing in depth. Either independent study involving readings developed in consultation with instructor, or seminar for which topics will vary depending upon the objectives identified by student and faculty. Prereq: Permission of instructor. NRSG 852 ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS, 4 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 652). This course is designed to analyze change within organizational units and to apply knowledge of evidence-based leadership and management practice to improve outcomes at the microsystem level. The course provides a foundation in facilitating change through the measurement, evaluation and improvement of care delivery. Prereq: NRSG 803, NRSG 804 or permission of instructor. NRSG 855 HEALTH CARE ECONOMICS AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 655). Examination of health care economic trends, reimbursement issues, funding sources and related ethical issues. Introduces financial analysis, cost analysis, budgeting, and business planning. Prereq: NRSG 802 and NRSG 804, or permission of instructor. NRSG 856 DEVELOPING SYSTEMS AND INFRASTRUCTURES IN HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS, 5 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 656). Application of leadership and administrative knowledge as they relate to supporting and maintaining the mission of health care organizations, especially at the microsystem and mesosystem levels. Emphasis is on developing leadership skills, analyzing student systems to promote transition and managing units, departments or programs strategically. Prereq: NRSG 802, NRSG 803, NRSG 804, NRSG 851, NRSG 852, NRSG 854, NRSG 855, or permission of instructor. NRSG 859 SPECIAL TOPICS IN NURSING ADMINISTRATION, 1-6 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 659). Independent study course exploring selected topics or clinical problems related to Nursing Administration advanced practice. Seminar or clinical practicum format. Topics will vary. Prereq: Permission of instructor. NRSG 862 COUNSELING MODELS IN ADVANCED PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, 2-3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 662). Application of counseling frameworks in the care of individuals, families, groups and communities representing diversity in culture, lifestyle and values. Emphasizes the counseling role of psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurse (PMHAPN) as well as the concepts underlying nursing s practice of the counseling role, including ethical and legal considerations. Lab focus on the development of individual and group counseling skills for advanced nursing practice. NRSG 864 ADVANCED PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS, 2 or 4 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 664). The advanced nursing role in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of psychiatric mental health problems in childhood and adolescence at the individual, family and community levels. Prereq: NRSG 862 Coreq: NRSG 806, NRSG 865 or permission of instructor. 68

70 NRSG 865 NEUROSCIENCE OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING, 2 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 665). Emphasis on knowledge of neuroanatomy, neuroregulation, psychopharmacological management of psychiatric problems and promotion of well-being across the lifespan. Prereq: NRSG 862 or permission of instructor. NRSG 868 PRACTICUM IN ADVANCED PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, 1-8 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 668). Development of additional clinical skills, including advanced nursing judgment, decision-making skills and leadership. Specific learning objectives and setting(s) determined in consultation with faculty. Prereq: NRSG 806, NRSG 862, NRSG 863, NRSG 864, NRSG 865 or permission of instructor. NRSG 869 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, 1-6 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 669). Opportunity to explore selected topics or clinical problems related to advanced practice in psychiatric mental health nursing in depth. Either independent study involving readings developed in consultation with instructor, or seminar for which topics will vary depending upon the interests of student and faculty. Prereq: Permission of instructor. NRSG 871 PRIMARY CARE AND HEALTH PROMOTION IN CHILDREN S HEALTH, 3-5 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 671). Knowledge and skill in the diagnostic reasoning process for assessing, promoting and maintaining the health of children and the management of common health problems. Clinical-based experiences will provide opportunities for students to develop advanced nurse practice interventions in management, promotion and maintenance of common health problems in children within the family context. NRSG 876 PRIMARY CARE AND HEALTH PROMOTION IN WOMEN S HEALTH, 2-4 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 676). The purpose of this course is to increase knowledge and skill in the diagnostic reasoning process for assessing, promoting and maintaining the health of women and the management of common health problems. Clinical-based experiences will provide opportunities to develop advanced practice interventions in management, promotion and maintenance of common health problems and low risk pregnancy in women. Prereq: NRSG 807 or permission of instructor. NRSG 878 CHRONIC CARE AND HEALTH PROMOTION IN WOMEN, 2-6 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 678). Assessment, diagnosis, and management of maternal and women s health status over time with emphasis on stable chronic healthcare problems. Prereq: NRSG 877 or permission of instructor. NRSG 885 