American University of Beirut. Faculty of Health Sciences. Undergraduate Student Handbook

Transcription

1 American University of Beirut Faculty of Health Sciences Undergraduate Student Handbook

2 Table of Contents Letter from the Dean 5 Mission 7 Academic Advising 9 Undergraduate Programs 12 A. BS in Environmental Health B. BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences C. Liberal Arts Education D. Minors and Electives E. Dual Degree / Double Major Community Service 20 Academic Rules and Regulations 22 A. Full-Time Students and Load B. Promotion C. Majoreless Status D. Attendance E. Probation and Dismissal F. Change of Grade Policy G. Incompletes and Withdrawals H. Petitions This booklet does not replace the University undergraduate catalogue, accessible online on the AUB Registrar website. Academic Misconduct 30 A. In-Class Disruption

3 B. Dishonesty C. Cheating D. Plagiarism E. Non-Academic Misconduct F. Courtesy Recommendations Graduation and Distinctions 35 A. Graduating With Distinction B. Graduating With High Distinction C. Dean s Honor List D. FHS Awards Registration Information 38 A. Key Terms B. Registration Process C. Minors and Electives D. Dual Degree Undergraduate Program Curriculums 41 A. BS in Environmental Health B. BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences Appendix 74 i. New Student Orientation Survey ii. FHS Faculty List by Discipline iii. Registration Worksheet Letter from the Dean Dear Students, On behalf of my colleagues, both faculty and staff, I would like to welcome you to AUB and the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS). FHS was established in 1954 as the first school of public health in the Arab world. At the undergraduate level, FHS offers a BS in Environmental Health (EH) and a BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS). The MLS program is jointly offered with the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine. The Graduate Public Health Program (GPHP) at FHS includes the Master of Public Health with three different concentrations and three Master of Science programs in Epidemiology, Population Health, and Environmental Health. Early in 2014, we will launch our new Executive Master s program in Health Care Leadership. The GPHP is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) which accredits all schools and programs of public health in the United States. So far, the GPHP at FHS is the only CEPH-accredited program of public health outside the Americas and Europe. FHS is the smallest Faculty at AUB in number of students yet it is the most bustling with research and practice activities, which should provide you with a great opportunity to enrich your academic experience. FHS is very active in research and practice activities. Our basic and applied research covers a wide range of current health issues in Lebanon and the region with a high potential to impact policy and improve people s health. More recently, FHS played a crucial role, in collaboration with other academic units at AUB and community organizations in Lebanon, in conducting cutting edge advocacy

4 oriented research on tobacco control which culminated in the adoption of Law 174 which bans smoking in indoor public spaces Lebanon. FHS also collaborates with academic institutions in the Arab region to promote the discipline of public health, strengthen research for health, and consequently improve the health of communities. The close connection between research (production of knowledge), action (applied intervention), and change in policy defines our work and vision. We are currently involved in several outreach and practice projects inside and outside Lebanon. Our students graduate from FHS equipped with a rich and versatile set of skills and competencies that gains them access to exciting jobs in hospitals, ministries, NGOs, international agencies, pharmaceuticals and insurance agencies. Engaging in ongoing research and practice activities atop your regular studies will undoubtedly offer you with a lifetime rich experience and increase your chances of landing on better job opportunities. I encourage you to take advantage of this vibrant academic environment and the commitment of your professors and support staff, especially at the Student Services Office (SSO). Do not hesitate to consult with faculty and staff who are always ready to assist and advise. We are excited that you have chosen to be part of the FHS family and wish you a most pleasant journey at AUB. With my best regards, Iman Nuwayhid, MD, DrPH Professor and Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences Mission

5 Mission The Faculty of Health Sciences prepares professionals in the disciplines of public health and health sciences through graduate and undergraduate programs, and introduces future physicians to public health. It contributes to knowledge and the improvement of the public s health in the region by conducting scholarly and relevant research and by responding to priority health issues and training needs in collaboration with stakeholders. In all of its functions, FHS promotes and adheres to the principles of ethics, social justice, and collective responsibility. Academic Advising

