GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2023-2024 Department of

GRADUATE STUDENT

HANDBOOK

2023-2024

Department of Biology

Interim Chair, Department of Biology

Patrick Farmer

One Bear Place #97388

Baylor Sciences Building, B.207

Waco, Texas 76798-7388

Foreword

The original Graduate Student Handbook was compiled in 1968, and was revised in 1970, 1972,

1974, 1978, 1981, and by the departmental Graduate Committee in 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999,

2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018,

2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The purpose is to provide a convenient source of information

for graduate students and faculty concerning Biology Department policies and pertinent University

Graduate School regulations. In the establishment of departmental policies, every effort has been

made to comply with University Graduate School guidelines.

Graduate Committee

2023-2024

Joseph H. Taube

Graduate Program Director

Joseph White

Bessie Kebaara

Jason Pitts

Sarah Kienle

Tamar Carter

River Kaveney

Graduate Program Coordinator

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 3

Contents

FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................................................... 2

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM ........................................................................................................................ 5

PROGRAM OF STUDY: DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOLOGY .............................................................. 6

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES .............................................................................................................................................. 6

ASSESSMENT OF PROGRAM OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................... 6

COURSEWORK ........................................................................................................................................................... 7

TRANSFER CREDITS ................................................................................................................................................... 8

COURSES OUTSIDE THE MAJOR FIELD........................................................................................................................ 9

RESIDENCE STUDY .................................................................................................................................................... 9

TEACHING ................................................................................................................................................................. 9

MINIMUM GRADE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 9

SEMINAR ATTENDANCE POLICY AND GRADUATE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS (BIO 5101) ................................. 9

PUBLICATION REQUIREMENT..................................................................................................................................... 9

LAB RESEARCH ROTATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 10

Rotation Presentations ....................................................................................................................................... 11

Student-Advisor Matching .................................................................................................................................. 11

ROLE OF THE PHD ADVISOR AND PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION COMMITTEE ......................................................... 11

PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION .................................................................................................................................. 12

Mechanics of the Written Preliminary Exam (Preliminary Exam, Part I) ......................................................... 13

Mechanics of the Dissertation Proposal Defense (Preliminary Exam, Part II) ................................................. 14

Scheduling of Proposal Defense ........................................................................................................................ 16

MID-CANDIDACY COMMITTEE MEETING (PERMISSION TO DEFEND) ....................................................................... 17

DISSERTATION DEFENSE (FINAL EXAMINATION)..................................................................................................... 17

Scheduling of Dissertation Defense ................................................................................................................... 18

MASTER’S PROGRAMS ........................................................................................................................................ 19

PROGRAM OF STUDY: MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY ..................................................................... 19

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................................ 19

ASSESSMENT OF PROGRAM OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................. 19

COURSEWORK AND RESEARCH ................................................................................................................................ 20

SEMINAR ATTENDANCE POLICY AND GRADUATE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS (BIO 5101) ............................... 21

ADVISOR AND THESIS COMMITTEE .......................................................................................................................... 21

THESIS PROPOSAL ................................................................................................................................................... 21

PREPARATION OF THE THESIS .................................................................................................................................. 21

SUBMISSION AND REVIEW OF THESIS ...................................................................................................................... 22

FINAL COMPREHENSIVE ORAL EXAM ...................................................................................................................... 22

Description of Exam ........................................................................................................................................... 22

Scheduling of Oral Exam ................................................................................................................................... 22

Examination Committee ..................................................................................................................................... 23

Voting ................................................................................................................................................................. 23

PROGRAM OF STUDY: MASTER OF ARTS IN BIOLOGY – HEALTH PROFESSION ............................. 24

ASSESSMENT OF OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................................. 24

COURSEWORK ......................................................................................................................................................... 24

ADVISOR AND EXIT EXAM COMMITTEE .................................................................................................................. 25

EXIT SEMINAR ......................................................................................................................................................... 25

Scheduling of Exit Seminar and Exam ............................................................................................................... 25

Voting ................................................................................................................................................................. 26

GENERAL REGULATIONS AND POLICIES ..................................................................................................... 27

FINANCIAL SUPPORT ........................................................................................................................................... 29

REGARDING THE NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS FOR ENROLLMENT ................................................... 30

ASSIGNMENT OF GRADUATE STUDENT TEACHING DUTIES .................................................................. 31

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 4

TIMETABLE FOR DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOLOGY ...................................................................... 33

SUMMER 0 (FOLLOWING ACCEPTANCE AND PRIOR TO FALL I ENROLLMENT): .......................................................... 33

FALL I (1

SEMESTER) ............................................................................................................................................. 33

SPRING I (2

SEMESTER) ......................................................................................................................................... 34

SUMMER I ................................................................................................................................................................ 34

FALL II (3

SEMESTER) ........................................................................................................................................... 35

SPRING II (4

SEMESTER) ........................................................................................................................................ 35

SUMMER II ............................................................................................................................................................... 36

FALL III (5

SEMESTER) .......................................................................................................................................... 36

SPRING III (6

SEMESTER) ....................................................................................................................................... 37

SUMMER III ............................................................................................................................................................. 37

FALL IV (7

SEMESTER) .......................................................................................................................................... 37

SPRING IV (8

SEMESTER) ...................................................................................................................................... 37

SUMMER IV ............................................................................................................................................................. 38

FALL V (9

SEMESTER) ........................................................................................................................................... 38

SPRING V (10

SEMESTER) ...................................................................................................................................... 38

TIMETABLE FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY ............................................................................... 40

SUMMER 0 (FOLLOWING ACCEPTANCE AND PRIOR TO FALL I ENROLLMENT): .......................................................... 40

FALL I (1

SEMESTER) ............................................................................................................................................. 40

SPRING I (2

SEMESTER) ......................................................................................................................................... 40

SUMMER I ................................................................................................................................................................ 41

FALL II (3

SEMESTER) ........................................................................................................................................... 41

SPRING II (4

SEMESTER) ........................................................................................................................................ 41

TIMETABLE FOR MASTER OF ARTS IN BIOLOGY – HEALTH PROFESSION ....................................... 43

SPRING 0 (FOLLOWING ACCEPTANCE AND PRIOR TO SUMMER ENROLLMENT): ......................................................... 43

SUMMER I ................................................................................................................................................................ 43

FALL I (1

SEMESTER) ............................................................................................................................................. 43

SPRING I (2

SEMESTER) ......................................................................................................................................... 44

BIOLOGY GRADUATE FACULTY ...................................................................................................................... 45

APPENDIX 1: TABLE OF FORMS FOR THE M.S., M.A.HP., AND PH.D. DEGREES ................................. 46

APPENDIX 2: TIMETABLE FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOLOGY, GRAPHICAL

REPRESENTATION ................................................................................................................................................ 48

APPENDIX 3: TIMETABLE FOR THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY, GRAPHICAL

REPRESENTATION ................................................................................................................................................ 49

APPENDIX 4: TIMETABLE FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS – HEALTH PROFESSIONS IN BIOLOGY,

GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION ....................................................................................................................... 50

APPENDIX 5: BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT FORMS FOR PROGRAM PROGRESSION .............................. 51

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 5

Objectives of the Program

The Graduate Program of the Biology Department endeavors to provide a diverse, inclusive,

academic atmosphere in which graduate students and faculty can work together as a community

of scholars. Through the free exchange of information, it is our goal that each student will

broaden their intellectual perspectives, prepare for a productive career, and realize their potential

as an individual and as a responsible and informed member of society.

It is our intent to educate future biologists to be well-rounded scholars who exhibit proficiency in

their chosen academic field. Graduate students in the Department of Biology should have a broad

knowledge of basic concepts in biology, usually obtained through either an undergraduate degree

in biology or an allied field. This foundation helps the student (1) promote self-motivated

learning in a specialized field of biology, (2) understand the methods employed in biological

investigation and (3) proceed toward making their own contribution to the scientific community.

Once a student has completed their graduate degree(s), they should possess an academic

background adequate to enable the graduate to conduct research and teach courses in basic

biology. With a broad-based competency, the student should be prepared for a successful career

in a variety of biology-related fields.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 6

Program of Study: Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

The intent of the doctoral program is to develop our students into excellent scientists who have

unique expertise in a subdiscipline of biology. This program involves an original research

experience culminating in an approved dissertation. It is expected that the doctoral graduate will

be properly equipped with the knowledge and training needed to independently conduct research

and to teach introductory biology and advanced topics in their area of specialty.

Students may focus their studies within one of two available degree tracks, though many of the

faculty research programs and course offerings bridge these tracks:

(1) Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal (EEO) biology or

(2) Cellular, Molecular, Health, and Disease (CMHD) biology

Program Objectives

1. Graduate students are expected to be proficient in core areas of biology, especially those

relevant to their degree track and dissertation research. Students are expected to be

proficient in at least 3 of these core areas: cell and molecular biology, global health and

disease, genetics, physiology, ecology, and evolution. We rely on the Preliminary

Examination committee to determine core areas as fundamental to the student’s doctoral

education.

2. Graduate students will demonstrate familiarity with the relevant literature, and expertise in

experimental design, collection and analysis of data, and interpretation of results in subject

areas pertinent to the student’s dissertation research.

3. Students will become self-sufficient, independent scientists as demonstrated by

presentations at international scientific societies and publication of their research in

reputable peer-reviewed, scientific journals.

Assessment of Program Objectives

1. Students will be required to fill out annual reports each December. These reports will first

be submitted to their research advisor for additional input before being submitted to the

Graduate Program Director. These reports will be reviewed and returned, with or without

recommendations as necessary.

2. The written preliminary exam is administered to each doctoral student usually during the

fourth semester of the student’s program (typically Spring of second year). Advanced

students with M.S. degrees may petition to take the exam near the end of their first year,

with the cohort of 2

year students. This exam is part one of two for being admitted into

candidacy.

3. The dissertation proposal defense will be administered to each doctoral student after

achieving a passing score on the written preliminary exam. This oral defense typically

occurs in the summer between the 4

and 5

semesters or the fifth semester. This defense

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 7

is the final part for being admitted into candidacy. Students may defend their proposal

prior to the written preliminary exam under unusual circumstances. These students

typically would take the written exam in their 2

semester.

4. The dissertation defense is the culmination of several years of course work and

independent research. The defense serves as the student’s final exam. Students must

complete a multi-chaptered dissertation (at least 3 chapters, each representing work

equivalent to a peer-reviewed publication in a journal considered rigorous and reputable

by the advisor and PhD committee) and defend the research therein in public to their

dissertation committee. The students’ publications may be used as chapters provided that

a statement of work indicating the specific contributions of the student is provided.

Successful defense of proposed research is the final milestone and signifies maturation

into an independent, self-sufficient biologist worthy of the Doctor of Philosophy degree

in Biology. Please refer to the Timetable for Doctor of Philosophy in Biology near the

end of this document for a detailed timetable of steps and required benchmarks during the

program of study.

Coursework

Required coursework is identical for EEO and CMHD students with one important

exception: CMHD students must enroll in three (3) sections of BIO 6101 (Research

Rotations) in their first semester, although all students are eligible to enroll in BIO 6101.

Here is a summary of course work requirements for the Biology PhD:

1. A minimum of 78 semester hours is required for the Ph.D.

2. At least 40 of the 78 semester hours must consist of course work, excluding BIO 6V10,

Dissertation Prospectus Research and BIO 6V99, Dissertation.

