Current requirements and pending changes to the BMG graduate programs

Transcription

1 Current requirements and pending changes to the BMG graduate programs Biochemistry and Medical Genetics (BMG) Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSAC)

2 BMG GSAC Dr. Leigh Murphy Chair November 1, 2015 Dr. Jeffrey Wigle Dr. Kirk McManus Dr. Mark Nachtigal Dr. Tamra Werbowetski-Ogilvie

3 Cathy Webber, MBA Academic Program Coordinator

4 Old and Draft New sup regs are now on the BMG website: biochem/9925.html Draft New are watermarked with DRAFT students who started before Fall 2015 can view both before making a decision to switch Credit hour reductions will be finalized by Jan 2016 at the latest Docs can also be accessed via the following links: biochem/5453.html biochem/9998.html

5 Outline v Purpose of the Supervisory committee v Advisor Student Guidelines v Application for Studentships v Seeking experimental information v BMG Fall Review v Accepted and pending changes to the BMG Graduate Program v Pending changes to credit requirements v New formats for MSc to PhD transition v New format for PhD Candidacy examination

6 Your degree is your responsibility!

7 What is the purpose of my supervisory committee? Supervisory committee exists to: v Advise and ensure that the student is meeting the academic requirements to complete degree (e.g. are they taking the correct number of required credit hours). v Assess and advise the student about their research project evaluate progress. v Be available to advise student if academic or non-academic issues arise, e.g. I want to take more courses, and am I allowed? v OR, My supervisor is a jerk and I can t stand speaking to her/ him anymore!!

8 Advisor Student Guidelines Advisor Student Guidelines recently went through an upgrade. The instructions for the ASG can be found on our homepage or at this direct link: media/asg_instructions.pdf The Advisor Student Guidelines online form can be found by login into JUMP.

9 How do I maximize my chances of getting a student award? Considerations by the review committee are specific to the award, but in general: Ø GPA Ø Previous research experience (publications) Ø Research project Ø Research environment Ø Potential impact of the project Ø Give your referees sufficient advance notice for submitting their letters and send out reminders

10 Where can I go to get information about the underlying rationale for my experimental approaches? (i.e. I m afraid to ask because I don t want to look stupid in front of my committee) Ø Read!!!! Ø Talk with your supervisor and other lab personnel Ø Investigate and read (Pubmed, other on-lines resources)

11 BMG Fall Review

12 Something new!!! Date Name: Program: Supervisor: MSc Research Project Title: Progress Report Last, First Name Progress Report form (for every Supervisory Committee meeting) Complete prior to the meeting and distribute electronically to your committee members 1) Academic Accomplishments Course Number Course Title Term Grade BGEN7000 Research Seminar M.Sc. Sept May 2012 CO *Indicate if all MSc. course requirements *List future courses 1) HONORS AND AWARDS (List all studentships and awards (with dollar values) received as an MSc student) e.g. Outstanding MSc Departmental Seminar Presentation. Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, June ) RESEARCH PROGRESS A) Publications (Indicate Research or Review, and Your Specific Role in the Publication) e.g. Smith, K.J., Jones I.J., Takanashi, Y. and Singh, P.A. Global network analyses of fundamental biological processes. J Network Biol. 2014;100: (Research) 40% effort; performed experiments, analyzed data and wrote first draft of manuscript. B) Abstracts (Indicate poster or platform presentation) e.g. Networks, they re really great at identifying functional units. International Conference on the Usefulness of Biological Network. Orlando, Florida, October (Poster) C) Talks and Seminars (provide a list of all relevant activities) e.g. Networks, a graduate student s perspective on why we should identify them. BMG Departmental Seminar, Winnipeg, MB, January ) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (List Extra-Curricular Workshops or Courses) e.g. TPCS2: CORE (Course on Research Ethics) Available on BMG website: Current students Course and Semester Directory Forms 4) COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS & COMMUNITY OUTREACH (Provide a list of committees and projects) e.g. Treasurer, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics Graduate Student Association. June 2013 present.

