GUIDELINES AND
POLICIES
For
The Interdisciplinary Doctoral
Program in Biological Sciences
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
I.
GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN INTERDISCIPLINARY DOCTORAL
PROGRAM IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
A. Introduction
This booklet defines the
guidelines and policies governing the Doctoral Program of the Interdisciplinary
Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences, East Carolina University and is
supplemental to the current University Graduate Bulletin. The information has
been prepared for the graduate faculty, graduate students and applicants to the
graduate program in Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences.
All faculty and students should be thoroughly familiar with the information
provided, and should adhere to these guidelines and policies in formulating the
student's program of education.
This program combines the
former Experimental Pathology program with other research programs in Brody
School of Medicine clinical departments, the molecular and cellular programs of
the Department of Biology and Neuroscience programs. The program starts
with a core curriculum of courses for all students, followed by a selection of
courses in experimental biology, neuroscience, pathology and biomedical sciences
depending on the student's research interest and needs. After the first
semester each student choose4s a concentration in either Biology, Biomedical
Science or Neuroscience. The Biology concentration includes opportunities
for dissertation research in a wide variety of subjects including molecular
taxonomy, entomology, fish histocompatability complex, eukaryotic cell molecular
biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, experiment botany, and experimental
zoology. The Biomedical Science concentration has research opportunities
in cancer research, platelet function, coagulation, immunology and molecular
biology in insect venoms, transplantation immunology, reproductive
endocrinology, and muscle biochemistry. It also prepares the student to
transfer into another Brody School of Medicine Ph.D. program. The
Neuroscience concentration requires studies in both cellular-molecular and
behavioral-integrative aspects of neuroscience; and offers research in many
aspects from basic molecular mechanism to experimental psychology.
Students are supported for
a maximum of two years by Graduate School or Brody School of Medicine funds;
further support must come from either a research grant, a fellowship or
departmental funds. All financial aid and support is contingent upon the
availability of funds and satisfactory progress of the student. Awards are
made annually. Emergency and bridge funding are made on the basis of the
individual case and are not guaranteed. Out-of-state tuition remissions
are awarded upon individual evaluation and may be subject to special conditions.
B. Program
Committee
The Program Committee of
the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences is responsible for
implementation and management of the graduate program, as described in this
pamphlet, and for formulating new or amended policies and practices. The Program
Committee shall consist of at least 2 faculty members from the Department of
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, appointed by the Department Chair, one of
whom will be Program Director, at least 2 faculty members from the Department of
Biology, at least 2 faculty members from other participating School of Medicine
Departments, and ex-officio members including the Chair of Pathology and
Laboratory Medicine and the School of Medicine Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies or
his designee. The Program Committee may add additional
members by majority vote. Terms of appointment shall be for 3 years and are
renewable. The Committee reports to the Associate Dean for Research and
Graduate Studies of the School of Medicine. The Program Committee shall
function as the voting graduate faculty for the program. When
the Program Committee considers it appropriate by majority vote, issues may be
referred to the entire Graduate Faculty participating in the program. The
Program Committee shall evaluate qualifications of Graduate Faculty to
participate in the IDPBS. Appointments to Graduate Faculty Status will be
initiated by the Department in which the candidate holds a primary
appointment.
C. Application for Graduate Study
in Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences
Admission to the IDPBS requires
acceptance by the Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee consists
of the Program Director plus 3 or 4 members of the Program Committee chosen by
the Committee for a one year term. Three alternate members are also chosen by
the Program Committee. Additional members of the Program Faculty may be added
for individual candidates. The interview process will be customized to the needs
and interests of each applicant and will include presently enrolled graduate
students. Preference is given to applicants who present evidence of
academic potential for careers in biological sciences as demonstrated by their
previous academic achievement and Graduate Record Examination scores. Selections
are made based on individual qualifications and availability of facilities and
resources. Final admission is granted by the Dean of the Graduate School. Award
of stipends is subject to availability. Stipends are awarded for one year
periods.
Admission requirements for
graduate studies in Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences
are flexible; however, a knowledge of organic chemistry, biology, college
physics, and mathematics through calculus are considered essential to pursue
advanced studies. Students are encouraged to acquire a knowledge of analytical
chemistry, physical chemistry, statistics, and computer science. Specific
requirements for admission to the graduate program are given in the University
Bulletin. It is the general expectation of this graduate program that applicants
enrolled in another program will complete that program prior to matriculating
into this program.
