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 Prospective Students
Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Doctoral Program GuidelinesTHE TRAINING PROGRAM SCIENTIFIC AND ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION The goal of the Graduate
Program of the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics is
to prepare students for careers in physiology encompassing both research
and teaching. The program is designed to provide the student with
the following: A. A basic knowledge of physiology and biophysics that will serve as the foundation for the student's academic, scholarly, and research endeavors. B. The necessary practical, methodological, and technical expertise to perform original experimental work in an area of physiological research. C. Experience in the presentation and publication of original research. D. Training and practical
experience in teaching, including lectures and conferences.
Students typically enter the graduate program through the Biosciences Program, giving them the opportunity to investigate several disciplines before deciding on a thesis project leading to the Ph.D. degree. Following the completion of three required research rotations in the first year, it is expected that graduate students will be able to select a research laboratory and program affiliation. Applicants accepted into the graduate program automatically receive a 12-month stipend and full tuition support. The University of Iowa contributes funds for the purchase of health insurance for graduate students. The Graduate Admissions Committee considers applications received by the Department or through the Graduate College from individuals who hold or will hold a baccalaureate degree from accredited colleges or universities. Prior to admission prospective students are expected to have completed appropriate courses in biology, genetics, chemistry, physics, and calculus. Applicants should have undergraduate grade point averages of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Individuals with lower grade point averages but with records of outstanding achievement will also be considered. Except under unusual circumstances, a minimum score of 1200 is required for the combined verbal and quantitative scores of the Graduate Record Examination. Foreign students who score below 550 (paper) or 213 (computer based) on the TOEFL must complete an on-campus English proficiency evaluation before registering. Students who score above 550 (paper) or 213 (computer based) but who appear to have marginal language proficiency as determined by the department may also be required to enroll in additional courses in written and conversational English. The Biosciences admissions
committee expects a GRE score of 1200
(V + Q); 250 TOEFL (International Applicants, only); demonstrated research
experience; and strong letters of recommendation. Students preregister for Summer/Fall terms in April and the Spring term in November. Each student meets with the Director of Graduate Studies to determine his/her schedule for the upcoming term and to complete a departmental registration form which must be signed by the student and advisor. After the necessary signatures are obtained, the students take the preregistration form to the Graduate Studies secretary who will then give them their official University registration card. After the card is completed and signed by their advisor the student may officially register at one of the ITC terminals on campus using ISIS on the web at http://isis.uiowa.edu or at the Registration Center, 30 Calvin Hall. Once the registration
process has been completed, any changes (drops/adds) in courses must
be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies and completed before
the official University deadline using the Change of Registration form. All full time doctoral students receive stipend support and tuition is paid for the entire period while enrolled in the doctoral degree program contingent on the student maintaining satisfactory progress and on the availability of funds. All students are encouraged to submit Fellowship applications appropriate external funding agencies. Completion time for a doctoral degree is usually five years. The stipend level is determined annually. If either a pre- or post-comprehensive student chooses to leave the University with his/her advisor, all subsequent stipend, tuition and related expenses are no longer the responsibility of the department. B. Director of Graduate Studies The Director of Graduate Studies is appointed by the Department Head. In addition to coordinating student registration and curriculum planning, the Director of Graduate Studies acts as the official advisor for students until the student has passed the comprehensive examination. At that time the student's research advisor and thesis committee assume responsibility for advising and research training. C. Pre-Comprehensive Curriculum 1. Plan of study In consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies, each new student formulates a plan of study to be completed before the Comprehensive Examination. This Plan is to include projected dates for completion of the Comprehensive examination as well as provision for removal of deficiencies. Before completing the comprehensive exams the normal course load is 12 hours each semester and 3 hours during the summer session. 2. Required courses All courses taken during the first year as part of the Biosciences program will be accepted as part of the core curriculum or as electives by the department. Additional courses will be required to complete the Core Curriculum. All graduate students are required to attend departmental seminars and are required to register for the departmental workshop (one credit hour) during their first and second semesters (72:240). Requests for waiver of required courses or change from course registration must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies after consultation with the faculty and the Head of the Department. 3. Advanced elective courses In addition to the Core Curriculum, each student must complete at least two advanced elective courses selected from those offered by the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (minimum of one elective) as well as other departments. 4. Introduction to research All entering graduate students are expected to complete the required number of research rotations during their first year of graduate study. At the conclusion of each rotation the student is required to make a presentation of his/her research in a seminar and the responsible faculty member provides the Director of Graduate Studies with a written evaluation of the student's progress. 