6 Academic Advising This section describes the tasks assigned to the role of the Registration Advisor and that of the Academic Advisor. It is understood that there will be some overlap in these roles as the advising process can be viewed as a triad where the communication lines are open between the three parties; the student, at the center of attention, and the two advisors. The role of the Registration Advisor 1. General Advising a. Inform students of University policies and procedures b. Verify that students have taken University placement/aptitude tests c. Explain to students academic and administrative processes of the University as well as the expected standards of achievement d. Discuss with students program requirements, policies and procedures Note that items (c) and (d) are discussed in the orientation session for new students and in the group advising session. 2. Registration a. Plan with students their course work schedule in coordination with the academic advisor b. Follow up on student registration 3. Monitoring Student s Performance 4. Scheduling a. Maintain students records b. Follow up on students academic performance (petitions, probation and other issues) c. Coordinate and inform academic advisor of the academic standing of the student d. Check students graduation requirements e. Offer help and encouragement to the student f. Be protective of student s privacy of information g. Be available for consultation, especially at beginning and end of semester Prepare program teaching schedule in coordination with the Student Affairs Office (SAO) The role of the Academic Advisor 1. Help student set educational goals 2. Help student set career plans 3. Advise students on academic matters such as electives, practica and culminating experiences 4. Guide students, in coordination with SAO, to available university educational resources, student employment, financial aid, and scholarships 5. Follow up on students academic performance and other issues in coordination with the registration advisor 6. Update registration advisor on student- related issues as they arise 7. Reinforce student s self-reliance & decision making skills 8. Offer help and encouragement to the student 9. Be protective of student s privacy of information 10. Be available for consultation

7 Undergraduate Programs The Faculty of Health Sciences offers two undergraduate programs in Environmental Health (EH) and Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS). Students may also follow the premedical track and apply to the Faculty of Medicine. After graduation, you may also pursue graduate studies by joining the Graduate Public Health Program (GPHP) at the Faculty. A. BS in Environmental Health Environmental Health is concerned with assessing and controlling the mutual relationship between people and their environment. The BS in Environmental Health is a 3-year program. During the first year, students take general courses in basic sciences. In the second and third year students take more specialized courses. Emphasis is placed on evaluation and control of major environmental health problems in such fields as water supply, waste disposal (solid and liquid waste), food hygiene, occupational health, air and marine pollution, and control of disease vectors. In order to supplement students theoretical and laboratory knowledge with practical and field experience, students are required to take a summer field training course whereby they visit selected sites including water and wastewater treatment plants, food industry establishments, landfills, and others. Where will I work? Undergraduate Programs A recent study showed that out of 84 EH graduates in the years , 53% of them are working in health-related fields while 43% of them are pursuing higher education

8 Private Environmental/Public Health firms & consulting agencies Where will I work? 4% 25% Health Related Centers (Hospitals, pharmacies, insurance companies) Pharmaceuticals Research Centers / Universities A recent study showed that out of 154 MLS graduates in the years , 41% of them are working in labs and pharmaceutical companies while 35% of them are pursuing higher education. 43% Governmental Organizations Clinical Labs 4% 8% 2% 6% 1% 7% Non-governmental Organizations (UN agencies & NGOs) Schools Currently pursuing higher education (MPH, MS, MBA, MD, PhD, TD, Pharmacy) Non-Health Sector 35% 3% 29% Health Related Centers (Hospitals, pharmacies, insurance companies) Pharmaceuticals Research Centers / Universities B. BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences The Medical Laboratory Sciences program is designed to train students to perform physical, chemical, and biological tests, and to interpret generated laboratory results, contributing to the diagnosis of diseases. 3% 2% 10% 12% 5% Non-governmental Organizations (UN agencies & NGOs) Schools Currently pursuing higher education (MPH, MS, MBA, MD, PhD, TD, Pharmacy) Non-Health Sector The BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences is a 3-year program. During the first year, students take general courses in basic sciences. In the second and third year students take more specialized courses. During their third year, senior students follow a program of intensive training in the hospital laboratories of the AUB Medical Center (AUBMC), where they rotate in the various sections of the lab