Applicants may apply for admission
to begin studies in the fall semester of the academic year. Application for
admission to the Graduate Program is made on forms furnished by the Graduate
School office. Applications must be supported by an official transcripts from
each institution attended since high school, three letters of recommendation
from persons able to assess the applicant's potential as a research scientist,
and an essay (1-2 pages) from the applicant describing their future career
goals. Foreign applicants who do not use English as their native language must
take the "Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)" examination and should
achieve a score of 600 or higher. Inquiries regarding admission to the
Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences should be referred to
the program director.
Return to Table of
Contents
II.
INFORMATION FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS
A. Advisors and Internships for
New Students
All students must attend fall
semester orientation for School of Medicine graduate students.
During the process of selecting
potential internships (see below), the Program Director or a designated faculty
member will serve as temporary advisor to all students who have not selected a
research advisor.
During the first year and a half
of study, students will conduct research internships with graduate faculty
members whose research areas are of interest. These internships provide students
with the opportunity to work closely with faculty to gain laboratory experience
in a field of their choice. During the first semester following entry into the
doctoral program, new students should meet with a number of faculty members in
order to become apprised of research opportunities in the faculty member's
laboratory. After meeting with the faculty, students will select internships.
Internships may be for either a half or whole semester. Enrollment will be in
either PATH/BIOL 6810 or 6830. Grades will be assigned by supervising faculty.
Students are expected to spend a minimum of 12 hours per week working on the
internship.
B. Selection of a Dissertation
Advisor
Following the completion of at
least two internships, a Dissertation Advisor will be selected by the student.
The program director will be responsible for assisting the student in selecting
a Dissertation Advisor appropriate to the research interests and professional
goals of the student, and consistent with the resources of the proposed
Dissertation Advisor and the program. The program is responsible for the
first two years of stipend support, after this time it is expected that students
will be supported by grant, departmental or fellowship funds.
All full time students in the
graduate program in Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences
should have an Advisor no later than two years after their enrollment. In
the event that a student does not have an Advisor at this time, the program
director will recommend an Advisor to be assigned by the Program Committee. The
assignment should be mutually agreeable to the student and to the
Advisor.
Upon selection of an Advisor the
student will notify the program director of his/her choice in writing. The
faculty member selected as Advisor will concurrently notify the program director
in writing of his/her willingness to assist the student and to accept the
responsibility of directing the doctoral dissertation. To change the
Advisor-Advisee relationship, a written recommendation from the program director
and consent of the Graduate Advisory Committee is required.
C. Graduate Advisory
Committee
Within the semester of
appointment, it is the responsibility of the Advisor to recommend the
composition of the student's Graduate Advisory Committee to the program
director. The student's Advisor will normally serve as the Chair of the
student's Graduate Advisory Committee. This Committee is composed of at least
five graduate faculty members. Three of these must be members of the Graduate
Faculty in Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences. At least
one Committee member must be a member of the Graduate Faculty of another
Department. In selecting committee members the student and the Advisor should
avoid constructing a committee with a narrow range of academic interests. The
Program Director will review the proposed committee and make a recommendation to
the Advisor and the Program Advisory Committee of the suitability of the student
committee composition.
The student's Graduate Advisory
Committee is responsible for establishment of the student's program of study in
final detail, approval of the research program, counseling the student,
monitoring student's progress, administration and evaluation of the doctoral
candidacy research proposal examination, criticism of the dissertation,
administration and evaluation of the dissertation defense. The final program of
study for the Ph.D. degree shall be formulated and approved by the student's
Graduate Advisory Committee (in consultation with the student) and must be
reviewed by the Program Director. It is recommended that the program of study be
submitted as early as possible in the first semester after assignment of the
Advisor.
The student's Graduate Advisory
Committee must meet at least twice a year. The student generally should
be present for at least a part of all meetings. The chair of the Advisory
Committee will submit a written summary of each meeting to the Program Director
and provide copies to the student and to each committee member. At least once a
year this report shall include a description of the overall achievement and
development of the student. This report will be forwarded to the program
director and kept in the student's permanent file.
If the Advisor leaves this
institution, the Advisor and the student's Advisory Committee must insure that
the student's progress toward the degree can continue at this or another
institution. If the Advisor goes on sabbatical or becomes incapacitated, another
faculty member, designated as Vice-Chair, must assume the role of Acting Chair
of the Advisory Committee.