SPECIAL TOPICS IN WOMEN S AND PEDIATRIC NURSING, 1-3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 685). Independent study course in which readings focus on selected concepts or clinical problems that underlie advanced practice in women s and children s health. Prereq: Permission of instructor. NRSG 888 SPECIAL TOPICS (CLINICAL) IN ACUTE CARE NURSING, 1-6 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 688). Provides opportunities for acute care nurse practitioner students to obtain advanced clinical practice to augment basic skills or to explore a specific clinical area in depth. All clinical experiences are under the supervision of masters clinicians. Prereq: Permission of instructor. NRSG 889 SPECIAL TOPICS (CLINICAL) IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE NURSING, 1-6 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 689). Provides opportunities for primary care nurse practitioner students to obtain advanced clinical practice to augment basic skills or to explore a specific clinical area in depth. All clinical experiences are under the supervision of masters clinicians. Prereq: Permission of instructor. NRSG 892 TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 692). Effective classroom and clinical teaching/learning strategies foster sound clinical judgment, safe clinical practice and professional role development. In this course, students will develop theoretically based teaching/earning strategies focused on individual learner needs with the context of the traditional classroom and clinical learning environment. Special attention will be given to the interplay between different learning environments, learner needs and learner evaluation. Through reflective strategies, students will examine nursing behaviors that promote professional role development. Prereq: NRSG 891. NRSG 894 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EDUCATOR ROLE: PRACTICUM, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cross-listed as NRSG 694). Various components of the educator role are implanted under the guidance of a preceptor in an educational setting. Opportunities are provided to utilize teaching and learning strategies, educational research findings and evaluation methods with diverse students. Professional issues such as continuous quality improvement, health care quality and safety, scholarship of teaching and multicultural workforce needs will be incorporated into accompanying modules. Prereq: NRSG 891, NRSG 892 or NRSG 893. NRSG 905 ADVANCED SEMINAR IN NURSING, 2-3 cr. Students focus on selected research problems, methods and/or other specific topic areas. Topics will vary depending upon the needs and interests of students. Prereq: Admission to Ph.D. program in nursing or permission of instructor. 69

71 NRSG 909 HEALTH CARE POLICY, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course provides an in depth look at health policy in the US government system and to the role of research in shaping health policy. Students will critically appraise a policy relevant to an area of research or practice and plan implementation strategies for policy change at the appropriate level of government. Students will develop verbal and written communication skills for effective translation of research and policy implication to lay and professional audiences. Prereq: NRSG 930, NRSG 931, or permission of instructor. NRSG 910 HEALTH-RELATED INSTRUMENT CONSTRUCTION & EVALUATION, 3 cr. Summer, even years. This course provides a knowledge base and experience in the inductive and deductive process for constructing and evaluating instruments to measure psychosocial, behavioral, biophysiological and clinical phenomena. Prereq: Two statistics courses (BIOS 806 or BIOS 808 or two courses that meet requirements of the doctoral program), or permission of instructor. NRSG 914 MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC ILLNESS, 3 cr. Fall/Spring. Chronic Illness is the major health problem today, and requires interdisciplinary teams to prevent and manage such illnesses. The course will focus on chronic disease theories and models and research strategies in order to be prepared for a program of studies that addresses the management of chronic illnesses. Concepts such as adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors, adherence to medical regimens, patient activation to adhere to therapeutic regimen, patient and family resilience; caregiving, risk, vulnerability and disability, symptom management, economic considerations, and planning for the future are examined. Creative and innovative ways to promote patients selfmanage of chronic illnesses will be explored. Prereq: Multivariate statistics or permission of instructor. NRSG 916 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING SCIENCE, 1-6 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. Prereq: Admission to Ph.D. program or permission of instructor. NRSG 917 STATE OF THE SCIENCE, 1-3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. The content of this course will focus on the student preparing a draft of a manuscript (intended for submission at a later date) that synthesizes the State of the Science knowledge regarding a specific topic. The student and faculty member will sign a contract that lists specific objectives of the course, timeline for the semester, and detailed expected outcomes. Prereq: Admission to Ph.D. program. NRSG 918 SPECIAL TOPICS IN HEALTH ISSUES, 1-3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. The content of this course will be communicated through a contract signed by the student and faculty member that lists specific objectives of the course, timeline for the semester, and detailed expected outcomes. Each time this