9 C. Liberal Arts Education AUB is committed to offering its students a broad undergraduate liberal arts education that enables them to acquire the analytical skills and habits of life-long learning that they will need to compete successfully in the twenty-first century. The General Education distribution requirements are intended to expose students to a range of intellectual experiences during their time at AUB. We want to give our students the opportunity to make choices and to question and test what they believe are their career goals and their intellectual interests. In addition to courses in their academic majors and the opportunity to take minor concentrations in specific fields, all AUB students must take a minimum of credits of general education requirements distributed in the following fields: 3-6 credits in English Health Communication (English 204) 3 credits in Arabic Communication Skills (except those formally exempted) 6 credits in Natural Science 12 credits in Humanities 6 credits in Social Science 3 credits in Quantitative Thought We believe that a student who has chosen to follow a course of study at AUB leading to a degree in a professional field such as engineering should be exposed to the humanities and social sciences. By the same token, a student who plans to major in history should have the opportunity to take science courses and to work in a lab. While being exposed to various fields of knowledge, we also want our students to have the opportunity to experience different modes of learning (lectures, seminars, labs, and independent research projects). Different modes of analysis are designed to enhance students verbal and interactive skills (seminars), writing and analytic skills (research projects), and hands-on experimental skills (laboratories). Students are required to select their courses from the list of approved General Education courses which is updated regularly on the Registrar s Office website. Anatomy of the EH degree 25.00% 12.50% 9.38% 37.50% 9.38% 6.25% Anatomy of the MLS degree 15.5% 2.9% 8.7% 19.4% 33.0% 20.4% Quantitative thought Science Courses English and Arabic Free Elective Social Sciences and Humanities Major Course Major courses Practical Training Science Courses Quantitative thought English and Arabic Social Science and Humanities

10 D. Minors and Electives Double Major/Concentration within the same faculty and degree structure The Faculty of Health Sciences offers two minors, which require the completion of a number of courses for a total of 15 credits: The Minor in Environmental Health introduces students to the environmental system and the interactive processes that affect human health, environmental protection, and development; Students may, upon approval of the relevant faculty/school, earn one degree with a double major within the same faculty so long as both majors share the same degree structure (e.g. both lead to BA, BS, or BE degrees). In such cases, one diploma will be issued with both majors indicated. The student must complete the requirements for both majors before the degree can be awarded. The Minor in Public Health introduces students to the public health field through exposure to the contemporary issues in public health. You may also choose to earn a minor offered by other Faculties and Departments at AUB (such as Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Education, Nutrition or others). Refer to the AUB catalogue or the FHS website for the complete list of courses required for a minor. E. Dual Degree / Double Major Students may, upon approval of the Faculty concerned, complete the requirements for a second degree while registered in FHS. In such a case, a student will be granted two degrees at the same time of graduation. If tuition differs, students will pay the higher of the tuitions. Information about deadlines and applications are available on the following link: aub.edu.lb/registrar/pages/forms.aspx

11 Community Service Students at the Faculty of Health Sciences can volunteer to engage with communities through the Outreach and Practice Unit (OPU) at the Faculty. Outreach projects can take the form of: Adopting a project for a service learning course Preparing awareness sessions on different public health issues to school children or youth groups in the community Working with underprivileged children through volunteering in summer camps and youth clubs in underserved areas Engaging in peer education initiatives Conducting needs assessments Assessing, collecting data, analyzing and/or evaluating different activities of a project Conducting general community service activities such as cleaning a river or painting a nursery Collaborating with other students across AUB on a project such as designing a playground for children Socializing and having fun Interested students should contact Ms. Aline Germani from the Outreach and Practice Unit (OPU). Community Service

12 Academic Rules and Regulations A. Full-time Students and Load A full-time student must carry a minimum load of 12 credits per semester. If a student wishes, or is forced to reduce, his/her load to fewer than 12 credits, s/he must first apply to the UGCA-SA committee for approval. This should be done no later than 10 weeks after the start of the semester. Students on probation for the first time are allowed a maximum load of 17 credits. Students who continue on probation beyond one semester can register for a maximum of 13 credits per semester. B. Promotion For class promotion from year I to year II, a student must complete a minimum of 30 credits (for EH major) or 31 credits (for MLS major), excluding credits for ENGL 102. For class promotion from year II to year III, a student must complete a minimum of 63 credits (for EH major) or 65 credits (for MLS major). C. Majorless Status Academic Rules and Regulations Students who refrain from following the assigned course curriculum will be automatically given the status of majorless. Majorless students in the Environmental Health program are required to take ENHL 220. Majorless students are given two academic semesters to transfer to the desired major. If, by the end of the second semester, the student does not secure acceptance to the desired major, s/he is dropped from the Faculty. D. Attendance