Return to Table of
Contents
III. GRADUATE CURRICULUM IN
INTERDISCIPLINARY DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
A. Research Requirement
All graduate students in
Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences are required to
conduct an original, independent research project under the supervision of their
Advisor. The research project is a major component of the graduate curriculum. A
dissertation reporting the results of the investigation in relation to the
existing scientific knowledge must be written. The student will be expected to
present portions of the dissertation research at regional, national or
international scientific meetings, such as FASEB, Gordon Conferences, etc., in
addition to the preparation of at least one manuscript which the student's
Advisory Committee deems worthy of submission to a suitable refereed
journal. Additional manuscripts or submissions may be required by the
Advisor or Graduate Advisory Committee.
B. Course Requirements
Students in the Interdisciplinary
Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences must meet all requirements specified in
their approved program of study in order to obtain a degree. However, the
student's Graduate Advisory Committee can elect to alter the approved program
requirements when such changes are beneficial to the student. Recommended
changes in the program of study must be submitted in writing to the Program
Director for review and approval.
Core Curriculum for Interdisciplinary Doctoral
Program in Biological Science
The core curriculum is required for students in
all concentrations. The core competencies required are in molecular
biology, cell biology and research skills, both laboratory and statistical
including research ethics and presentation.
|
BIOC 7301 |
Biomolecular
Structure and Function |
4 hrs |
|
BIOC 7310 or BIOL
7870 |
Molecular Biology |
3 |
|
ANAT 7202/MCBI
7410 |
Cell Biology |
4 |
|
or BIOL
7480/1 |
|
|
|
BIOS 6022 |
Biostatistics for
Health Professionals |
3 |
|
or PSYC
6431 |
Statistics and
Research Design |
|
|
BISC 8810 |
Methods and
Techniques (must be in Molecular
Biology Lab) |
3 |
|
BISC 8815 |
Seminar
(once per year for 3 years) |
3 |
|
HUMS 7004 or
Equivalent |
Research Ethics |
2 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
22 hrs |
Substitutions must be essentially identical
courses and are strictly limited. For qualified students a more advanced
course in the same area may be substituted.
Courses for Biomedical
Science Concentration
Required
|
MCBI 7400 |
Immunology and
Virology |
4 |
|
BISC 8810 |
Methods and
Techniques |
3 @ |
|
PATH 8815 |
Seminar |
1 |
|
BISC 8830 |
Introduction to
Research |
1-5 @ |
Electives (Must complete at least four credits
from list excluding those for BISC 8820)
|
BISC 8820 |
Current Topics |
2 |
|
PATH 8800 |
Principles of Pathology |
4 |
|
PHLY 7701 |
Graduate Cellular Physiology |
3 |
|
PHLY 7702 |
Graduate Organ Systems
Physiology |
5 |
|
NEUR 7000 |
Cellular and Molecular
Neuroscience |
3 |
|
NEUR 7001 |
Behavioral and Integrative
Neuroscience |
3 |
|
MCBI 7440 |
Advanced Molecular Genetics |
4 |
|
MCBI 7450 |
Immunology |
4 |
|
BIOC 8345 |
Cell Motility |
2 |
|
CMED 7100 |
Animal Research Methods |
2 |
|
PHAR 7609 |
Introduction to Pharmacology |
3 |
|
PHAR 7610 |
Basic Mechanism of Drug Action |
3 |
A complete program consists of 22 credits of core
curriculum, at least 18 credits from the concentration and 18 credits for
dissertation, PATH 9000. Other appropriate graduate level courses may be
added by agreement of the advisor and/or advisory committee.