3. A minimum of 28 of the 40 hours of course work must be 5000-level or higher.

4. The following courses are required:

• Research Methods in Biology I (BIO 5201, 2 hours)

• Research Methods in Biology II (BIO 5202, 2 hours)

• Statistics (STA 5300, 3 hours, or comparable course)

• Graduate Scientific Communications (BIO 5101, minimum 2 hours*)

• Topics in Biology (BIO 5100, minimum of 3 hours)

• Research Proposal Writing and Development (BIO 5349 or comparable course)

• CMHD students only: Research Rotations (BIO 6101, 3 hours/sections).

*1 credit per semester, taken each of first 2 semesters

5. A maximum of 8 combined hours of BIO 5100 (or other approved seminars) may count

toward degree requirements; repeat credit requires change in topic from previous

registrations.

6. Not more than 12 hours of 4000-level course work may be applied to the 40 hours of

course work. For 4000-level courses to apply toward the Ph.D., the courses must be

listed in the Graduate Catalog and the student must do additional work beyond that

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 8

required of undergraduates in that course. Not all 4000-level courses are eligible for

graduate credit.

7. A maximum of 9 hours from 5V90 can be applied toward the 40 hours of course work,

and we discourage students from taking 5V90 hours when other 5000-level BIO courses

are offered in any given semester. 5V90 is intended to be a focused, special problems

course with a specific faculty member, and credits for that course must reflect structured

course of study with a rubric for grading. Important: once a student has completed the

maximum hours of 5V90, a student will be responsible for the cost of any additional

hours of 5V90 (i.e., Baylor will not pay for unnecessary course credits).

8. No coursework at the 1000, 2000, or 3000 levels will count toward the Ph.D. Further,

Baylor will not provide tuition remission for courses that do not count toward graduate

credit. The graduate student must pay for courses that are not graduate level and are not

approved courses by your dissertation committee.

9. Dissertation Prospectus Research (BIO 6V10, not required, no minimum, maximum 4

hours) and Dissertation (BIO 6V99, required, minimum of 12 hours, maximum 40 hours)

generally comprise the remaining 38 semester hours, although a portion may be devoted

to additional course and laboratory work at the discretion of the student’s

advisory/dissertation committee.

10. Students who are preparing to take the written preliminary exam or dissertation proposal

defense can begin dissertation research by registering for BIO 6V10, Dissertation

Prospectus Research during that semester and the transition period from one exam to the

next. The main purpose of BIO 6V10 is to allow students to focus heavily on completing

the dissertation proposal without having to register for additional course work. BIO 6V10

and BIO 6V99 (Dissertation) are both considered full-time equivalent courses if

registered for as few as one (1) credit hour. Please see the Baylor Graduate School

Catalog for more information about full-time status as it relates to course work and

semester hours.

Transfer Credits

Students entering the program with graduate-level course work may petition to apply up to

24 semester hours of approved courses toward the Ph.D. Courses must be graduate level at

the preceding institution and have been earned in a graduate degree (graduate courses taken

during an undergraduate degree cannot be transferred). If not, they are ineligible for transfer,

even if Baylor has a similar course offered at graduate level. Students do not need to identify

equivalent courses at Baylor to transfer graduate-level coursework, but equivalent courses

may be petitioned so that students are exempt from required courses (e.g., graduate-level

statistics, STA 5300). Thesis hours (i.e., 5V99 or equivalent) are not transferable toward

doctoral requirements. Please refer to the form “Graduate School Petition” in Appendix 1 for

petitioning for transfer credits. Student’s transferring credits from a Master’s degree program

and with significant research experience may elect to proceed to candidacy ahead of

schedule. Please see the section on the candidacy exam for alternative arrangements.

The process for transferring graduate credits cannot be initiated until after classes have

started for your first semester. To initiate this process, email your Graduate Program

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 9

Coordinator an official copy of your graduate transcripts so that they can begin the petition

process.

Courses outside the Major Field

Appropriate courses from other departments may be taken upon approval of the dissertation

committee. Relevant graduate courses in the departments of Anthropology (ANT),

Psychology and Neuroscience (PSY/NSC), Computer Science (CSI), Geology (GEO),

Statistics (STA), Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHE), Environmental Science (ENV),

Human Health, Performance, and Recreation (HHPR) or other departments may be highly

relevant to individual student’s program of study.

Residence Study

A minimum of 1 academic year of study must be undertaken in residence at Baylor.

Teaching

All doctoral students are required to fulfill a one-year teaching experience under the

mentorship of a faculty member. This is satisfied by serving as a teaching assistant (TA) in

lectures or laboratories of one or more undergraduate classes. Alternatively, this requirement

may be satisfied by other college-level teaching experiences (e.g., instructor of record at

community colleges or as a graduate student at a previous university). Students designated

as instructor-of-record must complete the Teaching Assistant Preparation Program (TAPPS)

offered through the Baylor Graduate School or a similar preparatory course on pedagogy.

Participation in these teaching preparatory programs is added to the student’s permanent

transcript.

Minimum Grade Requirements

All graduate students in Biology are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout

their time in the program. In accordance with Graduate School policy, any student whose

Baylor graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on probation. The student must restore

their GPA to 3.0 by the end of the next 9 credit hours of coursework in order to remain in the

graduate program. The student is not eligible to receive financial assistance from the

University during the probationary semester(s).

Seminar Attendance Policy and Graduate Scientific Communications (BIO 5101)

All Biology Ph.D. students are required to enroll in two semesters of BIO 5101, Graduate

Scientific Communications.

Students will receive coursework credit for up to, but not exceeding, 4 hours of 5101.

Students who are not enrolled in BIO 5101 must attend a minimum of 50% of all weekly

Biology seminars. Exemptions may include but are not limited to conflicting research or

teaching activities. Students who qualify for exemptions are responsible for notifying the

faculty member who is instructor of record for BIO 5101 in advance of absences. Excessive

absences may result in probation and loss of funding from the department.

Publication Requirement

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 10

Published work demonstrates a student’s capability as an active contributor to their academic

discipline. The quality and quantity of peer-reviewed publications at the time of graduation

will strongly influence the probability of a student receiving invitations to interview for jobs,

particularly in academia. The peer-review process also provides an external review of the

quality of the student’s research.

Students must publish at least one paper from their dissertation research to progress to the

PhD Dissertation Defense. That is, students may not defend their dissertation until at least

one paper has been accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal that is deemed

reputable and rigorous by the advisor and PhD committee. The student must be the first

author but may have secondary authors on this paper, including other students. Papers that

are considered in press must be documented through communications with the journal’s

editorial staff. Publication requirements may vary with faculty (i.e., some may require

more than one to be accepted before allowing a student to progress to the Ph.D.

Dissertation Defense); therefore, students are strongly encouraged to discuss this early

on in their program with their advisor. A signed advisor/advisee agreement is required

to register for Summer courses.

All publications submitted for this requirement will be founded on research and data

collected while in residence in the Baylor University’s Department of Biology doctoral

program. Prior to scheduling the dissertation defense, students must show evidence to the

Graduate Program Director of having authored a minimum of one original manuscript that

has been published or accepted for publication.

Any manuscript developed based on research conducted as a part of the biology doctoral

program at Baylor must first be edited and approved by your advisor, who should also be a

co-author on the manuscript (except in very rare circumstances). Moreover, submission of

any paper manuscript based on research conducted at Baylor must be approved by your

advisor as well as any co-authors, such that your advisor and all co-authors are aware that

the paper has been submitted and supported the decision to submit the paper to the selected

journal. Failure to follow this procedure is unethical and may result in suspension or

dismissal of a student from the program.

Lab Research Rotations

Research Rotations (BIO 6101) are an integral part of the CMHD degree track experience.

Rotations assist students in their choice of research advisor, allow students to demonstrate

research competence, and provide an opportunity for students to become acquainted with

different research areas in the department. All first-year PhD students concentrating in

CMHD are expected to take and pass three rotations with three different faculty members

during their first semester. One, but no more than one, faculty member who is appointed to

the Biology department as a secondary appointee may serve as a rotation advisor. Most

students will be matched with their dissertation lab after three rotations. If additional lab

exposure is necessary, a fourth rotation (during the first 5 weeks of the second semester), is

optional but discouraged.

Each rotation lasts 5 weeks. The student will spend a minimum of 12 hours per week in the

lab performing research mentored by the faculty member associated with each lab. Students

should use this opportunity to determine which lab best matches their interests. A good fit

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 11

with a lab includes several factors, including the professional goals of the student and the

research direction and pace of the lab as well as how the student, the faculty member and the

other lab members interact and mesh personally. To explore this fit, the student and faculty

member should have at least one formal meeting per week during the 5-week rotation period.

In addition to discussing relevant papers and techniques, topics of discussion should include

the research goals for the lab as a whole over the next several years along with the

expectations for the performance and contribution of the student should they join the lab.

Specific goals for potential projects for the student should be clearly indicated if possible.

Further, students should demonstrate to potential advisors their enthusiasm, responsibility,

maturity, and initiative.

Following acceptance to the graduate program, students should communicate with faculty

members about possible rotation research projects and to obtain permission to enter a rotation

in their lab. If agreed, each incoming student should then email the Graduate Program

Director and Graduate Program Coordinator their rotation priorities by July 1

. The student

will receive confirmation of the order of rotation assignments prior to the beginning of the

Fall semester.

Rotation Presentations

After each of the three required rotations, students present rotation talks in which they briefly

describe their rotation projects, including the background and goals underlying the project,

any specific accomplishments achieved during the rotation period, as well as possible next

steps. Consultation with your rotation advisor and/or practice presentations in lab meetings

are strongly advised.

Student-Advisor Matching

The purpose of rotations is to provide students in-lab experience as well as an opportunity to

evaluate potential graduate advisors. This also provides an opportunity for faculty to evaluate

students. No student should assume that completion of a rotation constitutes approval for

joining a specific lab. Instead, students should approach rotation advisors, following

completion of the rotation, to indicate their desire to either join the lab or decline from

joining the lab so that mutually agreeable matches can be determined. Upon completion of

the third rotation, a prioritized list of prospective graduate advisors must be submitted to the

Graduate Program Coordinator, who, in consultation with the concerned faculty, will

facilitate matching of students with advisors.

When a match with the top choice is not possible, the student will likely be matched with one

of their alternative choices. If no agreeable match can be determined between student and

any of the rotation advisors, the Graduate Program Director and Department Chair will carry

the responsibility of either finding an alternative match (possibly a 4

rotation) or

recommending that the student be dismissed from the program. CMHD students who are

matched with a PhD advisor with a primary appointment in a different department will still

need to complete the Biology program requirements.

Role of the PhD Advisor and Preliminary Examination Committee

The PhD advisor will oversee the student's program of study and dissertation research. The

student and the major advisor, with approval of the Graduate Program Director and Biology

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 12

Graduate Committee, will appoint a dissertation committee consisting of at least two other

members of the Biology graduate faculty (including secondary appointed Biology faculty

from related departments), and one member of the Baylor graduate faculty from outside the

Department of Biology, also known as an Outside Reader, and an additional fifth member

who can be a Baylor faculty member or from a different academic institution.

Committee members who are not Baylor faculty must be approved by the Graduate Program

Director to ensure their credentials are sufficient to serve on a PhD committee. Requirements

for a non-Baylor committee member include, at a minimum, a PhD in Biology or a closely

related field, expertise relevant to the student’s research, strong record of publication and

grant funding, and a current appointment at university or major research facility or institution

(e.g., Smithsonian, Center for Disease Control). Prior to inviting any non-Baylor scientists to

serve on a committee, please submit a current CV of the prospective outside committee

member and a letter of justification to the Graduate Program Director for review and

approval.