5. Credit hours for research Students who have completed two laboratory rotations will continue to receive course credit hours for research performed in the Department. This course is graded on a pass-fail (S/U) basis. 6. Teaching Experience in teaching is an important part of a student's academic training. To attain adequate teaching proficiency, students will receive teaching assignments after successful completion of the comprehensive exam and in subsequent years as warranted. Individual assignments will depend on the teaching needs of the department and may consist of formal lectures, small group conferences, and assisting in computer simulations. These teaching assignments are made by the Director of Graduate Studies, in consultation with appropriate course directors. Students receive guidance in development of teaching proficiency from the Director of Graduate Studies. A faculty committee is responsible for evaluating yearly teaching performance and research workshop presentations. Based on these two criteria, the faculty committee will select a student to receive the Byron A. Schottelius Award in recognition of his/her excellence in teaching. 7. Evaluation of progress Didactic courses taken as part of the graduate curriculum/program are graded by the letter system (A-F). In addition to the Graduate College requirement for a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0, a grade of B or better is required in all core courses. If a student fails to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0, he/she will be placed on Academic Probation by the Graduate College and will be granted one additional semester in which to raise their GPA to a 3.0 or better. At the end of each semester, the Director of Graduate Studies will review the academic standing of each student and present a report to the faculty. For students who have finished their first year in the program this report will include a review of all course grades as well as evaluations from faculty members with whom the student has completed laboratory rotations. For students who have completed their comprehensive exams and for whom a research advisor has been formally approved by the department, a student’s progress will be judged by his/her rotation or thesis advisor, thesis committee if applicable, and departmental faculty. From the beginning, a student will be expected to demonstrate self-motivation, efficient use of time, and technical proficiency in the laboratory. With time, a student is expected to further achieve a conceptual input into the research project, be able to effectively communicate his/her results, and show progress towards generating a sufficient volume of novel and important data addressing a central question that can be envisioned as constituting a thesis. Once a student has passed the comprehensive exam, the student will be expected to present a workshop once a year on his/her research. In addition, the student will meet with his/her thesis committee at least once a year, usually coinciding with the workshop. Additional meetings may be held at the discretion of the thesis advisor or thesis committee. At these meetings the thesis advisor and thesis committee will evaluate the student’s progress. Immediately after each meeting, the advisor will write a brief report summarizing the student’s progress and the committee’s recommendations. This report will be shared with the student and both advisor and student will sign the report before it is submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies. If satisfactory progress has been made, a recommendation for continuation of the student in the Ph.D. program will be presented to the faculty for departmental approval. If satisfactory progress has not been made, a recommendation for continuation will be made to the departmental faculty either to deny the student continuation in the Ph.D. program or to allow the student the opportunity to demonstrate improvement of noted deficiencies within a time limit decided upon by the thesis advisor and thesis committee. If these deficiencies are not adequately corrected, a recommendation will be made to the faculty to deny the student continuation in the Ph.D. program. 8. Student appeal If the student wishes to appeal cancellation of registration, consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies should be the first step. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached at this time, the student may forward a written appeal to the Head of the Department who will appoint a review committee of four faculty members and one student. The review committee conducts a formal investigation and rules on the appeal by majority vote. The committee submits a recommendation in writing to the Department Head. 1.
Objective 2. Scheduling of the examination Biosciences students admitted to the doctoral
program are required to complete the comprehensive examination by June
30 of their first full year in the department. Students admitted with advanced standing,
including MSTP students, are required to complete
the comprehensive examination by June 30 of the first year in the program. All required core courses must be satisfactorally completed (final grade of B or better) prior to taking the comprehensive exam. The student must contact the Director
of Graduate Studies with regard to scheduling of the oral examination.
The examination must be scheduled a minimum of two weeks prior to the
examination date. 3. Comprehensive
examination committee The comprehensive
committee will consist of five faculty members, four of whom must be
members of the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. At
least three faculty members on each committee must have a primary appointment
in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. One member
of each comprehensive committee will be a member of the graduate faculty
from outside the department or, with permission of the Dean of the Graduate
College, a recognized scholar of professorial rank from another academic
institution. The candidate’s thesis research advisor does not serve
as a member of this committee and is excluded from the comprehensive
committee. Selection of the comprehensive committee is the responsibility
of the student with recommendation from the student’s thesis research
advisor. Each faculty member should verbally agree to serve on the comprehensive
committee and on the subsequent thesis committee. The prospective list
of committee members is then submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies
who will obtain formal approval from the departmental faculty at the
January faculty meeting. Therefore, students planning to take
their comprehensive exam by June 30 should submit the names of the faculty
for their proposed committee to the Director of Graduate Studies by
the end of the Fall semester. 4.