@ may be repeated for credit
Courses for Biology
Concentration
Required
|
BIOL 7504/14 |
Research Problems in Biology |
2,2 |
| |
- May be repeated for a
total of 6 credits |
|
Electives (Must complete 12 credits)
|
BIOL 7090/01 |
Experimental Embryology |
4 |
|
BIOL 7130 |
Advances in Developmental
Biology |
2 |
|
BIOL 7100/20 |
Advances in Molecular Biology |
2,2 |
|
BIOL 7190 |
Immunology II |
3 |
|
BIOL 7210 |
Phylogenetic Theory |
3 |
|
BIOL 7220 |
Evolution: Topics for Advanced
Students |
3 |
|
BIOL 7230/31 |
Advanced Techniques in
Molecular Biology |
2,3 |
|
BIOL 7250/51 |
Protein Purification
Techniques |
4 |
|
BIOL 7345 |
Cell Motility |
2 |
|
MCBI 7400 |
Immunology and Virology |
4 |
|
PHYL 7701 |
Graduate Cellular Physiology |
3 |
A complete program consists of 22 credits of core
curriculum, 6 credits of BIOL 6504/14, at least 12 credits of concentration
electives and 18 credits of BIOL 9000, Dissertation Research. Other
appropriate graduate level courses may be added or substituted by agreement of
the advisor and student advisory committee.
Courses for Neuroscience
Concentration
Required
|
NEUR 7000 |
Cellular and Molecular
Neuroscience |
3 |
|
NEUR 7001 |
Behavioral and Integrative
Neuroscience |
3 |
|
PHYL 8*** |
Neurophysiology: Neurons to
Brain (new course) |
3 |
|
BISC 8815 |
Seminar & BISC 8830
Introduction to Research |
1@, 1-5@ |
|
OR |
|
|
|
PSYC 6315 |
Behavioral Neuroscience: Lit.
& Lab. Exper. |
3@ |
Electives (Must complete at least four credits
from list excluding those for seminar and laboratory experience above.)
|
ANAT 7210 |
Histology and Cell Biology |
4 |
|
BIOL 6040/6041 |
Animal Behavior |
4,0 |
|
BIOL 7100/7120 |
Advances in Molecular Biology |
2,2 |
|
BIOL 7250/7251 |
Protein Purification
Techniques |
4,0 |
|
BIOL 7300/7301 |
Neurophysiology |
3,0 |
|
BISC 8810 |
Methods and Techniques in
Research |
3 |
|
EXSS 7204 |
Techniques of Biomechanical
Assessment |
3 |
|
PHAR 7609 |
Introduction to Pharmacology |
3 |
|
PHAR 7640 |
Pharmacology of the Central
Nervous System |
3 |
|
PHAR 7670 |
Pharmacology Research
Techniques |
3 |
|
PHYL 7701 |
Graduate Cellular Physiology |
3 |
|
PHYL 7725 |
Membrane Transport Processes |
2 |
|
PHYL 7730 |
Sensory Systems
Neurophysiology |
3 |
|
PSYC 6312 |
Laboratory Methods in
Behavioral Neuroscience |
3 |
|
PSYC 6315 |
Neuroscience: Lit. & Lab.
Exper. |
3@ |
|
PSYC 6320 |
Behavioral Pharmacology
Seminar |
3 |
|
PSYC 6412 |
Advanced Physiological
Psychology |
3 |
|
PSYC 6413 |
Clinical Neuropsychology |
3 |
|
PSYC 6427 |
Advanced Principles of
Learning |
3 |
A complete program consists of 22 credits of core
curriculum, at least 18 credits from the concentration and 18 credits for
dissertation, ANAT/BIOC/PATH/PHAR/PHYL/PSYC/9000. Other appropriate
graduate level courses may be added by agreement of the advisor and/or advisory
committee.
@ may be repeated for credit
Dissertation Research, PATH/BIOL 9000, is required
each semester from candidacy until the final dissertation has been submitted.
Credit is given for up to six repetitions of PATH/BIOL 9000 (18 units).
The Ph.D. degree requires 58 units, 40 of which must be completed by the end of
the semester in which the student is admitted to candidacy.
Graduate students in the Interdisciplinary
Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences are expected to develop a working
knowledge of radiation safety and laboratory safety. Students are also
expected to acquire a working knowledge of the use of micro computers and the
principles of statistics. An individual student's program of study must
include either formal or informal studies to provide the knowledge required.
The Graduate School requires that candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree
demonstrate proficiency in foreign languages, statistics or computer science
(the "research skills" requirement). A working knowledge of statistics and
computer literacy, both appropriate to the student's research interests, and
successfully completing PATH/BIOL 6810 and 6830 constitute the Research Skills
requirements of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences.
C. Teaching Responsibilities for
Graduate Students
Each student will serve a
minimum of two semesters as a Teaching Assistant, usually in the second
year, subject to the availability of appropriate assignments. Teaching
assignments are made by the Chairman of the Department responsible for the
course in consultation with the student, Advisor and Graduate Advisory
Committee. The course director will define the extent of the teaching
experience, and the responsibilities of the students.