13 Format of the BMG Fall Review v Attended by your Supervisory Committee, and the Chair of the Graduate Student Affairs Committee, or designate, who will act as Chair v Not normally more than 60 minutes in duration v Start with a ~5 minute description of your research project v No PowerPoint presentations v The questions will relate to what you are learning with respect to you research project and coursework v You will be expected to answer questions related to the rationale, background literature, experimental approaches, technical hurdles, and significance of your research project v Areas of general background related to the project and notable recent advancements in your field are also examinable.

14 Format of the BMG Fall Review v Each examiner will complete an evaluation form, assessing your knowledge, verbal skills, ability to use and organize facts, think on your feet, and answer questions directly v Areas of perceived strengths and weaknesses, as well as recommendations will also be noted. v You and the Chair of the Graduate Student Affairs Committee will receive a copy of these reports. v This is a formative evaluation and is designed to help you grow as a student. There are no marks for this review. v Thesis proposals will be examined as part of your second fall review and may extend to a maximum of two hours.

15 BMG Course credit hour revision Pending BMG Graduate Programs BSc/MSc 9 Credits (including mandatory Core ) +1 (Research Seminar) 9 Credits ( Modular options) MSc 6 Credits ( Modular options) (+9 MSc) PhD NB. Not currently approved by the University pending Senate review/approval

16 MSc Program BMG Goal: To provide MSc students with skills & a strong general background in Medical Biochemistry & Medical Genetics Transition to a Structured MSc Program Minimum 9 credit hours Mandatory courses + options Additional course offerings available at the discretion of the student s advisory committee (cost to students)

17 What are the Core Credit Hours Depends on the program Typical is IMED IMED additional credits Computational Biology students: IMED 7120 or IMED additional credits IMED 7120 Medical Biochemistry (3 credit hours) Incorporate a medical perspective Discipline specific training IMED 7170 Medical Genetics (3 credit hours) Incorporate a medical perspective Discipline specific training Current caveat: Graduate students with Honours Genetics degree

18 New Proposed Timelines (M.Sc.) Thesis Research Coursework Thesis Defense Year 1 Year 2 PhD Transition (additional course work) Completed by 18 months Fall Term Medical Genetics Winter Term Medical Biochemistry + additional 3.0 credit hours

19 PhD program BMG Goal: To provide PhD students with skills & a strong highly focused background pertaining to the student s research area in Biochemistry and/or Medical Genetics

20 BMG Course credit hour revision Pending BMG Graduate Programs BSc/MSc 9 Credits (including mandatory Core ) +1 (Research Seminar) 9 Credits ( Modular options) MSc 6 Credits ( Modular options) (+9 MSc) PhD NB. Not currently approved by the University pending Senate review/approval

21 Pending new PhD program Straight admission 9 credit hours Transition from MSc 6 credit hours in addition to the 9 from the MSc Courses decided in consultation with student s supervisory committee (not just the advisor) Modular Assembly of research relevant courses NB. Not currently approved by the University pending Senate review/approval

22 Modular Course Assembly Current courses Proposed modules

23 PhD Transition Committee A) Chair GSAC Chair (or designate) B) Student s Advisory Committee (minimum 3 individuals) Supervisor (1) or Co-supervisors (2) Internal Departmental Member (1) External Departmental Member (1)

24 New transition process Part I Change BMG requirements to reflect new curriculum Minimum 6 credit hours completed (core courses) Medical Biochemistry &/or Medical Genetics (stream dependent) Minimum CGPA of 3.5 (from MSc courses) Institute a pre-meeting with the GSAC Chair (or designate) Student & Supervisor provide written request to transition Student must include reason for requesting transition Student to provide signed document from Advisory Committee members supporting the transition Discuss the requirements and expectations of the Transition process Provided with a timeline for the Transition process Identify & set an examination date/time