This committee must be appointed no later than 4 weeks prior to the end of the first summer

(prior to the start of the Fall semester of their second year) but may be appointed sooner. The

Preliminary Examination committee will be responsible for guiding the student as they first

prepare for the written preliminary exam and then for the dissertation proposal defense. The

Preliminary Exam committee must be approved by the Graduate Program Director. The

student’s Ph.D. advisor should submit the names of the committee members to the Graduate

Program Director for approval no later than 4 weeks prior to the start of the Fall semester,

second year. Details about the written exam and proposal defense are presented in the

upcoming sections of this document.

First Committee Meeting

In preparation for the preliminary exam, the student should schedule a first committee

meeting during the Fall semester of their 2

year. The objectives of this meeting should

primarily be to discuss the rationale for and scope of the research topic. The committee

should also ensure the student has adequate background knowledge and methodological

training to pursue this topic.

Preliminary Examination

The preliminary exam consists of two parts: 1) written preliminary exam and 2) dissertation

proposal defense. The preliminary exam marks the transition between the coursework and

research phases of the studies of the Ph.D. student. It provides the student with the

opportunity to demonstrate not only their knowledge of the topics of biology, but the ability

to apply that knowledge in the way that is traditionally associated with the degree. The exam

is meant not only to assess the student’s knowledge, but is typically detailed and open ended,

allowing the committee to evaluate the ability of the student to apply their knowledge in

different contexts.

Taking the Preliminary Exam is typically initiated in the Spring of Year 2 (semester 4) and

completed by the Fall of Year 3 (semester 5). Student’s entering the PhD program with a MS

degree and with significant research experience may elect to initiate the Preliminary Exam in

the Spring of Year 1 (semester 2) and complete it by the Fall of Year 2 (semester 3). This is

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 13

optional and such students may also choose to initiate the Preliminary Exam in the Spring of

Year 2 (semester 4). If a student is not prepared to initiate the Preliminary Exam by the

Spring of Year 2 (semester 4), a written explanation from the student’s mentor must be

submitted to the Graduate Program Director. Only highly unusual circumstances shall be

designated sufficient cause to delay the Preliminary Exam.

Mechanics of the Written Preliminary Exam (Preliminary Exam, Part I)

Students typically register for BIO 6V10 Dissertation Prospectus Research to prepare for the

written preliminary exam. One (1) semester hour of BIO 6V10 is considered full-time

equivalent (FTE), and since there is a maximum of four (4) 6V10 credits allowed per student,

it is highly recommended that students only register for one (1) hour per semester. Note that

BIO 6V10 will not count toward degree requirements until all coursework is complete.

The exam will be composed of eight (8), two-hour examination sessions, conducted over a

minimum of two days and administered mid- to late-Spring. The exam content will be

specific to each student. Each student’s Preliminary Examination committee members will

write two pairs of questions (n=4 committee members, outside member excluded for the

written exam). The student will only have to provide an answer to one question from each

pair during each session (8 pairs of questions, but only 8 answers). Questions will be focused

heavily on both fundamentals and specifics related to the student’s area of study, particularly

their anticipated dissertation research.

For Students: You are expected to interact with your committee members several months

prior to the written preliminary exam. Committee members are expected to help focus the

student’s preparation to the specific areas they intend to test the student. It is not acceptable

for committee members to expect students to know the content of entire textbooks (e.g.,

“know this book for the exam”), nor is it reasonable to assign readings that either are not

relevant to the student’s research or unduly voluminous. It is reasonable and appropriate for

faculty to define a relatively narrow range of topics for the student to master, with specific

readings to support their mastery of the topic in preparation for the written exam. It is

imperative for students to meet with their committee members as early as possible for

guidance on their research and written preliminary exam topics.

For Advisors: Questions from each Preliminary Exam committee member should first be

submitted to the student’s PhD advisor at least 4 weeks prior to the exam. The PhD advisor

should then compile the questions, ensure that there is minimal overlap or duplication, and

submit them to the Graduate Program Director and Graduate Program Coordinator at least 2

weeks prior to the exam so that the Graduate Committee has a record of the questions, can

vet the questions, and compile the exams. Again, the sets of questions answered by each

student will be unique to that student and will be written by their own respective PhD

Examination Committee.

Students will be required to type their answers without reference or access to any other

materials, directly into Canvas. All answers will be screened for plagiarism. Any breach of

the Honor Code, including the use or presence of unauthorized materials, will result in

automatic failure and will be considered as a violation of the Graduate School's policy on

professional conduct with the potential for dismissal from the program.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 14

Following the examination, answers will be distributed to faculty members for grade

assignment. Graded answers will be distributed to the student and Biology Graduate

Committee. Students must receive an average of at least 70% from each committee

member. The Graduate Program Director will certify exam results. Students may view

graded exams after notification of results.

Should a student fail a set of questions written by one of the four committee members, the

student will be placed on probation and must pass a comprehensive, remedial oral exam

administered by the four committee members and under the supervision of either the

Graduate Program Director or a member of the Biology Graduate Committee, if the Graduate

Program Director is not available. The remedial oral exam must take place before the

beginning of the student’s fifth semester (fall of the third year) and must result in a

unanimous recommendation to pass the student. If one or more faculty members vote to fail

the student during the remedial oral exam, the student will be dismissed from the Biology

Ph.D. program but will be offered the option to complete any of the Biology Department’s

master’s degrees. Dismissal from the Ph.D. program results in the loss of any tuition

scholarships or Baylor-funded stipends (teaching assistantships). Thus, students who elect to

complete a Biology Master’s degree following dismissal from the Ph.D. program must fund

their own tuition unless their advisor has an extramural grant that includes tuition remission

and stipend support.

Should a student fail the questions written by two or more committee members, students will

not have the option of taking the remedial oral exam but will be immediately dismissed from

the Ph.D. program. However, these students will have the same option to complete any of the

department’s Master’s degrees but must fund their own tuition and stipend unless their

advisor has an extramural grant that includes tuition remission and stipend support.

Mechanics of the Dissertation Proposal Defense (Preliminary Exam, Part II)

Students that pass the written exam are automatically qualified to progress on to the oral

presentation and defense of their dissertation topic; although it is permitted that some

students may complete the proposal defense and oral exam prior to the written exam (please

consult with the Graduate Program Director).

Important: Proposals must describe a minimum of 3 chapters, each equivalent to a

publication. The publication requirement does not mean that a student can defend their

dissertation once one chapter is accepted for publication. This requirement means that a

student cannot defend until one chapter is accepted, but this is secondary to having a

complete, defensible dissertation comprised of a minimum of 3 chapters, reviewed and

approved by their advisor and committee as being ready for defense. Therefore, the

Dissertation Proposal must be structured so as to yield this result.

Students and Preliminary Exam committee members (now including the “outside” committee

member, n=5) should discuss and determine the schedule for proposal defense two months

before the exam. Once the student has completed a draft proposal document, a digital (e.g.,

MS Word or PDF) copy will be distributed to all dissertation committee members a minimum

of 2 weeks before the proposal defense. The proposal defense must be completed by the end

of the fifth semester. If a student does not complete their proposal defense by their fifth

semester, they will be placed on probation, which could result in the loss of stipend and

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 15

tuition support. Should the student fail to pass the proposal defense by the end of the sixth

semester (spring of the third year), the student will be dismissed from the Ph.D. program and

given the option to complete any of the department’s Master’s degrees but must fund their

own tuition unless their advisor has an extramural grant that includes tuition remission and

stipend support.

It is strongly recommended that the proposal be structured similarly to research grant

proposals (NSF or NIH F31), and should include the following key topics:

1. Hypotheses to be tested and/or, research objectives or specific aims derived from

your research hypothesis.

2. Description of the key background information and preliminary results that serve as

the basis for the hypotheses,

3. Designs of experiments to test the hypotheses, accomplish specific aims or objective,

and a discussion of possible outcomes and interpretation of those outcomes.

4. A rationale for each experimental approach, possible problems, or alternative plans

for the proposed research.

5. A timetable for completion.

6. Titles of manuscripts and expected journals in which to publish research from the

dissertation.

During the proposal defense, the student is expected to present a summary of the significance

and rationale of the proposed experiments and anticipated outcomes (~30-45 minutes). This

part of the defense is public, and members of the Biology faculty and student body may ask

questions following the presentation. The presentation is followed by a private, closed-door

session directed by the Preliminary Examination committee concerning such issues as the

proposed research, alternative hypotheses, and projected outcomes (no more than 3 hours

total, including the public presentation).

The Ph.D. advisor is considered ex officio during the proposal defense and is prohibited

from voting or attempting to influence the vote of other committee members. The Ph.D.

advisor may ask questions but is prohibited from helping the student answer questions or

interrupting committee members. Committee members are expected to report deviations from

these protocols to the Graduate Program Director and/or Department Chair. Advisors found

to have interfered with the student’s proposal defense will receive a formal reprimand from

the Department Chair and Graduate Program Director which may result in a probationary

period when the faculty member will not be permitted to support new students on

Departmental assistantships.

The four voting members of the proposal defense committee (all members excluding the

Ph.D. advisor) should discuss the student’s performance on the oral exam in the absence of

the Ph.D. advisor (i.e., the Ph.D. advisor should leave the room along with the student

so that each committee member feels free to express their opinion and submit their vote

without influence of the Ph.D. advisor). One committee member should be responsible for

tallying the votes, preferably the Outside Reader, and subsequently report the outcome of the

exam to the Ph.D. advisor and student after calling them back into the exam room. It is

critical that votes of individual committee members remain anonymous to the Ph.D.

advisor.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 16

The results of the Proposal Defense should be recorded using the corresponding form found

in Appendix 5. Once completed, this form must be turned into the Graduate Program

Coordinator.

A passing vote from 3 of 4 committee members, excluding the Ph.D. advisor, will result in

either an unconditional or a conditional pass. If students receive a conditional or

unconditional pass, they will progress to candidacy and able to enroll in BIO 6V99

Dissertation. However, students who pass conditionally are expected to respond, in writing,

to each concern raised by committee members and revise their proposal accordingly. These

requirements shall be documented using the form in Appendix 5.

Should a student receive only 2 passing votes out of 4 (50% score), the student must

significantly revise their proposal in accordance with their committee recommendations and

perform a second, closed-door defense of the proposal before the end of the following

semester (spring if taken in the fall, summer if taken in the spring). If a student receives a

failing score, they must continue to enroll in BIO 6V10 Dissertation Prospectus Research

until they are able to refile the form with a pass. Once that has been achieved, the student will

progress to candidacy and be able to enroll in BIO 6V99 Dissertation. A unanimous vote to

pass the student is required during the second defense; otherwise, the student is dismissed

from the Ph.D. program and will be offered the option of completing any of the department’s

Master’s degrees at their own expense (loss of stipend, tuition) unless supported by

extramural funding that includes tuition remission and stipend support.

Students who receive only 0 or 1 passing votes out of 4 (25% or lower passing score) will be

dismissed from the Ph.D. program without the opportunity to revise and re-defend their

proposal. Students will be offered the option of completing any of the department’s Master’s

degrees at their own expense (loss of stipend, tuition) unless supported by extramural funding

that includes tuition remission and stipend support.

Scheduling of Proposal Defense

1. In consultation with the Preliminary Exam committee, the student arranges the date and

works with the Graduate Program Coordinator to secure the location of the examination. The

student must work with the Graduate Program Coordinator to submit the departmental

announcement at least 10 working days before the event. Failure to do this could result in a

nullification of the defense and a rescheduling of the event!

2. All exams must be held when Baylor is officially in session (Fall, Spring, or Summer terms).

No exams may be scheduled on holidays or during interims between terms. Exams can be

scheduled during final exams, however.

3. All oral exams must be scheduled between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM such that at least 3 hours

are available for the public presentation and closed-door defense with the Preliminary Exam

committee. Exams may not exceed 3 hours.