At the end of each teaching
assignment, the Course Director will provide the Program Director with a written
evaluation of the performance of each Teaching Assistant; the evaluation will be
included in each student's file and a copy sent to the student's Advisor.
Satisfactory completion of the teaching assignment is an important part of the
student's academic development and will be a consideration in establishing the
student's academic standing in the department.
D. Transfer of Graduate
Coursework
Graduate work completed prior to
the admission to the doctoral program will be evaluated by the student's
Graduate Advisory Committee when the individual program of study is developed.
Transfer credits from other institutions are generally limited to 20% of those
required for a degree. Transfer of credit is subject to further approval
by the Program Director, the Dean of the Graduate School, and the transfer
credits committee. With the approval of the Program Director, the Program
Committee, and the Graduate School one or both portions of the doctoral
candidacy examination requirement may be waived for transfer students who have
successfully passed an equivalent candidacy examination in their former graduate
program. Credit may be given for coursework taken as part of an M.S. degree at E.C.U.
Return to Table of
Contents
IV. ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY FOR THE
DOCTORAL DEGREE
Doctoral students must
successfully pass the doctoral candidacy examination. A student's eligibility
for the examination will be determined by the Program Director upon receiving a
recommendation from the student's Graduate Advisory Committee. Every effort
should be made to complete the examination process by the end of the fifth
semester (summer sessions excluded). The examination will be administered in two
parts. The first part will be an individualized written examination
prepared by the student's advisory committee. The second part will be a
comprehensive preliminary examination which will address the student's
originality and knowledge in the area of the proposed dissertation research.
Upon passing both examinations the student will be recommended for admission to
candidacy for the degree, Doctor of Philosophy.
A. Examination
Part
1
The qualifying examination should
be taken during the second year of study, usually in the spring or summer
semester. Each member of the student's graduate advisory committee will
prepare one or more written questions. The questions should be appropriate to
the training coursework and potential field of study of the student. Each
question should be graded by its author; but the student's performance on all
questions should be considered by each member of the committee. Approval
of the student's performance will be by a roll call vote of the Graduate
Advisory Committee with no abstention. A passing vote consists of no more than
one negative vote. Unsatisfactory performance twice will result in termination
of the student's Doctoral program.
B. Comprehensive Preliminary
Examination
Upon successfully completing the
first part of the qualifying examination, the student will compose a grant
application, prepared in the format of a National Institutes of Health or
National Science Foundation grant application that describes the proposed
dissertation research. Within one semester of completing the part 1 of
the examination, the final version of the grant application will be submitted to
the student's Graduate Advisory Committee for evaluation and then presented in a
public seminar. Following the seminar, the Graduate Advisory Committee and
student will meet in a session at which time the student will defend the grant
application and the scientific principles upon which it is based.
Any faculty member may attend and
participate in the grant application defense; however, the student's Graduate
Advisory Committee is responsible for the administration and evaluation of this
examination. Approval of the student's performance will be by a roll call vote
of the Graduate Advisory Committee with no abstention. A passing vote consists
of no more than one negative vote. The student's Graduate Advisory Committee
Chair will be responsible for submitting the form: "DOCTORAL CANDIDACY
EXAMINATION REPORT" (see Appendix) to the Program Director.
Return to Table of
Contents
V. DOCTORAL DISSERTATION
A. Dissertation
Requirements
Each Candidate shall prepare a
dissertation proposal. The dissertation proposal should meet the guidelines
specified in The Graduate Catalog of East Carolina University, Section 7, School
of Medicine, Doctoral Dissertation:
1) A review of the literature
pertinent to the research,
2) A short statement on the nature
of the project and the objectives of the proposed research,
3) An outline of a feasible
research program.
The dissertation proposal must be
approved by (see IV.B.) and may be changed as needed by the student's
Graduate Advisory Committee.
The dissertation must reflect
original, independent research which contributes new knowledge to the
candidate's major field. A high quality of experimental design, research
technique, and communication must be demonstrated along with a clear perception
of historical foundations, strengths, weaknesses, and implications of the
results.