25 New transition process Part II Integrate MSc-PhD Transition Progress Report (see Next Slide) To be completed by the student Clarify student s progress and achievements Required element for transition Enhance the clarity of the process for students Better define the steps of the process Provide a timeline for the entire process Better define the expectations Clarify the oral examination process Project specific questions vs. broad knowledge

26 MSc-PhD Transition Progress Report

27 New transition process Part III Written Format Components Must focus on future work to be performed while in the PhD program A) 250 word Non-scientific Summary Should highlight the big picture and significance of the PhD work B) Research/Project Proposal More clearly defined requirements/elements Maximum 5 single-spaced pages Excluding Figures, Tables, References and Supplementary Material 1 margins, Times New Roman, 12-point font

28 New transition process Part IV Written Format Components Continued B) Research/Project Proposal Similar to an expanded CIHR or Research Manitoba studentship Proposal must include; Introduction/Background Preliminary Findings (i.e. Student s MSc progress) Rationale & Hypothesis Research Aims Including approach, expected results and potential pitfalls & solutions Significance Must be completed in the Student s own words Supervisor cannot proofread the document

29 PhD Transition Timeline Day Purpose Item/Action 0 Written Request to Transition 7 PhD Transition Process Premeeting 8 (0) Initiate Transition Process 22 (14) Oral Examination Student informs GSAC Chair in writing of desire to transition into the PhD Program -Supervisor informs GSAC Chair of their support in writing -Advisory Committee members indicate support for initiating the transition process (signatures) Meet with GSAC Chair (or designate) -provide introductory materials describing format and timelines -provide list of expectations -identify date and time for examination Student distributes Transition Proposal (paper or electronic version) to all Examination Committee members Commencement of oral examination some flexibility may be required to accommodate schedules. However, once the transition process has been initiated, the student will have 14 days (2 weeks) to complete their oral examination.

30 New transition process Oral examination Shares elements with the PhD Candidacy Examination Maximum 90 minutes of Research/Project Presentation and questions A) Oral Research/Project Presentation Maximum limit of 20 minute presentation Based solely on the PhD Transition Research/Project Proposal Must provide appropriate background/introduction Must briefly summarize progress Must focus predominantly on the proposed PhD research Must convey significance of research proposal

31 Transition oral examination Continued B) Oral Question Period Up to 3 rounds of questions 10 minutes/examiner/round General Question Content/Format 40% based on Research/Project Proposal 40% based on Comprehensive Knowledge Medical Biochemistry &/or Medical Genetics 20% based on comprehensive knowledge/follow-up

32 Examination Process Following completion of Oral Examination Student requested to leave the room Examination Committee Discussion (in Private) Coursework achievements (MSc-PhD Transition Document) Research accomplishments (MSc-PhD Transition Document) Written summary performance (Abstract & Proposal) Oral questioning performance (Project & Broad knowledge) Proposed PhD research program Examination Committee Decision 1 dissenting voice = Transition into PhD 2 or more dissenting voices = Transition not approved (benefit from writing MSc Thesis) No repeats permitted

33 Will current Graduate Students be grandfathered into the new program? BMG Supplemental regulations Section I: Application, Admission & Registration Policies pg. 1 of 40: Student programs will be governed by the Supplemental Regulations that were in effect when they joined the department. If new supplemental regulations are adopted during the course of their program, students will have the option to remain under the original regulations or to switch to the new regulations. Their decision on this matter will be indicated by signing a form which will remain with their records.

34 Purpose of the Candidacy Exam Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS); While the format and content of the Candidacy Exam will vary from unit to unit, the purposes of the Candidacy Exam in doctoral programs is to determine the student's competence in the discipline with respect to understanding and absorbing a broad spectrum of material, and then researching, identifying, analysing, synthesizing, and communicating ideas about that material in depth. Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics (BMG); The Candidacy Examination is designed to provide uniform criteria for the assessment of knowledge of biochemistry and/or genetics required for consideration of the student as a candidate for the Ph.D. degree. It will consist of an oral defense of a written research proposal (grant) in the student's research area. Details of the examination procedure are found in the BMG Graduate Student Academic Guide.