4. A proposal defense may not overlap times with another proposal or dissertation defense

within the Biology department (If Defense A starts at 12:00pm, Defense B may not start after

9:00am or before 3:00pm).

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 17

Mid-Candidacy Committee Meeting (Permission to Defend)

After completing the preliminary exam, students should meet regularly with their

committees. The objectives of these meetings should be to 1) outline the progress made

towards completion of the aims and towards publication of the results and 2) to detail

remaining requirements for the candidate to gain permission to defend. At the end of the

meeting, the specific requirements that must be met for the advisor to permit the student to

defend should be agreed upon. Typically, this will detail the number and status (published, in

press, accepted with minor revisions, under review) of publications.

Dissertation Defense (Final Examination)

After completion of doctoral dissertation research, which culminates in a formatted document

that represents a minimum of 3 publication-quality chapters, the candidate has a final oral

examination involving presentation and defense of their dissertation. Approval from the

research advisor and dissertation committee is required to proceed to a dissertation defense.

An invitation to all members of the Biology faculty and graduate students should include the

examination date, time, and place as well as the dissertation title and abstract at least 2 weeks

prior to the examination (see Appendix 1 for forms). The public presentation should last

approximately 45 minutes, with up to 15 minutes for questions from the audience. The

remaining two hours are dedicated to a closed-door, dissertation defense between the Ph.D.

candidate and the Final Examination Committee, with the Ph.D. advisor serving as a non-

voting member (ex officio). The dissertation defense may not last longer than three hours,

including the public presentation.

The four voting members of the Final Examination Committee (all members excluding the

Ph.D. advisor) should discuss the student’s performance on the exam in the absence of the

Ph.D. advisor (i.e., the Ph.D. advisor should leave the room along with the student so that

each committee member feels free to express their opinion and submit their vote without

influence of the Ph.D. advisor). One committee member should be responsible for tallying

the votes, preferably the Outside Reader, and subsequently report the outcome of the exam to

the Ph.D. advisor and student after calling them back into the exam room. It is critical that

votes of individual committee members remain anonymous to the Ph.D. advisor.

A passing vote from 3 of 4 committee members, excluding the Ph.D. advisor, is required to

pass the dissertation defense.

Should a student fail the dissertation defense, the student will be allowed to significantly

revise the dissertation in response to the committee recommendations and defend the

dissertation a second time in a closed-door meeting with the committee within 6 months of

the original defense. Failure to pass the second defense results in termination from the Ph.D.

program with the option of completing one the department’s Master’s degree programs at the

student’s own expense.

Results from the dissertation defense should be recorded using the appropriate form found in

Appendix 5. This form needs to be completed and sent to the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 18

Scheduling of Dissertation Defense

1. In consultation with the dissertation committee, the student arranges the date and works with

the Graduate Program Coordinator to secure the location of the examination. The student

must work with the Graduate Program Coordinator to submit the Announcement of Oral

Exam form to the Graduate School at least 10 working days before the event (Appendix 1).

Failure to do this could result in a nullification of the defense and a rescheduling of the

event!

2. All exams must be held when Baylor is officially in session (Fall, Spring, or Summer terms).

No exams may be scheduled on holidays or during interims between terms. Exams can be

scheduled during final exams, however. This rule is strictly enforced by the Graduate School.

3. All oral exams must be scheduled between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM such that at least 3 hours

are available for the public presentation and closed-door defense with the dissertation

committee. Exams may not exceed 3 hours.

4. A dissertation defense may not overlap times with another exit seminar, thesis, proposal or

dissertation defense within the Biology department (If Defense A starts at 12:00pm, Defense

B may not start after 9:00am or before 3:00pm).

Please refer to the Timetable for Doctor of Philosophy in Biology near the end of this document

and the corresponding graphical representation of the timetable (Appendix 2) for a succinct

summary of the prescribed program of study and related deadlines

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 19

Master’s Programs

The Department of Biology has two available degree programs in which our master's students

are enrolled: (1) Master of Science in Biology and (2) Master of Arts in Biology - Health

Profession.

Program of Study: Master of Science in Biology

The primary purpose of the M.S. in Biology is to develop in the student an area of biological

expertise. This degree can be pursued in one of two emphases: (1) Ecology, Evolution, and

Organismal biology (EEO) or (2) Cell, Molecular, Health, and Disease biology (CMHD). Such

expertise is developed through coursework and an in-depth research experience that culminates

in a thesis.

Secondarily, the student is expected to continue development of their knowledge in major areas

of biology. In addition, candidates are expected to be familiar with research methods in biology

and be capable of reading and interpreting original research in their fields of emphasis.

Because students are admitted to this program under the expectation of conducting research in

pursuit of a thesis, students are not allowed to switch to a non-thesis degree program (i.e.

M.A.) except under extreme conditions that must be approved by a majority vote of the Graduate

Committee.

Program Objectives

1. Master’s-level proficiency is expected in one of the two concentrations of biology in which

the M.S.in Biology is offered: (1) Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal biology (EEO) or

(2) Cell, Molecular, Health, and Disease biology (CMHD). Additionally, all M.S. in

Biology students must demonstrate proficiency in their understanding of evolutionary

history and processes.

2. Students will demonstrate familiarity with the relevant literature, and expertise in

experimental design, in collection and analysis of data, and in interpretation of results in

subject areas pertinent to the student’s thesis research.

3. Students will progress toward entry into the scientific community through participation in

professional activities, such as attendance at professional conferences, publication of

research findings, etc.

Assessment of Program Objectives

1. Students will be required to fill out annual reports each December. These reports will first

be submitted to their research advisor for additional input before being submitted to the

Graduate Program Director. These reports will be reviewed and returned, with or without

recommendations as necessary.

2. Admission to Master’s candidacy requires preparation and defense of a thesis proposal.

The student must schedule a meeting with the M.S. committee to discuss and defend the

proposed research. An oral presentation of the proposed research is not required but can

be used if the major advisor requests it. The Outside Reader is not required to attend this

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 20

meeting but should be invited and can be as involved as other members of the committee

if they wish. The committee will scrutinize the proposal and ask questions about the

relevant scientific literature, experimental design, collection and analysis of data, and

interpretation of results. This proposal must be approved by the thesis committee before

the candidate may register for Thesis, BIO 5V99. However, preliminary research

conducted prior to the proposal defense, such as method development or pilot studies,

may be included in the proposal and, in many cases, is strongly encouraged.

3. M.S. in Biology students sit for an oral examination and thesis defense toward the end of

the final semester of studies (semester 4 or 5; see Appendices 1 and 3). Approximately

half of the examination evaluates knowledge in evolution and the two areas comprising

the concentration (EEO or CMHD). The other half of the examination pertains directly

to the research thesis.

Coursework and Research

1. A minimum of 30 semester hours, including at least 24 hours of coursework (the

remaining 6 hours must be thesis research, BIO 5V99).

• These 24 hours must include:

o Research Methods in Biology I (BIO 5201, 2 hours)

o Research Methods in Biology II (BIO 5202, 2 hours)

o Statistics (STA 5300, 3 hours, or comparable course)

o Graduate Scientific Communications (BIO 5101, minimum 2 hours*)

o *1 credit per semester, taken each of first 2 semesters

2. Up to 4 hours of Seminars in Biology (BIO 5100) may be applied to the 24 hours of

coursework. Repeat credit requires change in topic from previous registrations.

3. Not more than 6 hours of Special Problems in Biology (BIO 5V90) may be applied

toward the 24 hours of coursework.

4. Six of the 30 semester hours must be thesis research (BIO 5V99) leading to an approved

thesis.

5. At least 12 hours of this coursework (excluding the 6 hours of 5V99) must be at the 5000

level. No more than 12 hours may be taken at the 4000 level, and 4000 level courses

MUST be listed in the Baylor University Graduate Catalog (i.e., not all 4000 level

courses are eligible for graduate credit). Important: once a student has completed the

maximum hours of 5V90, a student will be responsible for the cost of any additional

hours of 5V90 (i.e., Baylor will not pay for unnecessary course credits).

6. No coursework at the 1000, 2000, or 3000 levels will count toward the M.S. Further,

Baylor will not provide tuition remission for courses that do not count toward graduate

credit. The graduate student must pay for courses that are not graduate level and are not

approved courses by your dissertation committee.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 21

Seminar Attendance Policy and Graduate Scientific Communications (BIO 5101)

All first-year Biology M.S. students are required to enroll in BIO 5101, Graduate Scientific

Communications (Fall and Spring).

BIO 5101 will be offered each semester, so all incoming M.S. in Biology students will

eventually complete 2 semesters of BIO 5101. Students will receive coursework credit for up

to 2 hours of 5101.

Students who are not enrolled in BIO 5101 must attend a minimum of 50% of all seminars.

Exemptions may include but are not limited to conflicting research or teaching activities.

Advisor and Thesis Committee

Students should choose a graduate program largely for the purpose of studying with a

particular professor. This professor is the research director (advisor). All students should

have identified a faculty advisor during the application process prior to enrolling at Baylor.

This professor advises not only in research, but also on the course of study, university and

departmental policies, etc.

The advisor and the Graduate Program Director in consultation with the student will select a

thesis committee before the research is begun. The committee consists minimally of three

professors (including the advisor), two of whom are members of the Biology Department

faculty (including secondary appointed faculty from other departments) and the third from a

Baylor department other than Biology (also can be a secondary appointment in Biology, but

one must be designated as the Outside Reader). Additional faculty may be included on the

committee. The committee is involved in the development of the research plan, although the

Outside Reader may play a lesser role.

Thesis Proposal

By the end of the second semester, a thesis research proposal should be developed, presented

to, and approved by the thesis committee. A copy of the proposal must be signed by the

committee members and submitted to the Graduate Program Director and Graduate Program

Coordinator. Only those students who have submitted a signed copy of the Results of

Proposal Defense form (Appendix 5) attached to their approved thesis proposal to the

Graduate Program Director and Graduate Program Coordinator may register for thesis

research (BIO 5V99).

The research proposal demonstrates to all involved that the student is acquainted with the

literature relevant to the research problem. It demonstrates that the student understands how

to apply the scientific method to this problem. It assures that the experimental design or

research protocol involves the methods, materials, sample sizes, and statistical tests

appropriate to the question. Basically, it ensures that the student knows what is to be done

before the student proceeds. At the committee-student meeting, the above points should be

addressed and discussed prior to approval of the proposal.

Preparation of the Thesis

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 22

A thesis summarizing the student's original research is required for the M.S. in Biology. The

thesis should be prepared following the CBE Style Manual: A Guide for Authors, Editors,

and Publishers in the Biological Sciences, 6th Edition, published by the Council of

Biological Editors. In addition, the physical format of the thesis must be consistent with the

guidelines set by the Graduate School.

Submission and Review of Thesis

The thesis is written as a collaboration between the student and the advisor. An important

part of the education and experience involved in the M.S. in Biology is the production of a

document explaining and describing the student's publishable, original research.

Development of the thesis will be a lengthy process typically requiring multiple revisions

prior to submission to the committee. The student is expected to submit drafts to their advisor

according to an agreed-upon schedule. Once the thesis reaches an advanced stage, the other

members of the student's committee become involved. Changes required or requested by the

committee members will be made prior to approval of the thesis.

Once the committee conditionally approves the thesis, the student can then schedule a thesis

defense. The candidate should expect to make reasonable changes based on faculty

comments made before and during the comprehensive oral examination; inclusion of such

changes will be up to the major professor and the student. The appropriately revised thesis is

then submitted to the thesis clerk in the Graduate School. It is the student's responsibility to

be certain of deadline dates, pay the required fees, and meet all other Graduate School rules.