course is offered it will focus, in detail and in depth, on some aspect of health research. Prereq: Admission to the Ph.D. program. NRSG 923 RURAL HEALTH RESEARCH: CONSIDERATIONS & IMPLICATIONS, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer. This course focuses on understanding the issues to conducting research in rural and disparate populations. Emphasizing content related to challenges and disparities in rural health, health care access and health care policy, and strategies for conducting research such as the use of technology, considerations of the environment and community needs. Legal, ethical, political and economic indications for research in rural areas will be discussed. Prereq: Multivariate statistics or permission of instructor. NRSG 928 TRANSLATIONAL & INTERDISCIPLINARY OUTCOMES RESEARCH, 3 cr. Fall, odd years. This course focuses on outcomes: measurement, management, and evaluation of health care outcomes and translational research as a process that drives the clinical research engine. The Medical Outcomes Study conceptual framework (Structure of Care, Process of Care, and Outcomes) with an emphasis on the broad categories of outcome types: clinical end points, functional status, general wellbeing, satisfaction with care, and economic evaluations will be employed. Different translational approaches will be discussed T1-T4 (with an emphasis on T2-T4) along with common and unique research methods used. Legal, ethical, political and economic implications for practice and research will be discussed. Prereq: Multivariate statistics or permission of the instructor. NRSG 930 SOCIALIZATION TO THE SCHOLARLY ROLE, 3 cr. Summer, annually. Doctoral graduates are poised to assume critical leadership roles in academia, the health care system, and/or other entities. Future roles of nurse educators, scholars, and scientists are explored. Strategies for promoting the student s own professional development and success as a doctoral student are examined. Students develop an understanding of scholarship including discovery, application, integration, and teaching. Students engage in processes to explore and develop their research focus. Prereq: Admission to the Ph.D. program or permission of instructor. NRSG 931 TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP, 3 cr. Summer, annually. This doctoral course introduces the PhD and DNP students to the concepts and principles of transformational leadership within the healthcare context, and focuses on developing bold ideas, new behaviors, and new vulnerabilities with increasing interconnectedness and complexity in order to achieve new results. Leaders are challenged to implement and sustain organizational and information change to support the healing and caring that lead to lasting change. The three major constructs of transformational leadership include: Self transformation, Patient centered transformation, Health systems transformation. Prereq: Admission to the Ph.D. program or permission of instructor. 70

72 NRSG 932 PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING SCIENCE, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course explores nursing science in the context of classic and contemporary ideas in philosophy of science. Perspectives on scientific progress and the growth of nursing as a scientific discipline are analyzed and applied to the students research interests. Integrative and translational frameworks for the future are analyzed. Prereq: Admission to the Ph.D. program or permission of instructor. NRSG 933 THEORY DEVELOPMENT IN NURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES, 3 cr. Fall, annually. This course provides students with opportunities to critically review theory development in nursing and examine how theories are adapted from other sciences. Students learn how to critically analyze key concepts and substruct selected theories related to their research focus. Students learn to synthesize the literature related to the selected concepts to identify relationships between concepts and gaps in knowledge. The course culminates in students creating a beginning conceptual framework OR adaptation of an established conceptual framework. Prereq: Admission to the Ph.D. program or permission of instructor. NRSG 934 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course introduces students to philosophic foundations of qualitative research and principals of research designs and methods. Students will critically appraise qualitative studies in their own area of research and apply course content by analyzing a small data set. Prereq: Admission to the Ph.D. program or permission of instruction. NRSG 935 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS, 3 cr. Spring, annually. This course focuses on experimental and nonexperimental designs applicable to the investigation of nursing research questions. The focus of the course is aims/hypothesis development, sampling, methods of data collection, reliability and validity of measurement, data analysis, and critique of these elements in published research. Laboratories focus on selected analytic skills and quantitative research techniques. Pre or Co-req: ANOVA and regression statistical coursework. NRSG 936 RESEARCH PRACTICUM, 3 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. This course extends the content and experience of the previous research courses. The student will work closely with a faculty member to use the student s science- based model to prepare and/or pilot one or more aspects of the methods for the proposed dissertation research. The practice experience includes the conduct of pilot research with the population and environment of interest. Prereq: NRSG 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, & 