13 Classes and Laboratories Students are expected to attend all classes, laboratories, or required fieldwork. All missed laboratory or fieldwork must be made up. A student is responsible for the work that is done, and for any announcements that are made during his/her absence. Students who, during a semester, miss more than one-fifth of the sessions of any course in the first ten weeks of the semester (five weeks in the case of the summer term) can be dropped from the course. A faculty member who drops a student from the course for this reason must have stated in the syllabus that attendance will be taken. Students who withdraw or are dropped for excessive absence from a course receive a grade of W. Students who do not withdraw or cannot be dropped for excessive absence from a course will receive a grade of 40. Students can withdraw from registered courses, not later than 10 weeks (five weeks in the summer term) from the start of the semester, provided that their credit load during the semester does not drop below 12 credits. Unless approved by the appropriate faculty committee a student cannot withdraw, or be withdrawn, from a course after the announced deadline or if this results in the student being registered for less than 12 credits. Examinations and Quizzes Students who miss an announced examination or quiz must present an excuse considered valid by the instructor of the course. Unless stated otherwise in the course syllabus, the course instructor should then require the student to take a make-up examination. Make-ups for quizzes and mid-terms as well as for class assignments must be completed before the final grade of the course is issued at the end of the semester. Only medical reports and/or qualified professional opinions issued by an AUB employee, AUB Medical Center (AUBMC) doctor, or by the University Health Services will be accepted. Should there be a question about the validity of any excuse presented by the student, the matter should be referred to the appropriate Faculty committee. Instructors should make sure that there is no time conflict between an exam and a regularlyscheduled course. E. Probation and Dismissal Placement on Academic Probation A student is placed on academic probation if the student s overall average is less than 68 at the end of the 2nd regular semester; if the semester average is less than 69 at the end of the 3rd or 4th regular semester; or if the semester average is less than 70 in any subsequent semester, excluding the summer term. It is to be understood that the semester in which the student is considered to be on probation is the semester that immediately follows the semester in which the student has earned the grades leading to that placement. Refer to the catalogue (p.62) for more information. Removal of Probation Probation is removed when the student attains a semester average of 69 or more in the 3rd or 4th regular semester, or a semester average of 70 or more in any subsequent regular semester. The student is off probation during the semester following the one in which such grades are earned. Probation should be removed within two regular semesters, excluding summer, after the student is placed on probation, or when the student completes his/her graduation

14 requirements. Dismissal and Readmission A student may be dismissed from the Faculty for any of the following reasons: if the student s overall average is less than 60 at the end of the 2nd regular semester; if the student fails to clear academic probation within two regular semesters, excluding the summer term, after being put on probation; if the student is placed on academic probation for a total of four regular semesters (a student can be dropped for this reason even if s/he is in the final year at AUB); if the student is deemed unworthy by the Faculty to continue for professional or ethical reasons. A student is normally considered for readmission only if, after spending a year at another recognized institution of higher education, the student is able to present a satisfactory record and recommendation. Exceptions may be made for students who left the University for personal or health reasons. Transfer credit is considered after departmental evaluation of a student s coursework. F. Change of Grade Policy After grades are posted on the AUBsis, a change of grade is not allowed unless a demonstrable mistake was made in the correction of the final examination or in the calculation of the grade. In such a case, the instructor must complete a Change of Grade form and submit it to the Chairperson of the Department in which the course is offered, with supporting evidence for the mistake warranting the change of grade. If the chairperson of the department approves the change of grade, s/he will sign the form and transmit it for final approval to the dean (all faculties except FAS) or to the FAS Student Academic Affairs Committee (if the course is offered in FAS). Students have the right to access their corrected exams, including final exams, and to request review of their exams in case mistakes have been made in calculating grades or in corrections. The student s request to review the course grade should be made to the course instructor within one week of the date of the posting of course grades. Refer to the catalogue (p.60) for more information. G. Incompletes and Withdrawals Incompletes A student who receives an incomplete grade for a course must petition or submit a valid reason for missing the work to the appropriate Faculty committee within two weeks of the date of the scheduled final exam for permission to complete the course. Coursework must be completed within one month of the start of the next regular semester. Incomplete course work is reported as an I. Normally, I is followed by a numerical grade reflecting the evaluation of the student available at the end of the semester. This evaluation is based on a grade of zero on all missed work and is reported in units of five. If the work is not completed within the period specified, the I is dropped and the numerical grade becomes the final grade. Withdrawals Students can withdraw from only one required course per