35 Timing of the Candidacy Examination FGS specified by advisory committee within 2 years after Master s degree no later than 1 year prior to expected graduation BMG within first 24 months of being enrolled within the PhD program typically within 1 year of completion of coursework

36 Composition of Examination Committee 4 Total Members or adjunct members of FGS 1 x Chair GSAC (or designate) Constant for session 3 Principal Examination Members 2 BMG members (constant for all exams that session) 1 additional member

37 Comprehensive exam written component Written Format Components Students will compose an editorial review article based on a set of articles suggested by the students supervisory committee Critically and creatively evaluate the topic area covered by the articles Editorial Review format Maximum 10 double-spaced pages Excluding Executive Summary, Figures, Tables, References and Supplementary Material 1 margins, Times New Roman, 12-point font 3 weeks to write editorial review after receiving list of articles

38 Comprehensive Examination Day Purpose Item/Action 0 Provide scope for Review Article Meeting of the Examination Committee (4) and Student s Supervisor -supervisor invited to provide input as to relevance/appropriateness of selected topic -written description of subject for the Editorial Review Article is generated 1 Initiate Exam Meet with GSAC Chair (or designate) -provide introductory materials describing format -list expectations, and a written description of the scope of the Editorial Review Article 22 Submission of Article Student will distribute the Editorial Review Article (paper or electronic version) to all Examination Committee members 29 Examination Committee Decision (Proceed or not) 30 Oral Examination (or Written Feedback if required) 44 Submission of Revision (if required) 51 Examination Committee Decision (Proceed or not) 52 Oral Examination (if required) Examination Committee informs GSAC Chair whether the examination should proceed; A) directly to the Oral Examination, or B) requires a re-write. Commencement of oral examination, OR -Examination Committee will provide written & oral feedback -Student provided 2-weeks to revise Editorial Review Article Student will distribute revision of Editorial Review Article (paper or electronic version) to all Examination Committee members Examination Committee informs GSAC Chair whether the examination should proceed; A) directly to the Oral Examination, or B) is inadequate (i.e. failure). Commencement of Oral Examination, OR New Examination Committee struck and the student re-initiates the examination process.

39 Comprehensive exam Faculty will have one week to review paper and provide a pass or fail decision to the GSAC Chair (or designate). If the student passes, they proceed to an oral examination the next day.

40 Comprehensive exam If the student fails, the committee provides oral and written feedback to the student the next day. Students will have an additional two weeks to revise the document. Faculty will have one week to review the revised paper and provide a pass or fail decision to the GSAC Chair (or designate). If a pass, student proceeds to an oral examination the next day. If student fails on the first attempt, s/he will be allowed one additional attempt on a different topic and a revised Examining Committee. Failure on the second attempt will mean that the student will be required to withdraw from the program.

41 Oral Examination General Format Maximum 2 hours of questions Up to 3 rounds of questions 10 minutes/examiner/round Questions 30% - Based on written component 40% - Comprehensive knowledge Medical Biochemistry &/or Medical Genetics 30% - Comprehensive knowledge/follow-up Question bank General questions in Medical Biochemistry & Medical Genetics (available for all students to review)

42 Examination Pass/Fail Decision Process Following completion of Oral Examination Student requested to leave the room Examination Committee Discussion (in private) Examination Committee Vote Pass or Fail 1 dissenting voice constitutes a pass 2 or more dissenting voices constitute a fail

43 Failure of the Oral Examination New Examination Committee Struck Similar membership composition as the initial Examination Committee Entire Examination Process Repeated 2 nd Failure Student required to withdraw from PhD program