935; or permission of instructor. NRSG 937 PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT & GRANT ADMINISTRATION, 3 cr. fall, annually. This course focuses on essential aspects of the development of a grant proposal, including analyzing appropriate funding sources, proposal writing and critiquing, and administering funded proposals. Learning Scientific Writing classes will assist students in writing and components of the research plan. Pre- or co-req: NRSG 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935; or permission of the instructor. NRSG 998 DOCTORAL SEMINAR, 1 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. Students actively participate in seminar discussion in the area of their dissertation research, including but not limited to application of research conceptualization and methods, synthesis of work from prior course. Prereq: Doctoral students must enroll in this course each semester between completion of all core courses and successful dissertation defense. NRSG 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION, 1-9 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. Independent student research directly related to dissertation. This course may be utilized before or after successful completion of the comprehensive exam. Prereq: Doctoral students must enroll in this course each semester between completion of all core courses and successful dissertation defense. A minimum 15 credits of this course required for graduation. Pathology and Microbiology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Rakesh Singh (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. Nora Chapman; Dr. Paul Fey; Dr. Kai Fu; Dr. Tammy Kielian Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Admission An applicant may apply to either the Master of Science degree program or the Doctor of Philosophy degree program. For admission to the program, the applicant should have a Bachelor s degree in Science with a broad background in biological sciences, including courses in organic and quantitative chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, and physics. The applicant must present an academic record and background that are acceptable to the Pathology & Microbiology Graduate Committee. To be acceptable, the record and background must include the following or their equivalent: Baccalaureate degree with a major in biological or physical sciences One academic year of general physics 71

73 Two academic years of chemistry, including organic chemistry Twelve semester credit hours in biological sciences Three semester credit hours of calculus Applicants who are deficient in one or two of the course requirements for admission, but who are otherwise well qualified, may be admitted on the provision that deficiencies are removed prior to admission to candidacy. All application materials required by the Graduate Studies Office must be supplied before action can be taken on a candidate s application. Written letters of recommendation and personal motivation as judged by the student s personal statement influence evaluating the potential and ability of the applicant to complete a rigorous course of advanced and original studies in a field of modern biology. If it is considered appropriate and necessary to the evaluative process, the applicant will be invited for an interview. For favorable consideration by the Pathology & Microbiology Graduate Committee, it is strongly recommended that the applicant s grade point average be at the level of B or higher. Ph.D. applicants must take the GRE examination and score above the 40th percentile. Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees A series of core courses must be completed by all M.S. and Ph.D. students enrolled in the PAMM graduate program. These courses are in the biomedical research training program (BRTP) series and in the pathology and microbiology (PAMM) series. Graduate students are required to actively participate in several seminar series within the department throughout their educational career within the department. Further, all graduate students in pathology and microbiology are required to attend the UNMC seminar series on matters of ethics related to research at least once during their program. Course Offerings in Pathology and Microbiology (PAMM) PAMM 830 CLINICAL LABORATORY MANAGEMENT I, 3 cr. Fall, annually. An introduction to the theory, practical application and evaluation of laboratory management principles in health care and laboratory information systems, research, educational methodology, quality control, ethics, laboratory operations, and laboratory accreditation standards. Opportunities for building critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, professionalism, research, management, and leadership skills are provided. Prereq: Enrolled in MS in PAMM Program focused on CLS training, and permission of instructor. PAMM 857 MEDICAL IMMUNOLOGY, 2 cr. Fall, annually. A study of the basic concepts and mechanisms of modern immunology with discussion of the applications of these principles to the study of diseases. PAMM 871 ANTIBIOTICS: MECHANISMS OF ACTION & RESISTANCE, 3 cr. Spring, variable years. This course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of how antibiotics inhibit growth in bacterial cells. Genetics of the mechanisms of resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics within both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria will be covered extensively. In addition, pros and cons of various antimicrobial-resistance testing methodologies will be assessed and discussed. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Prior completion of PAMM 898 is suggested. PAMM 873 INTRODUCTION TO GENETIC SEQUENCE ANALYSIS, 2 cr. Spring. Fundamentals of using online search techniques for the analysis of genetic sequence databases. The course will be taught in UNMC computer clusters by lecture and by the completion of assignments using computer programs available on campus. Programming experience is not required. Prereq: Introduction to Computational Molecular Biology, undergraduate course in biochemistry or molecular biology, or permission of instructor. PAMM 890 THE MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF VIRUSES, 3 cr. Fall, variable years. The principles of molecular biology and their application to the study of virology will be presented. The contributions of virology to the understanding of general mechanisms of pathogenesis will be discussed. PAMM 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS, variable cr. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PAMM 898 BACTERIAL GENETICS, 3 cr. Spring, variable years. The principles of bacterial genetics including genome structure, DNA replication and recombination, transcription and translation, as well as quorum sending and environmental sensing. PAMM 899 MASTER S THESIS PAMM 902 PROTEIN MASS SPECTROMETRY & PROTEOMICS, 2 cr. Fall, annually. The concept and history of proteomics, basic components of mass spectrometry, protein identification and quantification techniques, proteomic analysis of posttranslational modifications, protein-protein interactions and cellular organelles, as well as proteomics in medical applications. Includes laboratory work of identifying cheese proteins using mass spectrometry. Prereq: BRTP 821 and permission of instructor. 72

74 PAMM 910 BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS, 3 cr. The genetic mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as the immunological response of the host to these pathogens. Particular importance will be placed on major pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, pathogenic Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis; however, lesser studied pathogens will also be discussed. Prereq: BRTP , and permission of instructor. PAMM 940 MOLECULAR BASIS OF HUMAN DISEASE, 3 cr. Spring, biennially. Beginning with an overview of human genetics, including classical and contemporary methods of genetic analysis, the course explores the relationship between genetic diversity and disease. Human biochemical genetics and inborn errors of metabolism illustrate how specific phenotypes result from specific gene changes. Genetic polymorphism, selection and fitness are also explored with regard to the interactions among human populations and with the environment. Prereq: 800-level biochemistry or permission of instructor. PAMM 950 SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-3 cr. Advanced study of current concepts and findings in selected areas of pathobiology, microbiology, and immunology. Includes a review of current literature, research and clinical problems. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PAMM 955 ADVANCED IMMUNOBIOLOGY, 3 cr. Conceptual study of cellular and biomolecular immunology. Includes mechanisms of immune recognition, regulatory and effector functions, interleukins and clinical immunology, with discussion of current literature. Prereq: PAMM 857, BRTP 824, or permission of instructor. PAMM 956 ADVANCED IMMUNOLOGY LABORATORY, 2 cr. Techniques of immunology with emphasis on T and B cell identification, studies of lymphokine activities, lymphocyte effector function, monoclonal antibodies, and biotechnology. Pre- or co-req: PAMM 955. PAMM 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PAMM 992 ADVANCED TOPICS IN MICROBIOLOGY: BIOMEDICAL LITERATURE, 1 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. Advanced study in one of several disciplines such as bacteriology, immunology, mycology, virology, cell biology, molecular biology, etc. This course will discuss literature directly published to the broad area of the Research Topic discussed during the semester. The broad topic will be decided by one of the invited Faculty with expertise in the area of research to be discussed during that semester. Student presenter will choose the paper and get it approved for presentation by the invited Faculty expert. PAMM 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. David Oupicky (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. Rongshi. Li; Dr. Yuri Lyubchenko; Dr. Jered Garrison and Dr. Ram Mahato Requirements for the Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., and M.S. Degrees The Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program (PSGP) is intended for those who wish to pursue a vigorous program of study leading to M.S., Ph.D., or a combined M.D./Ph.D. degree. Admission Applicants should have a B.S. degree in pharmacy, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, or related areas with a grade average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. The Graduate Record Examination is required for all applicants. Course requirements The PSGP curriculum consists of a core of 3+1 required courses and a minimum of 2 elective courses from the list below. The need for any additional courses beyond the six-course curriculum will be determined by the student advisory committee. In addition to the required 6 courses, all PSGP students are required to register for seminar (PHSC 970) and journal club (PHSC 960) during the Fall and Spring semesters. Courses in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PHSC) PHSC 820 SELECTED TOPICS IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 1-2 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. A detailed study of specific subject areas related to the pharmaceutical sciences. Evaluation and discussion of the scientific literature is an integral part of the course. Prereq: Permission of instructor. 73