See the calendar posted on the Graduate School website.

Final Comprehensive Oral Exam

During the last semester and after writing a satisfactory thesis that has been approved by the

thesis committee, M.S. in Biology candidates must take the comprehensive examination.

Results from the thesis defense should be recorded using the appropriate form found in

Appendix 5. This form needs to be completed and sent to the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Description of Exam

Each Master’s student must present an exit seminar to the Biology Department (faculty and

students). Typically, the seminar is presented during the hour immediately preceding the final

oral exam. The duration of the seminar is approximately 45 minutes.

Approximately half of the examination evaluates knowledge in evolution and the two areas

comprising the concentration (EEO or CMHD). The other half of the examination pertains

directly to the research thesis.

Scheduling of Oral Exam

1. In consultation with their committee, the student arranges the date and works with the

Graduate Program Coordinator to secure the location of the examination. The student

must work with the Graduate Program Coordinator to submit the Announcement of Oral

Exam form to the Graduate School at least 10 working days before the event (Appendix

1). Failure to do this could result in a nullification of the defense and a rescheduling of

the event!

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 23

2. The examination may not be taken sooner than 1 week (5 working days) after

submission of the committee-approved thesis to the Biology Department. The

candidate is responsible for adhering to the official deadlines of the Graduate School

and the departmental calendar for that particular semester.

3. All exams must be held when Baylor is officially in session. No exams may be

scheduled on holidays or during interims between semesters. This rule is strictly

enforced by the Graduate School.

4. All oral exams must be scheduled between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM such that at least 2

hours are available for the exam (excluding the preceding seminar).

5. A thesis defense may not overlap times with another exit seminar, thesis, proposal or

dissertation defense within the Biology department (If Defense A starts at 12:00pm,

Defense B may not start after 9:00am or before 3:00pm).

Examination Committee

1. Attendance at the seminar presented prior to the oral examination is open to the public,

but the oral exam following the seminar is limited to the student’s graduate committee

only.

2. If a member of the Examination Committee cannot be present, the other members of the

Examination Committee (in consultation with the Graduate Program Director, if

possible) shall appoint a replacement for the absent member.

Voting

1. All members of the Examination Committee shall vote on the proficiency of the

candidate. Faculty members who participated in the exam, but who are not official

members of the Examination Committee, are invited to discuss the candidate's

performance, but are not eligible to vote.

2. Students must receive 2 passing votes out of 3 to pass the exam.

3. If a candidate fails the oral examination, the Examination Committee will discuss with

the candidate the basis for the decision. The student may be granted an opportunity to

retake the exam within 6 months. A second failure results in dismissal of the student

from the program.

Please refer to the Timetable for the Master of Science in Biology near the end of this document

and the corresponding graphical representation of the timetable (Appendix 3) for a succinct

summary of the prescribed program of study and related deadlines

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 24

Program of Study: Master of Arts in Biology – Health Profession

The purpose of the M.A. in Biology - Health Profession (MA-HP) is to provide students with

advanced education in the life sciences for students in which a non-thesis option is best for their

career options. Students transitioning to a doctoral health-related graduate program are to benefit

from this program that boosts their knowledge and skills related to medicine and human biology.

This program is specifically designed for students who want to complete this degree within a

year in anticipation of entering medical/dental schools the following year. Thus, students

admitted to the program must begin studies during the first summer session and complete

their studies in time for graduation the following May.

The student will take several advanced courses in this field, will conduct an independent research

project, and will present a research seminar on a topic within this field of emphasis.

Candidates for the MA-HP are expected to have general knowledge of all major areas of biology.

They are expected to demonstrate more-advanced knowledge in their field of emphasis. In

addition, candidates are expected to be familiar with research methods in biology and be capable

of reading and interpreting original research in their field of emphasis.

Assessment of Objectives

1. Students will be required to fill out annual reports each December. These reports will first

be submitted to their research advisor for additional input before being submitted to the

Graduate Program Director. These reports will be reviewed and returned, with or without

recommendations as necessary.

2. MA-HP students sit for an exit examination toward the end of the final semester of

studies. The exit exam begins with a 30-45 minute public presentation of the student's

laboratory project. Following the presentation and questions from the audience, only

members of the examination committee remain the room. Approximately half of the

examination evaluates fundamental knowledge areas. The other half of the examination

pertains directly to their research experience.

Coursework

1. A minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework.

These 30 hours must include:

• Research Methods in Biology I (BIO 5201; 2 hours)

• Research Methods in Biology II (BIO 5202; 2 hours)

• Statistics (e.g., STA 5300; 3 hours)

• Special Problems in Biology (BIO 5V90; 6 hours)

2. Up to 4 hours of Seminars in Biology (BIO 5100) may be applied toward the 30 hours of

coursework. Repeat credit requires change in topic from previous registrations.

3. Additional hours of BIO 5V90 beyond the 6-hour requirement will not count toward the

degree.

4. At least 12 hours of this coursework must be at the 5000 level. No more than 12 hours

may be taken at the 4000 level, and 4000 level courses MUST be listed in the Baylor

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 25

University Graduate Catalog (i.e., not all 4000 level courses are eligible for graduate

credit).

5. No coursework at the 1000, 2000, or 3000 levels will count toward the MA-HP. Further,

Baylor will not provide tuition remission for courses that do not count toward graduate

credit. The graduate student must pay for courses that are not graduate level and are not

approved courses by your dissertation committee.

Advisor and Exit Exam Committee

In consultation with the Graduate Program Director, the student should select an advisor no

later than September 15

, but preferably in summer when they first arrive. The selected

advisor should serve as the director of the student's independent research project (BIO 5V90)

and exit seminar. Thus, students should approach faculty who are conducting research of

interest to them prior to selecting an advisor. If desired, the student may engage with multiple

faculty members and perform short rotations (1-week) before selecting an advisor. The

advisor also will help the student select appropriate courses.

During the Fall or no later than early Spring, the student will select an advisory committee

consisting of the advisor, at least one additional Graduate Faculty member from the

Department of Biology, and one representative from Baylor graduate faculty outside the

Department of Biology (known as the “Outside Reader”). The committee will administer the

exit examination, which follows the student’s research seminar near the end of the last

semester.

Exit Seminar

Each MA-HP student must present a seminar to the Biology Department (faculty and

students). The topic of the seminar must relate to a research project conducted under Special

Problems (BIO 5V90) registration involving laboratory or literature research under the

guidance of the student’s advisor.

The seminar is presented prior to the exit examination. The seminar should be approved by

the advisor, exit exam committee, and graduate school at least 10 working days prior to the

event. Students should provide a 1-page synopsis or abstract of their research to the advisor

and exit exam committee prior to the seminar. The seminar is a public event; students are

encouraged to invite friends, family, and peers. The seminar is almost exclusively presented

during the hour immediately preceding the exit exam. The duration of the seminar is usually

30-45 minutes, followed by questions from the audience, which may include questions from

the exit exam committee. After the seminar and exam, the student is to fill out the Results of

the Exit Seminar form (Appendix 5) and have it signed by their exit exam committee. Upon

completion, the form is to be sent to the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Scheduling of Exit Seminar and Exam

1. In consultation with the MA-HP advisor and exit exam committee, the student arranges

the date and works with the Graduate Program Coordinator to secure the location of the

examination and submit the Announcement of Oral Exam form to the Graduate School

at least 10 working days before the event.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 26

2. The candidate is responsible for adhering to the official deadlines of the Graduate

School and the departmental calendar for that particular semester. See the calendar

posted on the Graduate School website:

3. All oral exams must be held on regular class days between the first and last days of

class (inclusive) of the semester. No exams may be scheduled on final exam days or

on “study days” or during interims between semesters.

4. All oral exams must be scheduled between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM such that at least 2

hours are available for the exam (excluding the preceding seminar).

5. An exit seminar may not overlap times with another exit seminar, thesis, proposal or

dissertation defense within the Biology department (If Defense A starts at 12:00pm,

Defense B may not start after 9:00am or before 3:00pm).

Voting

1. All members of the Examination Committee shall vote on the proficiency of the

candidate. Faculty members who participated in the exam, but who are not official

members of the Examination Committee, are invited to discuss the candidate's

performance, but are not eligible to vote.

2. A two-thirds affirmative vote is required for passing.

3. If a candidate fails the oral examination, the Examination Committee will discuss with

the candidate the basis for the decision. The student may be granted an opportunity to

retake the exam within 6 months. A second failure results in dismissal of the student

from the program.

Please refer to the Timetable for the Master of Arts in Biology – Health Profession near the end

of this document and the corresponding graphical representation of the timetable (Appendix 4)

for a succinct summary of the prescribed program of study and related deadlines

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 27

General Regulations and Policies

1. Student attitude, appearance, and conduct are expected to be of the highest professional

level. Inappropriate behavior, including fraternizing with undergraduate students,

failure to follow directions specified by Laboratory Coordinators, Instructors, your

Advisor, or Departmental staff, tardiness, violating laboratory safety regulations

(e.g., food or beverages in the lab, etc.), violations of the Honor Code, and

disrespectful behavior to students, staff, or faculty, will be treated very seriously by

the Graduate Program Director and Department Chair. Depending upon the severity of

the offense, the student will be issued a formal reprimand and possibly be removed

as a teaching or research assistant for one semester, including loss of funding.

Repeat or egregious offenses will result in dismissal from the program.

2. All courses taken by the student must be approved by the student's major professor.

Suitability of courses for credit in the student's program depends on the level of the

course (i.e., 4000-level vs. non-4000 level undergraduate courses, undergraduate vs.

graduate level) and its relevance to the student's program. The Graduate Program

Director, in consultation with the student's major professor, may decline to use tuition

remission funds to pay for courses that are not so approved. Additionally, courses not

related closely to the objectives of the Biology graduate program also may not be

approved for credit toward the graduate degree.

3. When selecting courses for next semester or when adjusting your schedule for the

current semester, be sure to consult with your faculty advisor. CMHD students in their

first year should consult with the Graduate Program Director, and/or rotation advisors.

4. The graduate student is expected to maintain a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 (B)

throughout their program. Any student failing to maintain this average will be placed on

probation; notification of such is by letter from the Graduate Dean. The graduate GPA

must be restored to 3.0 during the next 9 hours of coursework in order to remain in the

graduate program and regain non-probationary status. The student may not receive

financial support (i.e., graduate assistantship or tuition scholarship) from the University

while on probation.

5. Continuous full-time enrollment during a graduate career is required. At least one credit

hour of full-time equivalent courses must be registered every session, including summer,

for a student to remain in the program. Failure to maintain continuous enrollment may

result in the student being dismissed from the program or having to re-apply to the

program through the Graduate School

6. All students should own a personal laptop computer. Several courses may require a

personal laptop. Further, it is tremendously beneficial to the student as a professional to

have access to computing off-campus. In addition, the Biology Department supports

graduate-student computer needs by equipping most faculty research labs with

computers. Graduate students are generally granted access to computers in the labs of

their major professor.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 28

7. The Biology Office (BSB B.207) is open and available to graduate students from 8:00

AM until 5:00 PM on business days. Access to the Biology Office is not authorized at

other times.

8. Graduate students can conduct limited photocopying on the machine in the Biology

Office. These privileges pertain primarily to copying associated with graduate

assistantship duties. Where possible, use the library sponsored Osofast or email to request

research articles. Reprint cards are available free from the Biology Office and the

department will pay the postage for these.

9. Several vehicles are operated by the Biology Department to serve teaching and research

needs and other purposes of official business. These may be checked out through the

departmental office, after proper registration and passing of an online driving test with

the department and university (forms available in Biology Office). Posted rules for

vehicle use are to be followed by all drivers.

