Experimental Pathology Graduate Program

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination in the Experimental Pathology Graduate program requires that the student proposes, writes and orally defends an NIH-style R21 research proposal, which will be evaluated by a faculty committee. The graduate student preliminary (qualifying) examination (often referred to as “Prelims” or “Quals”) must be successfully completed in order to pursue your graduate research and to advance to doctoral candidacy in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS)/Program according to according to the timeline set forth in the GSBS bylaws. The purpose of this examination is to test your understanding of the BBSC (Basic Biomedical Science Curriculum) course work, program-specific course work, general science and critical thinking, the basis of research methods and, to evaluate your aptitude for scientific research.  The examination will ordinarily be completed by the end of April of the second year of study, including for those admitted through the direct admission mechanism, and is a prerequisite for admission to candidacy to the Ph.D. program.  Students who fail the examination cannot enter candidacy and are eligible to repeat the exam once in the following year. However, the following stipulations apply:

(i) the student’s mentor must agree to support the student for the extra year (that is pay for the student’s stipend and tuition fees);

(ii) the student must retake the grant-writing course. If the student fails again, s/he is subject to dismissal from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) and s/he must be prepared to submit a Master’s thesis.

Advancement to Candidacy

Students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Experimental Pathology must apply for admission to candidacy and submit an approved dissertation research proposal. To qualify:

  • Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of candidacy application.
  • Admission to candidacy requires successful completion of all program requirements, including the qualifying examination.
  • Final approval of candidacy is granted by the Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS).
  • The qualifying exam is typically completed by the end of the second year of study and is required prior to candidacy.

GSBS bylaws state:

  • All students are required to advance as a doctoral candidate within 12 months following the completion of their preliminary examinations or be subject to dismissal from the GSBS.
  • Experimental Pathology Year 3 trainees are required to submit a draft of their dissertation proposal (10-13 pages) and a list of proposed supervisory committee members (with alternates) for approval by the Program Director and SEAC by February 1.
  • Students will then have three months in which to defend the proposal, obtain supervisory committee approval, and formally file an application for candidacy (no later than June 1).
  • The supervisory committee is required to complete their evaluation of the submitted dissertation proposal within one month. Should the proposal require significant alterations, the student will be given a maximum of one month to rewrite their proposal.

Dissertation Supervisory Committee Selection

Prior to admission to candidacy, the student (in consultation with the mentor) shall select a dissertation supervisory committee which, after approval by the ExPath Program Director and SEAC and, ultimately, the GSBS Dean, will be in charge of the candidate’s doctoral dissertation. The faculty mentor will serve as chair of the dissertation supervisory committee and the supervisory committee will consist of four UTMB Health GSBS faculty members and one external member. A typical committee will consist of the following members and affiliations:

  • Mentor (Committee Chair; ExPath)
  • Two faculty from the Department of Pathology (ExPath)
  • One faculty from another UTMB department
  • One external member (outside institution)

Dissertation Proposal Defense

Student responsibilities:

  • Coordinate the defense date/time/location with all SC members.
  • Reserve the room (typically in Mary Moody Northen Pavilion) via Program Coordinator.

Tips:

  • Start early to avoid scheduling conflicts.
  • The defense lasts no more than three hours, including:
    • ~1 hour presentation
    • Q&A and discussion

Be prepared to explain:

  • Technical methods and limitations
  • Animal usage and justification
  • Statistical analysis
Alternative hypotheses

Semi-annual Meetings with the Dissertation Supervisory Committee

Students must meet with their SC twice per year to:

  • Track progress
  • Receive consistent feedback

Typical meeting schedule (5 total):

  1. Year 3: Proposal defense
  2. Year 4: Mid-year and end-of-year reviews
  3. Year 5: Mid-year and final dissertation defense

After each meeting:

  • Committee provides a written summary.
  • Student must submit a written response to the SC and Pathology Education Office within 1 week.