75 PHSC 821 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY & APPLICATIONS TO BIOMOLECULES, 2 cr. Even years. This course deals with the basic principles to understand the structure, reactivity, and synthesis of bioactive organic molecules. The focus is on the types of key organic reactions used in drug synthesis, mechanism of reactions, scope and limitations of reactions, design of a synthetic route for a bioactive target compound, and application of biocompatible reactions to biomedical systems. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHSC 825 OPHTHALMIC DRUG DISCOVERY, 3 cr. Variably offered. A survey of ocular diseases, their pathogenesis, current drug treatment, and approaches to the development of drug treatment. Special methods for the evaluation of ocular drugs as well as use of animal models will be included. PHSC 830 ADVANCED MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY, 3 cr. Odd yrs. This course will apply essential concepts of medicinal chemistry at an advanced level. Receptor theory, stereochemistry, chemical bonding, and bioisosterism will be discussed as they relate to drug design. Prereq: PHSC 626 (or equivalent). PHSC 843 SPECTROSCOPIC ORGANIC STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS, 3 cr. Variable semesters, even yrs. This course deals with a theoretical and practical understanding of UV, IR, NMR and MS applied to organic structural elucidation. The advantages, disadvantages, limitations, and appropriate use of each spectroscopic technique will be described. Prereq: First year organic chemistry. PHSC 845 QUANTITATIVE PHARMACEUTICAL ANALYSIS, 3 cr. Fall, even years. A lecture and laboratory course covering the theory and applications of current analytical methods for the quantitative determination of drugs, metabolites, and other biologically active agents. Prereq: first year organic chemistry and permission of instructor. PHSC 848 NANOIMAGING & BIOIMAGING, 3 cr. Odd years. This course will review various nanotechnology approaches to imaging, probing and manipulation at the nanoscale and discuss significance and impact of these technological advances on pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. PHSC 851 INNOVATIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS, 3 cr. Spring, odd years. This course will examine the innovations in the design, preparation, and evaluation of modern drug delivery systems. Prereq: permission of instructor. PHSC 852 PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY FOR DRUG DELIVERY & NANOMEDICINE, 3 cr. Odd years. This course will review various chemical reactions and their applications in pharmaceutics, drug delivery and nanomedicine. Practical/laboratory experiments will be included. PHSC 861 ADVANCED PHARMACOKINETICS & PHARMACODYNAMICS, 3 cr. Fall, even years. The mathematical description of the rate and extent of drug absorption, distribution, elimination and action. Prereq: PHSC 674 or permission of instructor. PHSC 880 PRINCIPLES & METHODOLOGIES IN CANCER RESEARCH, 3 cr. Fall, annually. (Cross-listed as BIOC 880, CRGP 880, PAMM 880, PHAR 880) A survey of the biology and biochemical mechanisms underlying cancer development, prevention and therapy. Prereq: BRTP 821,822, 823 and 824 or equivalent, permission of instructor. PHSC 885 PHYSICAL PHARMACY, 4 cr. Fall, annually. A study of physicochemical principles applicable to drug delivery systems, with emphasis on solubility, diffusion, dispersed systems, and stability testing. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHSC 890 POLYMER THERAPEUTICS, 3 cr. Fall, even years. A study of the physicochemical and biomedical properties of synthetic polymers with an emphasis on their application as modern therapeutics. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHSC 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS, 1-8 cr. Fall/Spring/Summer, annually. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHSC 899 MASTER S THESIS PHSC 902 DRUG DELIVERY & NANOMEDICINE RESEARCH, 3 cr. Fall. This is a webcast seminar course based on the lectures presented by outside and internal faculty speakers in the seminar program of the Center of Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine (CDDN). Videos of these seminars are posted online ( PHSC 904 DELIVERY & BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF PROTEIN & NUCLEIC ACID DRUGS, 3 cr. Variably offered. This course is designed to teach students about the delivery and biocompatibility of proteins, peptides and nucleic acid drugs and dosage form design. Topics will include: biocompatibility, protein and peptide drug delivery, nucleic acid drug delivery, and oligonucleotide, sirna, shrna, mirna, and gene therapy. Prereq: One year of graduate level Medicinal, Physical Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biotechnology. PHSC 921 BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY, 3 cr. Spring, even years. The course will cover the biophysical chemistry of nucleic acids and proteins including the study of these molecules using NMR, calorimetry, and fluorescence. Prereq: Permission of instructor. 74