10. Use of departmental letterhead is restricted to purposes of official university business,

such as corresponding with researchers at other institutions, applying for grant support,

applying for admission into other academic programs, etc. No one is authorized to use

departmental letterhead for making political statements or statements of position; these

could be misconstrued as University policy. No student is authorized to use departmental

letterhead to request complimentary copies of textbooks; professors may assist in

obtaining these.

11. Use of postage, like other departmental resources, is restricted to official University

business. The advisor is always a good source of advice and information on this and

many other matters.

12. Each graduate student will have an official electronic mail account. This has become the

predominant means of official communication between Department administration and

graduate students. You will need to check your e-mail account several times daily.

13. All graduate students are expected to attend regularly scheduled departmental

seminars. No matter what the topic or how well the seminar is presented, you will surely

learn something of value by participating. Please review the attendance policies for each

program.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 29

Financial Support

1. Award of stipend support after the first year in the program will be contingent on quality of

work performance and on progress made toward the chosen degree. Funding for doctoral

students is generally available for up to, but no longer than, 5 years. Funding beyond year

5 is not guaranteed, even if students were funded on research assistantships during their

first 5 years. Funding beyond year 5 should come from a student’s advisor via extramural

funding or their own internal funding. Under special circumstances, students may be funded

as teaching assistants after year 5 if the department has open slots available and is need of

teaching assistants. However, this should not be expected, and students should be prepared

to lose funding after year 5 if they have not defended their dissertation.

Funding for M.S. students is restricted to research assistantships from extramural funding

(i.e., grants and contracts) and only guaranteed for the amount of time specified in the

acceptance letter, if any at all.

2. Generally, a maximum of 20 semester hours of tuition scholarship will be allowed per 12-

month academic year (Summer through Spring semesters). Award of tuition scholarships

after the first year in the program will be contingent on progress made toward the chosen

degree.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 30

Regarding the Number of Credit hours for Enrollment

Up-to-date information is available here

Several overlapping but distinct policies impact students that enroll for less than full-time (9

hours of course work) or full-time equivalent (1 hour of 5V99, 6V10, or 6V99) during the fall

and spring semesters.

The policies below are in regard to the graduate school. Additional considerations such as

financial aid eligibility or tax status as a dependent may also be affected by enrolling less than

full-time.

These policies are mostly relevant to students who transfer significant numbers of graduate credit

hours and therefore, may wish to enroll in less than 9 credit hours at certain points during their

graduate career.

1. All semesters (fall, spring, summer) require 9 hours to be “full-time” unless 1 hour of a

full-time equivalent (FTE) course is taken. FTE courses in Biology are 5V99, 6V10, and

6V99.

2. All students registered for at least 3 hours or 1 FTE must show proof of insurance or

enroll in Baylor’s insurance program.

3. All PhD students registered for at least 3 hours or 1 FTE qualify for a 50% student fee

subsidy.

4. All students registered for at least 3 hours and who are also fully funded on an

assistantship are eligible to receive the 80% insurance subsidy.

5. International students must be enrolled on a full-time basis throughout their time in

graduate school, except for summer terms, as long as full-time is achieved the previous

spring and subsequent fall.

6. Registration for at least 5 hours or 1 FTE is required to be exempt from FICA taxes, see

policy here.

NOTE: During the summer, it is not necessarily recommended that students register for 5 hours

to be “half-time”, especially for financial reasons. The cost burden in course fees may exceed the

cost of FICA taxes. Also, less than full-time summer registration is only likely to occur for PhD

students during the first summer. Subsequent summers should include either 6V10 or 6V99

registration which are FTE courses.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 31

Assignment of Graduate Student Teaching Duties

The intent of assignment of graduate student teaching duties is to provide a strong educational

experience for undergraduate students in the supported courses, as well as to provide on-the-job

education (in both content and pedagogy) for the teaching assistants. Undergraduate courses with

large enrollments generally receive highest priority in staffing with graduate assistants. When

possible, graduate assistants will be assigned to courses in which they have prior academic

education. Preferences of faculty and graduate students for particular students and courses will

be honored when it is feasible.

Responsibilities of Teaching Assistants

1. In accepting the appointment as a teaching assistant in the Biology Department, the student

becomes an integral part of the department’s instructional personnel. As such, they are

obligated to support the standards and policies of the Department and the University.

Student attitude, appearance, and conduct are expected to be of the highest professional

level. Inappropriate behavior, including fraternizing with students, failure to follow

directions specified by the Laboratory Coordinator or Instructor, tardiness, violating

laboratory safety regulations (e.g., food or beverages in the lab, etc.), and disrespectful

behavior to students, staff, or faculty, will be treated very seriously by the Graduate

Program Director and Department Chair. Depending upon the severity of the offense, the

student will be issued a formal reprimand or be removed from as teaching assistant for

one semester. Repeat or egregious offenses will result in dismissal from the program.

2. Approximately 15 clock-hours of work per week are required for the full assistantship. This

may include required lecture attendance, prep sessions, and grading. If a teaching

assignment does not require 15 hours, the graduate assistant will devote the remaining hours

to support of their major professor's research program.

3. The responsibilities of the graduate assistant may include but are not limited to:

a. Assuming the responsibility, under the direction of the responsible faculty member,

for the highest quality laboratory experience for the student.

b. Supervising of undergraduate assistants.

c. Meeting weekly planning and education sessions with the responsible faculty member

and undergraduate assistants.

d. Assuming responsibility for having all necessary equipment and supplies in place

prior to the laboratory period and for cleaning the laboratory and equipment and

returning these materials to storage when the laboratory is concluded.

e. Maintaining records of student attendance and equipment breakage and submitting

these to the responsible faculty member and assuming responsibility for maintaining

animal-bite or other injury records and informing the appropriate faculty member.

f. Assisting in preparation, administration, and grading of tests.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 32

g. Attending course lectures and assisting in roll-taking as well as providing instruction

through recitation sections.

h. Exhibiting an interest in the academic progress of their students by reporting low

grades, lack of interest, etc., to the responsible faculty member.

i. Aiding in other general academic duties such as administration of departmental

examinations, etc.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 33

Timetable for Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

Summer 0 (following acceptance and prior to Fall I enrollment):

• Register for courses prior to June 30

(incoming students). Late fees will be applied after July

. Incoming students typically enroll in the following courses:

o BIO 5100 Topics in Biology (1 credit each)

o BIO 5101 Graduate Scientific Communications (1 credit)

o BIO 5201 Research Methods in Biology I (2 credits)

o STA 5300 Statistical Methods or comparable course (3 credits)

o BIO 4000/5000 elective (if needed/applicable; 3-4 credits)

o *BIO 6101 Research Rotations (3 sections, 1 credit each, see next)

*CMHD students only. Communicate individually with faculty members to learn

about possible rotation research projects and obtain permission to rotate in their

lab. If agreed, each incoming student should then email the Graduate Program

Director, Graduate Program Coordinator, and Rotation Advisor at least three weeks

prior to the beginning of the Fall semester. Students should enroll in three different

sections of BIO 6101, each corresponding to a different rotation advisor’s section

number.

• Arrive on campus 1 week prior to the start of Fall I courses:

o Attend meeting with lab coordinators for TA assignments, if applicable. Lab

coordinators will work around your course schedule to assign lab sections.

o Students on research assistantships (RA) should meet with their RA advisor during

this week to plan a schedule for 20 h/week of work for the semester

o Attend Graduate School Orientation, typically mid-week. Details will be provided to

you directly from the Graduate School. Required.

o Attend New Biology Graduate Student Information Session. Snacks or lunch will be

provided. Required.

Fall I (1

semester)

• Coursework, see above

• CMHD students will be actively engaged in Research Rotations, whereas EEO students should

be integrating into their advisor’s research lab and meeting with their advisor regularly to

shape their program of study.

• Teaching Assistantship (15 h/week) or Research Assistantship (20 h/week)

• Attendance and participation in Biology Seminar Series via BIO 5101 (weekly).

• Register for Spring I courses prior to the announced deadline or risk facing late fees and

possible retraction of tuition remission from the Biology department. Courses typically

completed in Spring I:

o BIO 5100 Topics in Biology (1 credit each)

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 34

o BIO 5101 Graduate Scientific Communications (1 credit)

o BIO 5202 Research Methods in Biology II (2 credits)

o BIO 5000 elective (3-6 credits, up to 2 courses)

o STA 5300 (if not taken in Fall I, 3 credits)

• CMHD students only: student-advisor matching will occur at the end of the 3

rotation, no

later than the beginning of Spring I. Email the Graduate Program Coordinator your

preferences for matching no later than the day of the final research presentation.

Spring I (2

semester)

• Coursework

• TA/RA (15-20 h/week)

• Attendance at weekly Biology Department Seminar Series via BIO 5101

• Make significant progress on readings, methods, and hypotheses that will form the basis of

your PhD dissertation proposal.

• Complete the advisor/advisee agreement and sign it for submission to the Graduate School.

• Begin to identify faculty members for your Preliminary Exam committee. Consider forming

your Preliminary Examination committee during this semester, but no later than 4 weeks prior

to the end of Summer I. Ask your advisor to submit names of the PhD Examination committee

to the Graduate Program Director for formal approval.

• Register for Summer I and Fall II courses prior to the announced deadline or risk facing

late fees and possible retraction of tuition remission from the Biology department.

• Courses typically completed in Summer I

o BIO 5V90, Special Problems, typically with your PhD advisor; 1-6 credits

• Courses typically completed in Fall II

o BIO or related 5000 (electives), (6-10 hours, 3-4 courses), 6-10 hours

o BIO 5100 Topics in Biology (1 credit each)

Summer I

• Coursework (5V90, typically)

• TA one of two summer sessions (if on a TA); RA full summer (if on an RA).

• Begin drafting an outline of your PhD dissertation proposal.

• Formalize your Preliminary Examination committee no later than 4 weeks prior to the end of

Summer I. Ask your advisor to submit names of the Preliminary Examination committee to

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 35

the Graduate Program Director for formal approval. Failure to do this may result in probation

and possible dismissal from the program.

Fall II (3

semester)

• Coursework (see above)

• TA/RA (15-20 h/wk)

• Attendance and participation in Biology Seminar Series (weekly).

• Register for Spring II courses prior to the announced deadline or risk facing late fees and

possible retraction of tuition remission from the Biology department. At this point your

courses will be entirely electives and should be driven by critical gaps in your knowledge as it

relates to your dissertation topic. You should be interacting with your advisor and Preliminary

Exam committee for guidance on relevant courses, as you should be wrapping up coursework

during Spring II.

• Schedule your First Committee Meeting, which will include each the four Preliminary

Examination committee members who will be responsible for writing questions for your PhD

written preliminary exam in Spring II as well as the Outside Reader. Begin to seek guidance

from them about your dissertation proposal as well as specific areas on which they will test

you during the written exam.

• Students who are preparing for the written preliminary exam may enroll in BIO 6V10,

Dissertation Prospectus Research for Spring II, though additional course work may be

warranted. BIO 6V10 is full-time equivalent (1 credit=full time).

Spring II (4

semester)

• Coursework

o BIO 5349 Proposal Development (3 credits)

o Electives

o BIO 6V10 Dissertation Prospectus Research (if coursework requirements are completed, 1

hour full-time equivalent)

• TA/RA (15-20 h/wk)

• Attendance and participation in Biology Seminar Series (weekly).

• Continue to meet with Preliminary Examination committee members to seek guidance in the

development of your PhD dissertation proposal and material you must know in order to pass

their components of the preliminary written exam.