The student will write a
dissertation under the direction of his/her Advisor. The student will submit a
complete typed draft of the dissertation to each Graduate Advisory Committee
member. The Committee will have a minimum of 2 weeks to critique the
dissertation draft and return it to the student. Each committee member shall
convey to the student's Advisor his opinion of whether the dissertation
is of sufficient quality to schedule the oral defense. The student will prepare
and distribute a complete, revised draft that reflects consideration of the
Graduate Advisory Committee's critique. Simultaneously, the Advisor shall inform
the Program Director by letter that the dissertation is ready for defense and
submit an announcement of the date, time and location of the oral defense. With
the written approval of the Program Director, the announcement will be
distributed to all departments in the School of Medicine and to all
Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences faculty. The
announcement must be distributed no less than 1 week prior to the oral defense
and the student's Advisory Committee members must receive the revised
dissertation draft at least 2 weeks prior to the oral defense date.
Details pertaining to the
preparation, binding, and distribution of the dissertation are specified in the
Graduate Catalogue. Bound copies of the dissertation will be provided for the
Advisor and the Department.
B. Dissertation Defense
The dissertation defense will
consist of an oral presentation of the dissertation research in a publicly
announced Seminar to which all interested persons are invited followed by a
Graduate Advisory Committee meeting. The candidate should successfully defend
the research findings by responding to all questions and criticism. If the
presentation is unsatisfactory the defense will be re-scheduled. If the research
findings contain major weaknesses, the candidate will be offered an opportunity
to obtain additional data before re-scheduling a defense. Immediately following
the seminar, the Graduate Advisory Committee will convene in private to ask
additional questions if deemed necessary and to vote on the student's
dissertation. The vote will be recorded. Voting shall be a roll call vote with
no abstention. Successful defense requires no more than one negative vote.
Recommendation to the Dean to award the degree will be made by the committee and
the Program Director.
The doctoral degree program must
be completed before the end of the six years following initial
enrollment. If special circumstances require, a student may request an extension
from the Program Director with endorsement from the Graduate Advisory Committee.
The Program Director will review the request and will make a recommendation to
the Graduate Advisory Committee. Only one extension of not more than two
semesters will be approved.
The doctoral degree program is
considered complete when the dissertation has been successfully defended and a
copy of the signed, final version has been forwarded to the Graduate
School.
Return to Table of
Contents
VI. ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
A. Grade Point
Average
Students in the doctoral program
must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 for
graduate courses. The GPA will be calculated by the Program Director based on
courses in the student's program of study that do not exceed the maximum credits
allowed for courses that may be repeated for credit (see III. B.). A cumulative
departmental GPA of 3.0 is a prerequisite for the administration of the Doctoral
Candidacy Examinations. Only graduate level courses with a grade of "B" or
better may be used to satisfy the minimum 58 credit hours required for the Ph.D.
degree. A student may earn a maximum of two "C" grades for courses in
their program of study.
If a student receives a grade of
"F" or two grades of "C" in required courses, the student must initiate a
petition to continue his/her program. The petition must be approved by the
student's Graduate Advisory Committee, the program director and the Program
Committee for the student to continue in the program. If approved, the student
must repeat the course and earn a grade of "B" or better before the dissertation
defense. The course (credits and grade) can be counted only once for
graduation.
B. Progress Evaluations
The program director annually
reviews each student's progress. The reviews will consider all aspects of a
student's performance. Examples of unsatisfactory performance include poor
grades, non-compliance with regulations, irresponsibility, insufficient effort
on dissertation research, unsatisfactory progress on writing the dissertation,
scientific misconduct, and unethical behavior. If the student's progress is
unsatisfactory, the program director, in concert with the Advisor, may require
remedial action or may request that the Program Committee remove the student
from the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences.
C. Vacation Policy
Graduate students receive 20
working days of vacation a year. Prior to taking vacation leave, graduate
students must complete a Graduate Student Absence form available from the
program secretary and give the form to their Advisor for approval and then to
the program director.
Return to Table of
Contents
Adopted:
2/26/03; minor modifications 3/19/03
Return to Interdisciplinary
Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences Page
For more information contact:
hoffmand@mail.ecu.edu
Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program
in Biological Sciences
Department of Pathology and
Laboratory Medicine
East Carolina University School of
Medicine
600 Moye
Boulevard
Greenville, North Carolina
27858-4354
Phone 252.744.2807 / Fax
252.744.3336