76 PHSC 924 DRUG METABOLISM & DISPOSITION, 3 cr. Fall, even years. An in-depth consideration of the various factors that influence the metabolism of drugs and foreign chemicals (xenobiotics). Prereq: Biochemistry and permission of instructor. PHSC 950 ADVANCED TOXICOLOGY, 3 cr. Spring, odd years. (Cross-listed as ENV 950) This course deals with the adverse effects of chemicals on biological systems. Physiological and biochemical mechanisms of toxicity at the cellular and subcellular levels will be emphasized. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHSC 960 CURRENT TOPICS IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 1 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. This course is mandatory for all students enrolled in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program. PHSC 970 SEMINAR IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 1 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. This course is mandatory for all students enrolled in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program. PHSC 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION 75

77 Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience Graduate Program Graduate Committee Dr. Keshore Bidasee (Chair & Graduate Program Director); Dr. Shilpa Buch; Dr. Daniel Monaghan; Dr Tony Wilson; Dr. Huangui Xiong Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree The program is designed specifically to prepare students to receive the Ph.D. degree. The M.S. degree may also be obtained in special circumstances. The objective of the Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience graduate program is to train individuals as research scientists and educators in the fields of pharmacology and neuroscience. The program provides students with exposure to a stimulating research environment with state-of-the-art techniques and well-supported core facilities. Students participate in highly integrated research programs that encompass cellular and molecular biology; systems physiology and integrative pharmacology; diverse areas of neurosciences including neurochemistry, neuropathology and neuropharmacology; and multiple aspects of cellular immunology, immunopathology, virology, and toxicology. Admission Admission to the program leading to the Ph.D. degree may be granted to individuals holding the baccalaureate (or higher) degree from an accredited college or university. Admission requirements include course work in mathematics through calculus; chemistry, including organic chemistry; physics; and biology or zoology. Grades in science must be excellent. Upon admission to the program, a student will be advised of any deficiencies, which must be made up within the first year after entering the program. The prerequisite courses may not be substituted for required courses in the program. Research experience also enhances the applicant's preparation for graduate studies in pharmacology and neuroscience. Results from the GRE, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation are required of all applicants. Applicants to the Ph.D. program must submit official transcripts and scores for the GRE, with a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale (B grade or better), and GRE scores in Verbal >140 ( score scale, Quantitative Reasoning >145 ( score scale) and Analytical Writing >3.5 (0 6 score scale). Individuals for whom English is a second language must meet or exceed the minimum score requirement on either the TOEFL (100 on ibt or 600 on paperbased test) or the IELTS (7.0 Overall Band Score). Admissions decisions are based on all information submitted as part of the application process. No single factor has overriding impact on this decision; rather, students are selected for admission on the basis of composite science and math GPA, overall undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and the personal statement (see application form). The personal statement should reflect interest in pharmacology and experimental neuroscience, including relevant experience and/or educational training. Performance in graduate-level courses is also given consideration. Doctor of Philosophy degree A detailed description of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience can be found at the website ( All students must register for a minimum of 9 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters to maintain full time status. Students must register for 7 credit hours in the summer semesters until completion of the comprehensive examination, at which time the requirement changes to 2 credit hours. Awarding of the Ph.D in Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience requires at least nine graduate-level courses with a minimum of three being at the 900-level (graded; not pass/fail)l, the Responsible Conduct in Research course, and one firstauthor, original research paper accessible via PubMed. Required courses: BRTP 821, BRTP 822, BRTP 823, BRTP 824, PHAR 820, PHAR 896 (or BRTP 896), PHAR 901, PHAR 950 (each semester), PHAR 970 (each semester) and PHAR 999. Year-by-year course requirements and suggested electives are provided at the Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience website. First year students must complete three laboratory rotations each lasting 8-10 weeks during the first and second semester. Rotations must be completed by March 31 st. These rotations provide an introduction to research systems, techniques and approaches. Equally important, these rotations help students in selecting a Supervisor (major advisor) for their dissertation research. The rotations are credit to PHAR 896. A Supervisory Committee must be assembled and convened within three months of joining a laboratory (no later than July 31 st, first year). The Supervisory Committee should consist of five members; one must have his/her primary appointment outside of the Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience. Members are selected by the student in consultation with his/her mentor. Justification for selection of each member must be provided to the Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience Graduate Committee. The Supervisory 76