15 semester. Students who wish to withdraw from more than one required course in any given semester must petition the appropriate Faculty committee for permission. Students can withdraw from elective courses, down to a minimum of 12 credits, no later than 10 weeks (five weeks in the summer term) from the start of the semester. Students receive a grade of W for the course. the reasons behind your request. 4. Get the signature of the persons specified in the petition. 5. Bring the form back to the Student Services Office (SSO). You will be notified of the committee's decision in due time. H. Petitions A petition allows students to request a special approval for a change of policy. For example, the credit load of an undergraduate student is 17 credits. If a student is planning to take 18 credits or more, s/he has to submit a petition. You can petition for: Dropping a course; Taking an overload of credits; Applying for an Interdepartmental Transfer; Getting exempted from a course; Or for other reasons. How to Submit a Petition 1. Go to the FHS website (aub.edu.lb/fhs) and choose Student Forms on the right side menu. Choose the Undergraduate Petition that is of relevance. Click on the link to open the PDF file. Click on the fields and type in the relevant data. 2. Print the form once filled. The petition file cannot be saved so make sure you open it in a place where you can complete filling it then print it. 3. Attach any relevant documents to the petition to further explain

16 Academic Misconduct Disciplinary actions can be taken against students who violate University rules and regulations. Such actions include reprimand, warning and expulsion. Examples of academic misconduct include: A. In-Class Disruption Students in class are expected to behave appropriately, and shall not disrupt classes or exams by extraneous conversation and/or misbehaving. B. Dishonesty Students are expected to be honest in all dealings with the University. Certain kinds of dishonesty, though often associated with academic work, are of a different category than cheating or plagiarism. C. Cheating While taking a test or examination, students shall rely on their own mastery of the subject and not attempt to receive help in any way not explicitly approved by the instructor. Students shall avoid using notes, study aids, or another's work for assistance. Such cheating encompasses trying to give or obtain information about a test; trying to take someone else's exam; or trying to have someone else take one's own exam. Academic Misconduct D. Plagiarism Students who fail to credit properly ideas or materials taken from another commit plagiarism. Putting your name on a piece of work

17 any part of which is not yours constitutes plagiarism, unless that piece is clearly marked and the work from which you have borrowed is fully identified. Plagiarism is a violation of the University s academic regulations and is subject to disciplinary action. All AUB students are required to complete a plagiarism tutorial and pass a plagiarism test during the first semester they join the University. You can reach the Plagiarism Tutorial and Plagiarism Practice and Test by visiting the following link: AUB >> A-Z >> IT Academic Core Processes & Systems (ACPS) >> Services >> Plagiarism Prevention >> The Plagiarism Test You can take the test as many times as necessary. When you achieve 100 percent on the test, a notification will be generated and saved in your files in the Office of the Registrar. This notification will become part of your permanent record as evidence of your understanding of plagiarism and how to recognize it. Failure to pass the plagiarism test will prevent your registration for the next semester at AUB. E. Non-Academic Misconduct Non-academic misconduct is also subject to University disciplinary action. It includes and is not limited to: Inappropriate Sexual Behavior Use of Computers Inappropriate Conduct in the AUB Libraries Full information can be found online: AUB >> Policies & Procedures >> Student Code of Conduct F. Courtesy Recommendations With respect to the class environment: Arrive to class before it begins Turn off your cell phone when in class Avoid distracting behavior that interferes with the learning of others Always give your professor your full attention Use common courtesy and be polite in your dealings with professors & classmates alike Make sure not to leave the class before it ends Avoid defacing the desk surfaces with writing Dispose of trash in the garbage bins With respect to etiquette: Disruption/Obstruction of any University Function or Activity Distribution of Unauthorized Published Material Theft Destruction of Property/Endangering Public Safety Mental or Physical Harm Possession of Dangerous Weapons or Materials Discrimination and Harassment Smoking and Alcohol Check your s regularly (daily if possible) as is used for many important University and class communications Avoid writing anything you wouldn t say in public. s are easily forwarded to others Refrain from using aggressive and abusive language to criticize others Ensure having the original sender s knowledge or consent before