• Preliminary Examination committee members must submit questions to the student’s PhD

advisor at least 4 weeks prior to the PhD written preliminary exam. The student is responsible

for reminding their committee members and advisor to ensure this is completed on time.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 36

• The student’s PhD advisor must collate and submit questions for approval to the Graduate

Program Director and Graduate Program Coordinator at least 2 weeks prior to the PhD written

preliminary exam.

• Student must take the PhD written preliminary exam during this semester. The exam is

typically held in mid- to late-Spring.

and possible retraction of tuition remission from the Biology department. At this point both of

these semesters should be used to take BIO 6V10 and finishing up any coursework electives.

Summer II

• BIO 6V10 Dissertation Prospectus Research (1 credit)

• TA one of two summer sessions (if on a TA); RA full summer (if on an RA).

• Students should be making significant progress on the PhD dissertation proposal, which must

be defended by the end of Fall III (5

semester).

• Consult with the Preliminary Examination Committee (n=5 members) to schedule the PhD

proposal defense at least 2 months in advance.

Fall III (5

semester)

• BIO 6V10 Dissertation Prospectus Research (1 credit)

• TA/RA (15-20 h/wk)

• Attendance and participation in Biology Seminar Series (weekly).

• Submit a final draft copy of the PhD dissertation proposal to the Preliminary Examination

committee no less than 2 weeks prior to the defense.

• Submit an announcement of the date, time, location, and title of the dissertation proposal to the

Graduate Program Coordinator for distribution to the faculty and students no less than 2 weeks

prior to the defense.

• Present and defend the proposed dissertation research to the Preliminary Examination

committee no later than the last day of classes (excluding reading days and finals).

• Upon successful defense of the proposal defense, student must have each committee member

sign Result of Proposal Defense form from Appendix 5. This form should also be signed by

the Graduate Program Director and submitted the Graduate Program Coordinator who will file

with the Graduate School prior to the beginning of Spring III (6

semester). Students are not

eligible to enroll in BIO 6V99 until admission to doctoral candidacy has been approved.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 37

Spring III (6

semester)

• BIO 6V99 Dissertation (9-12 hours; forecast the number of hours you will need to achieve a

minimum of 12 hours 6V99 and a total of 78 semester hours (40 of which must be made up of

all coursework). Student should be focused completely on completing proposed research from

this point forward in their program of study.

• TA/RA (15-20 h/wk)

• Attendance and participation in Biology Seminar Series (weekly).

• Meet with PhD Dissertation committee (formerly your Preliminary Exam committee, although

some changes in the committee composition may be necessary) to discuss progress on your

research (once per semester, even if you need to meet with some members individually).

Summer III

• BIO 6V99 Dissertation (1-12 hours)

• TA one of two summer sessions (if on a TA); RA full summer (if on an RA).

• Student should be making significant progress on their PhD dissertation research with a goal

of Spring V (10

semester) graduation.

Fall IV (7

semester)

• BIO 6V99 Dissertation (1-12 hours)

• TA/RA (15-20 h/wk)

• Attendance and participation in Biology Seminar Series (weekly).

• Meet with PhD Dissertation committee to discuss progress on your research (once per

semester, even if you need to meet with some members individually).

• Student should have at least one paper submitted for publication at this point in their program

of study.

Spring IV (8

semester)

• BIO 6V99 Dissertation (1-12 hours)

• Schedule your Mid-Candidacy Committee meeting.

• TA/RA (15-20 h/wk)

• Attendance and participation in Biology Seminar Series (weekly).

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 38

Summer IV

• BIO 6V99 Dissertation (1-12 hours)

• TA one of two summer sessions (if on a TA); RA full summer (if on an RA).

• Student should be making significant progress on their PhD dissertation research with a goal

of Spring V (10

semester) graduation.

Fall V (9

semester)

• BIO 6V99 Dissertation (1-12 hours)

• TA/RA (15-20 h/wk)

• Attendance and participation in Biology Seminar Series (weekly).

• Student should be making significant progress on their PhD dissertation research with a goal

of Spring V (10

semester) graduation.

Spring V (10

semester)

• BIO 6V99 Dissertation (1-12 hours)

• TA/RA (15-20 h/wk)

• Upon confirmation of acceptance of at least 1 publication, and upon completion of a rough

draft of the PhD dissertation, consult with PhD advisor and committee (n=5 members) to

schedule the PhD dissertation defense (final exam) at least 2 months in advance.

• Submit a final draft copy of the PhD dissertation the PhD committee no less than 2 weeks

prior to the defense.

• Submit the defense date, time, location, title, and abstract to the Graduate Program

Coordinator for distribution to the faculty and students no less than 2 weeks prior to the

defense. This information is also used to fill out Dissertation Announcement paperwork which

the Graduate Program Coordinator must submit to the Graduate School no less than 10 days

prior to the defense.

• Present and defend the dissertation research to the PhD committee no later than the last day of

classes (excluding reading days and finals).

• Upon successful defense of the dissertation, the student must have each committee member

sign the corresponding form found in Appendix 5. This form should be signed by the Graduate

Program Director and submitted to the Graduate Program Coordinator as soon as possible.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 39

• For Spring graduation, the defense typically must be completed by mid-March in order to

allow sufficient time for revisions to the dissertation and formatting by the Graduate School.

Students who defend after the spring graduation deadline but before the end of the semester

will officially graduate during the Summer commencement.

• For Spring graduation, students are also responsible for being aware of the deadlines set by the

Graduate School for filing for Graduation. If a student fails to file for graduation before the

deadline, they will have to file for the Summer.

• See Appendix I for additional forms related to dissertation formatting and final approval.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 40

Timetable for Master of Science in Biology

Summer 0 (following acceptance and prior to Fall I enrollment):

• Register for courses prior to June 30

(incoming students) so that your tuition remission can

be applied to your account, if applicable. Late fees will be applied after July 31

. Incoming

students typically enroll in the following courses:

o BIO 5201 Research Methods in Biology I (2 credits)

o BIO 5100 Seminar (1 credit each)

o BIO 5101 Graduate Scientific Communications (1 credit)

o STA 5300 Statistical Methods (3 credits; or comparable course)

o BIO 4000/5000 elective (if needed/applicable; 3-4 credits)

• Arrive on campus 1 week prior to the start of Fall I courses:

o Attend Graduate School Orientation, typically mid-week. Details will be provided to

you directly from the Graduate School. Required.

o Attend New Biology Graduate Student Information Session. Snacks or lunch will be

provided. Required.

o Students on research assistantships (RA) should meet with their RA advisor during

this week to plan a schedule for 20 h/week of work for the semester

Fall I (1

semester)

• Coursework (minimum 9 hours), see above

• Attendance and participation in Biology Seminar Series (weekly).

• Register for Spring I courses prior to the announced deadline or risk facing late fees and

possible retraction of tuition remission (if applicable) from the Biology department. Courses

typically completed in Spring I:

o BIO 5202 Research Methods in Biology II (2 credits)

o BIO 5100 Seminar (1 credit each)

o BIO 5101 Graduate Scientific Communications (1 credit)

o BIO 5000 elective (3-4 credits, up to 2 courses)

o STA 5300 (if not taken in Fall I, 3 credits)

• Student should be actively participating in their advisor’s laboratory throughout the semester.

Student should identify a thesis topic and make significant progress on readings, methods, and

hypotheses that will form the basis of the thesis proposal.

• Student should begin to identify faculty members who would make strong contributions to

your thesis committee.

Spring I (2

semester)

• Coursework (minimum 9 hours, typically all electives)

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 41

• Attendance at weekly Biology Department Seminar Series (weekly).

• Students must complete and defend their thesis proposal before the last day of classes,

excluding final exam days. Failure to comply will result in probation (loss of funding).

Further, if the student fails to complete and defend the proposal by the end of Summer I, the

student may be dismissed from the program.

• Register for Summer I and Fall II courses prior to the announced deadline or risk facing late

fees and possible retraction of tuition remission from the Biology department.

• Courses typically completed in Summer I

o BIO 5V90, Special Problems, typically with your PhD advisor; 1-6 credits

• Courses typically completed in Fall II

o BIO or related 5000 (electives), (9-10 hours, 3-4 courses)

Summer I

• Coursework (5V90, 1-6 hours)

• Student should be making significant progress on data collection in support of their thesis,

which should have been defended and approved by now.

Fall II (3

semester)

• Coursework (minimum 9 hours)

• Attendance and participation in Biology Seminar Series (weekly).

• Register for Spring II courses prior to the announced deadline or risk facing late fees and

possible retraction of tuition remission from the Biology department. At this point your

courses either will be entirely electives or BIO 5V99 (minimum 6 credits to graduate).

Spring II (4

semester)

• Coursework (minimum 9 hours)

• Attendance and participation in Biology Seminar Series (weekly).

• Upon completion of a rough draft of the thesis, consult with thesis committee (n=3 members)

to schedule the M.S. thesis defense (final exam) at least 2 months in advance.

• Submit a final draft copy (approved by your advisor) of the M.S. thesis to your committee no

less than 2 weeks prior to the defense.

• Submit the date, time, location, and title of your thesis defense to the Graduate Program

Coordinator for distribution to the faculty and students no less than 2 weeks prior to the

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 42

defense. This information will also be used by the Graduate Program Coordinator to fill out a

form that must be submitted to the Graduate School no less than 10 days prior to the defense.

• Present and defend the thesis research to the M.S thesis committee no later than the last day of

classes (excluding reading days and finals). For Spring graduation, the defense typically must

be completed by mid-March to allow sufficient time for revisions to the thesis and formatting

by the Graduate School. Students who defend after the spring graduation deadline but before

the end of the semester will officially graduate during the Summer commencement.

• For Spring graduation, students are also responsible for being aware of the deadlines set by the

Graduate School for filing for Graduation. If a student fails to file for graduation before the

deadline, they will have to file for the Summer.

• Upon successful defense of the thesis, the student must have each committee member sign the

appropriate form from Appendix 5. This form should be signed by the Graduate Program

Director and submitted to the Graduate Program Coordinator as soon as possible.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 43

Timetable for Master of Arts in Biology – Health Profession

Spring 0 (following acceptance and prior to summer enrollment):

• Identify an advisor (see CMHD faculty). This individual will serve as your mentor for BIO

5V90 and help you choose appropriate courses. Contact [email protected] the

MA-HP coordinator, for assistance.

• Register for courses prior to May 15

(incoming students) so that your tuition remission can

be applied to your account, if applicable. Incoming students typically enroll in 3-6 credits of

5V90, but other summer courses may be relevant. Please consult with your advisor.

Summer I

• Arrive on campus for the first day of classes. Meet with your advisor and go over your plan

for the summer.

Participate in laboratory research in your mentor’s lab. This work will form the basis of your exit

seminar the following Spring.

• Register for Fall I courses prior to June 30

so that your tuition remission can be applied to

your account, if applicable. Most MA-HP students take the following courses, but please

consult with your advisor.

o BIO 5201 Research Methods in Biology I (2 credits)

o BIO 5100 Seminar (1 credit each)

o STA 5300 Statistical Methods (3 credits, or comparable course)

o BIO 5V90 Special Problems in Biology (0-3 credits)

o BIO 4000/5000 elective (4-7 credits, up to 2 courses)

• Arrive on campus 1 week prior to the start of Fall I courses:

o Attend Graduate School Orientation, typically mid-week. Details will be provided to

you directly from the Graduate School. Required.

o Attend New Biology Graduate Student Information Session. Snacks or lunch will be

provided. Required.

Fall I (1

semester)

• Coursework (minimum 9 hours), see above

• Attendance and participation in Biology Seminar Series (weekly).