78 Committee should assist students in selecting the course work for year two. Thereafter, meetings must be held every six months. The Supervisory Committee may also recommend additional courses to help the student with his/her project. By the end of year two, a student should be working with his/her Supervisory Committee to set topic/date/time for Comprehensive Exam. The Comprehensive Exam consists of two parts: 1) Knowledge-based oral examination, completed by the end of year two; and 2) Research proposal, completed by the end of the first semester of year three. The Comprehensive Exam research proposal should not be on the student's thesis project, unless the student research is a new project that is very different from current research funded in the mentor's laboratory. Details about the PEN comprehensive examination can be found at the website. Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience students must present seminars at various points during their training: a 10- min seminar during the 2 nd year of study, a 20-min seminar during the 3 rd year of study, and a 40-min seminar during the 4 th year of study. In addition, most laboratories have their own research meetings on a regular basis. Laboratories with shared interests may hold joint meetings, with a focus on planning day-to-day experiments and solving specific problems related to the ongoing research. Students are active participants in these sessions, together with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and research technicians Course Offerings in Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience (PHAR) PHAR 814 SCIENTIFIC WRITING, 2 cr. Fall/Spring, annually. (Cross-listed as CIP 814) This course develops the writing skills needed to prepare each section of a manuscript for submission to scientific journals, as well as figure design, use of reference software and responding to reviewer critiques. Students must have sufficient research data to support a preliminary manuscript, which will be constructed through completion of individualized assignments throughout the course. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHAR 815 MEDICAL PHARMACOLOGY I, 5 cr. Fall, annually. General principles governing drug absorption, distribution, and excretion, the molecular mechanisms of drug action, and the basic and clinical pharmacology of the autonomic, endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHAR 816 MEDICAL PHARMACOLOGY II, 4 cr. Spring, annually. Basic and clinical pharmacology of agents affecting the central nervous system, pulmonary and musculoskeletal systems, the kidney and gastrointestinal tract, and infectious and malignant processes. Prereq: PHAR 815 and permission. PHAR 820 CURRENT METHODS IN NEUROSCIENCES, 2 cr. Spring, annually. The primary goal of this course is to provide graduate students, through lectures and practical laboratory exposure, with current techniques and methodologies in neurosciences that are most likely used in their thesis research. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHAR 896 RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIs, 1-9 cr. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHAR 901 RECEPTORS & CELL SIGNALING, 3 cr. Fall, annually. A detailed description of receptors in terms of their roles in the recognition of neurotransmitters, drugs and hormones, and their regulation of signal transduction pathways in the cell. Discussion of the methods for in vitro and in vivo analysis of receptors is included. Prereq: PHAR 815 or permission. PHAR 907 NEURAL SYSTEMS & THE PHYSIOLOGY OF NEURONAL CELL POPULATIONS, 2 cr. biennially. This course aims to establish an understanding of population-level neurophysiology in human and non-human primates. Fundamental concepts to be covered will include biophysics of neural populations, dendritic potentials, cortical mini- and macro-columns, neural oscillatory dynamics, distributed processing, neural systems of the human brain, and supra-thalamic functional neuroanatomy. Prereq: BRTP 824, PHAR 820 and permission of instructor. PHAR 922 NEUROBIOLOGY I, 3 cr. Fall, variable years. (Cross-listed as GCBA 922) Presentation of current literature addressing the classical topics of neuroembryology, neurohistology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and neuropathology. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHAR 930 NEUROIMMUNOLOGY, 3 cr. Spring, annually. (Cross-listed as PAMM 930) The objective of this course is to provide essential knowledge towards a better understanding of the principles of neuroimmunology and pharmacology as they apply to the pathogenesis and pharmacotherapeutics of neurodegenerative disorders and disorders in which the immune system is implicated. The course is designed for in depth study of neurobiology, neuroimmunology, neuropharmacology, immunotherapy, and neurodegenerative disorders. The course is based on the textbook Neuroimmune Pharmacology, edited by Ikezu and Gendelman. Prereq: BRTP 821, 822, 824, and one GCBA Neurobiology course (922 or 932); or M.D./Ph.D. students fully engaged in their graduate studies. A background in immunology, such as a Medical Immunology course is highly recommended. 77

79 PHAR 950 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHARMACOLOGY, variable cr. Fall/Spring, annually. Consult the list of graduate course offerings provided at the class registration website for the particular topic being offered. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHAR 950A SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHARMACOLOGY: PHARMACOLOGY FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS, 2 cr. Spring, annually. Prereq: Permission of instructor. PHAR 970 SEMINAR, 1 cr. PHAR 999 DOCTORAL DISSERTATION 78