18 redirecting his/her personal messages Making changes to someone s message and passing it on without making it clear where you have made the changes is frowned upon Capitalize words only to highlight an important point or to distinguish a title or heading. Capitalizing anything else will be interpreted as shouting Keep your sentences and message short and concise. Leave out irrelevant details Write in a style that is appropriate for each individual recipient Include enough background information at the beginning of the for the recipient to understand what the message is about If a discussion is becoming emotionally charged, stop sending s and speak to the person to clear up any misunderstandings When you are wrong or have issued an impulsive response, promptly admit it and apologize Unless you are communicating with a close friend, include your signature at the end of each message including: o o o o Full name Student ID Major Phone number Sources: oasisapps.curtin.edu.au/help/student/local/docs/student_ _etiquette.pdf nso.rutgers.edu/images/uploads/file/what-every-knight-should-know.pdf Graduation and Distinctions

19 Graduation and Distinctions In order to graduate from the Faculty of Health Sciences with a Bachelor of Science you must pass a minimum of 96 credit hours; achieve a total cumulative average of 70; and achieve a cumulative major average of 70. For purposes of graduation with distinction or high distinction, all grades enter into the computation of the student s overall average in the event of the student repeating the course. A. Graduating With Distinction In order to graduate with distinction a student must have an average of 85 or higher in all work of his/her final academic semesters, including summers (two summer sessions are equivalent to one semester) during which 65 credits or more have been completed; and be recommended by his/her department for distinction. B. Graduating With High Distinction In order to graduate with high distinction a student must have an average of 90 or higher in all work of his/her final academic semesters, including summers (two summer sessions are equivalent to one semester) during which 65 credits or more have been completed; and be recommended by his/her department for high distinction. C. Dean s Honor List To be placed on the Dean s Honor List at the end of each semester, a student must have passed all courses and attained an overall average of 85 OR be ranked in the top 10 percent of the class and have an overall average of 80; be carrying at least 12 credits; not be on probation; not have been subjected to any disciplinary action within the University during the semester; and be deemed worthy by the Dean to be on the honor list. D. FHS Awards Penrose Award A non-cash honorary award given to a senior student within each Faculty, on the basis of scholarship, character, leadership, and contribution to University life. Distinguished Graduate Award A non-cash honorary award given to a senior FHS student, in recognition of excellence in academic performance and community service. Distinguished MLS Graduate Award A non-cash honorary award given to a senior Medical Laboratory Sciences Program student, in recognition of excellence in academic performance and medical laboratory practical skills. Distinguished Graduate Award for Community Service A non-cash honorary award given to a senior FHS student, in recognition of excellence in academic performance and community service. The Kiram Siniora Memorial Prize in Health Sciences A cash award of 1,500 USD awarded to the FHS undergraduate student with the highest graduation grade point average

20 Registration Information Registering for courses is done over several phases: Phase I Registration Phase II Registration The Drop-and-Add period (during the first week of classes) Refer to the University Calendar posted on the AUB Registrar website for important dates related to the registration process. A. Key Terms Academic Year Consists of three terms (fall, spring, and summer) Course Is either 3 credits (meets 3 times a week either 3 lecture hours OR 2 lecture hours + one lab session) OR 4 credits (meets 4 times a week 3 lecture hours + one lab session) Prerequisite A course that must be successfully completed before another course can be attended B. Registration Process Registration Information The registration process can be summed up as follows: 1. Refer to this Handbook for information on degree requirements