• Register for Spring I courses prior to the announced deadline or risk facing late fees and

possible retraction of tuition remission (if applicable) from the Biology department. Courses

typically completed in Spring I:

o BIO 5202 Research Methods in Biology II (2 credits)

o BIO 5V90 Special Problems in Biology (0-3 credits)

o BIO 5100 Seminar (1 credit)

o BIO 5000 elective (7-10 credits, up to 3 courses)

• Student should be actively participating in their advisor’s laboratory throughout the semester.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 44

Spring I (2

semester)

• Coursework (minimum 9 hours)

• Attendance at weekly Biology Department Seminar Series

• Students must complete and defend their exit exam before the deadline for Spring graduation.

Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the program. This is a 1-year (365 days)

program, so students are expected to complete their 30-hour degree in 1 year.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 45

Biology Graduate Faculty

MARIA BOTTAZZI (CMHD)

PhD, University of Florida

Vaccine Development, Tropical

Disease Biology

MYEONGWOO LEE (CMHD)

PhD, Illinois State University

Developmental Genetics of C. elegans

TAMAR E. CARTER (CMHD/EEO)

PhD, University of Florida

Genetics and Genomics of Tropical Diseases

and Their Hosts

KATELYN MCKINDLES (CMHD/EEO)

PhD, Bowling Green State University

Aquatic Microbial Ecology

ROBERT D. DOYLE (EEO)

PhD, University of Maryland

Wetland Ecology, Aquatic Plants

R. JASON PITTS (CMHD)

PhD, Vanderbilt University

Sensory Biology of Disease Vector

Insects

KEVIN J. GUTZWILLER (EEO)

PhD, University of Wyoming

Landscape Ecology, Conservation

Biology

STEPHEN M. POWERS (EEO)

PhD, University of Wisconsin

Global Change Biology, Freshwater

Ecosystems

PETER J. HOTEZ (CMHD)

PhD, The Rockefeller University

Drug and Vaccine Development,

Tropical Disease Biology

J. THAD SCOTT (EEO)

PhD, Baylor University

Limnology, Aquatic Biogeochemistry

CHRISTOPHER M. KEARNEY (CMHD)

PhD, Cornell University

Molecular Genetics, Biotechnology,

Bioinformatics

CHEOLHO SIM (CMHD)

PhD, University of Notre Dame

Disease-Vector Biology

BESSIE W. KEBAARA (CMHD)

PhD, University of Nebraska

Microbiology, Gene Expression

DWAYNE D. SIMMONS (CMHD)

PhD, Harvard University

Neurobiology and Cell Signaling

JONATHAN KELBER (CMHD)

PhD, University of California San Diego

Cancer Progression and Tissue Homeostasis

JOSEPH H. TAUBE (CMHD)

PhD, University of Texas Health

Sciences Center

Cancer Biology, Epigenetics

SARAH S. KIENLE (EEO)

PhD, University of California-Santa Cruz

Marine Mammal Ecology, Behavior, and

Conservation

JOSEPH D. WHITE (EEO)

PhD, University of Montana

Ecosystem Response to Fire and Climate

Change

RYAN S. KING (EEO)

PhD, Duke University

Freshwater Ecosystems, Quantitative Ecology

AARON WRIGHT (CMHD)

PhD, The University of Texas

Biomedical Sciences and Microbiology

PANOGIOTIS KOUTAKIS (CMHD)

PhD, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Skeletal Muscle Physiology

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 46

Appendix 1: Table of Forms for the M.S., M.A.HP., and Ph.D. Degrees

Further details on Graduate School forms are available here:

https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=980858

For questions about the below forms, please contact Alanna Martinez.

[email protected]

(254)710-4610

Forms to be filled out by Graduate Student

Reason for Use

Approval of Final Dissertation/Thesis

Required to submit the fully approved version

of one research project.

Required to submit the official copy of your

dissertation.

Doctoral Investment Form

Required to prepare for conferral of degree.

Signature Page

Required to finalize Thesis or Dissertation.

Forms to be filed out by Biology

Faculty/Staff

Reasons for Use

Graduate School Petition

Required for transferring graduate degree

credits, course substitutions, time-limit

extensions, and changes to catalog terms.

Results of Comprehensive Exam

Completed after a student, normally a

master’s level student that is not completing a

Thesis, has successfully passed a

comprehensive exam. This form is submitted

to the Graduate Program Director and

Graduate Program Coordinator. Then, when a

full pass is recorded, the Graduate Program

Coordinator will submit this form to the

Graduate School.

Results of Preliminary Exam

Following the dissertation proposal defense,

the form in Appendix 5 should be submitted

to the Graduate Program Director and

Graduate Program Coordinator. Then, when a

full pass is recorded, the Graduate Program

Coordinator will submit this form to the

Graduate School.

Admission to Doctoral Candidacy

Following a successful dissertation proposal

defense, the student should submit to the

Graduate Program Director and Graduate

program Coordinator evidence that all course

requirements are complete. At this time, the

Graduate Program Coordinator will submit

this form to the Graduate School and the

student will be admitted to doctoral

candidacy.

Announcement of Oral Dissertation/Thesis

Defense

Required two weeks before oral

dissertation/thesis defenses. Students will

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 47

provide the Graduate Program Coordinator

with date/time of defense, defense title,

committee names, and any other necessary

information requested. At this time, the

Graduate Program Coordinator will submit

this form to the Graduate School.

Result of Oral Exam

Following the dissertation defense, the form

in Appendix 5 should be submitted to the

Graduate Program Director and Graduate

Program Coordinator. Then, when a full pass

is recorded, the Graduate Program

Coordinator will submit this form to the

Graduate School.

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 48

Appendix 2: Timetable for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, Graphical Representation

* CMHD Students only

Fall 1

• BIO 5100, BIO 5101, BIO 5201,

STA 5300, *BIO 6101 (x3),

Elective (0-3)

• CMHD students match with their

advisor/lab at the end of Fall 1

Spring 1

• BIO 5100, BIO 5101, BIO 5202,

Elective (5-6)

Summer 1

• BIO 5V90 (1-6)

• All students will finalize their

Preliminary Exam Committees

over Summer 1

Fall 2

• BIO 5100, BIO 5V90 (1-3), Elective

(5-8)

• All students will have their First

Committee Meeting in Fall 2

Spring 2

• BIO 5349, BIO 6V10 (1), Elective

(3-6)

• All students take their Written

Preliminary exam in Spring 2

Summer 2

• BIO 6V10 (1)

• All students will receive their

written exam scores and should

schedule their Oral Proposal

Defense for the Fall

Fall 3

• BIO 6V10 (1), Elective (as needed)

• All students will defend their Oral

Proposals in Fall 3

Spring 3

• BIO 6V99 (1-9), Elective (as

needed)

Summer 3

• BIO 6V99 (1-9)

Fall 4

• BIO 6V99 (1-9)

Spring 4

• BIO 6V99 (1-9)

• All students will have their Mid-

Candidacy Meeting in Spring 4

Summer 4

• BIO 6V99 (1-9)

Fall 5

• BIO 6V99 (1-9)

• All students will file for their

Dissertation Defense and

Graduation at the end of Fall 5

Spring 5

• BIO 6V99 (1-9)

• All students will defend their

Dissertations and Graduate in

Spring 5

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 49

Appendix 3: Timetable for the Master of Science in Biology, Graphical Representation

Fall 1

• BIO 5101, BIO 5201, STA 5300,

Elective (3-5)

• All students finalize their

Thesis Committee at the end of

Fall 1

Spring 1

• BIO 5101, BIO 5202, Electives

(6-8)

• All students submit their Thesis

Propsoal in Spring 1

Summer 1

• BIO 5V90 (1-2)

Fall 2

• BIO 5V99 (2-3), Elective (2-6)

• All students file for Thesis

Defens and Graduation at the

end of Fall 2

Spring 2

• BIO 5V99 (3-4), Elective (0-4)

• All students defend their Thesis

and Graduate in Spring 2

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 50

Appendix 4: Timetable for the Master of Arts – Health Professions in Biology, Graphical

Representation

Summer 1

• BIO 5V90 (3-6), Elective (0-3)

Fall 1

• BIO 5201, STA 5300, BIO 5V90 (0-3),

Elective (4-7)

• All students finalize thier Advisory

Committee and file for their Exit

Seminar and Graduation at the end of

Fall 1

Spring 1

• BIO 5202, BIO 5V90 (0-3), Elective

(7-10)

• All studetns present their Exit

Seminar and Graduate in Spring 1

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 51

Appendix 5: Biology Department Forms for Program Progression

Results of the Proposal Defense

Student Name:

Date: __________

Rate the following areas on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating and 1 being the

lowest. Make any specific comments in the spaces to the right. Note: a score of 3 is usual and

respectable and corresponds to an "average" rating. Please use scores of 4 or 5 only for unusually

good and exceptional performances, respectively, and leave comments that support such scores.

Note: All of the ratings below are necessary. These ratings are used for student feedback as well

as program assessment purposes.

Relative Rating

High

Low

Comments

Impact on Field of Study

Rigor of Scientific Approach

Oral Presentation

Proposal Quality

Overall Score: _____

Faculty Name: ___________________________________

Faculty Signature: Date: __________

Committee Position (Chair, Internal Member, Outside Member): _______________

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 52

Results of the Mid-Candidacy Meeting

Name Date

Permission to Defend Granted – Unconditional Permission

to Defend Granted – With Conditions

Permission to Defend Not Granted at this Time

If permission to defend is granted with conditions, detail the conditions below. If publications are

in the conditions, include the number and publication status required (e.g. in press vs accepted vs

under review).

Chair: __

Member:

Printed Name Signature

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 53

Results of the Thesis or Dissertation Defense

Student Name:

Date: __________

Rate the following areas on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating and 1 being the

lowest. Make any specific comments in the spaces to the right. Note: a score of 3 is usual and

respectable and corresponds to an "average" rating. Please use scores of 4 or 5 only for unusually

good and exceptional performances, respectively, and leave comments that support such scores.

Note: All of the ratings below are necessary. These ratings are used for student feedback as well

as program assessment purposes.

Relative Rating

High

Low

Comments

Impact on Field of Study

Rigor of Scientific Approach

Oral Presentation

Dissertation Quality

Overall Score: _____

Faculty Name: ___________________________________

Faculty Signature: Date: __________

Committee Position (Chair, Internal Member, Outside Member): _______________

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 54

Results of the Exit Seminar

Student Name:

Date: __________

Rate the following areas on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating and 1 being the

lowest. Make any specific comments in the spaces to the right. Note: a score of 3 is usual and

respectable and corresponds to an "average" rating. Please use scores of 4 or 5 only for unusually

good and exceptional performances, respectively, and leave comments that support such scores.

Note: All of the ratings below are necessary. These ratings are used for student feedback as well

as program assessment purposes.

Relative Rating

High

Low

Comments

Impact on Field of Study

Rigor of Scientific Approach

Oral Presentation

Presentation Quality

Overall Score: _____

Faculty Name: ___________________________________

Faculty Signature: Date: __________

Committee Position (Chair, Internal Member, Outside Member): _______________

Graduate Student Handbook, Department of Biology, Baylor University, Page 55

Appendix 6: Biology Department Forms for Non-Departmental On-Campus Employment

On-Campus Employment Request Form

Intended hours worked per week outside of Department of Biology: ____

Intended length of employment outside of Department of Biology: ______ - ______

Intended time of day worked: ________

Description of duties:

How will pursuing this additional work impact your courses and research progress?

Advisor’s comments:

Student Sign: ____________________

Advisor Sign: ____________________

Graduate Program Director Sign: _______________________