Chairman of the comprehensive examination
committee a.
Ensure that the examination is conducted according to departmental
and Graduate College guidelines. b.
Inform the student concerning the outcome of the examination. c.
Complete and return the Report on the Doctoral Comprehensive 5.
Structure of the examination 6.
The written proposal The proposal must be accompanied by
a very brief cover letter that The written proposal should contain
relevant background information and must focus clearly on specific hypotheses
and how they will be tested experimentally. An extensive review of the
literature does not constitute an acceptable research proposal. Although
a student is free to consult with his/her thesis advisor, the proposal
MUST be in the student's own words. The thesis advisor may give
general feedback to the student, but he/she should not revise or correct
the proposal. The thesis advisor has the option to read/not read the
proposal. The written proposal must be distributed to the committee
members at least one week prior to the scheduled date of the oral examination. 7.
Evaluation of written proposal The written research proposal will
be evaluated on the basis of, but not limited to, the following criteria: a. Adequate review
of appropriate literature and how it relates to proposed
research. b. Merit of specific
hypotheses being tested and the validity of the experimental
approach proposed to address those hypotheses. c. Appropriateness
of interpretations of predicted experimental results
and theoretical conclusions. d. Evaluation of
any potential problems regarding experimental techniques
and/or design. e. Overall originality
and significance of the research proposal. 8. The oral examination The examination begins with an uninterrupted
oral introduction by the student not to exceed 15 minutes. During this
period the student may use a PowerPoint presentation to discuss the
appropriate background and experimental design. At this time, the student
may also show preliminary experimental data related to the proposal.
Committee members then ask questions on topics in physiology and biophysics
generally or specifically related to the proposal. The student may only
use a black/white board to address these questions. The chairman of
the committee ensures reasonable progression of the examination, which
typically will be completed within two hours. At the conclusion of the examination the student is asked to leave the room and the committee members discuss his/her performance. During this discussion, committee members should make known the reasons (if any) for dissatisfaction with the performance of the student. Following the discussion the committee votes to pass (satisfactory) or fail (unsatisfactory) the student. Two unsatisfactory votes constitute a failure. If the result of the comprehensive examination is unsatisfactory the candidate may be allowed, at the discretion of the department, to repeat the comprehensive examination once, though not before four months from the initial date of the examination. If the option to repeat the examination is not offered or the result of the reexamination is not satisfactory, the candidate's enrollment in the graduate Ph.D. program will be terminated. 9. Evaluation of oral examination The oral examination will be evaluated on the basis of, but not limited to, the following criteria: b. Ability of the student to clarify
or elaborate on statements or concepts presented
in the written proposal. c. Ability of the student to discuss
feasibility of proposed research and recognize alternate
experimental approaches which may be required. d. Ability of the student to foresee
future directions of
proposed research. e. Ability of the student to defend
assumptions made in the proposal. f. Ability of the student to respond
effectively to questions on related and general topics. g. Ability of the student to respond
appropriately to questions related to biomedical
research ethics. 10. These regulations are effective for comprehensive examinations held on or after July 1, 2007. E. Post-Comprehensive Curriculum
The Doctor of Philosophy is the highest degree awarded by the University of Iowa. The Ph.D. degree in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics indicates superior knowledge and excellence in research. 1. Thesis advisor All students will have adequate opportunity, via laboratory rotations, workshops and informal discussions to make an informed decision with regard to the tentative selection of a thesis advisor. Any tenured or tenure-track member of the Physiology faculty may serve as a thesis advisor. Assuming the faculty member agrees to serve in this capacity, the Director of Graduate Studies will recommend approval of this decision by the entire faculty. Departmental permission is required to change the research advisor after the initial advisor is approved. If the advisor
of a post-comprehensive student leaves The
University of Iowa, the
student’s thesis committee will hold a special meeting. The
committee will discuss the progress of the student and decide whether
the student’s thesis project can be completed within a two-year time
frame. If this decision is reached, then the committee will recommend
to the faculty that the student be permitted to complete his/her research
at the advisor's new institution. Thesis committee meetings and
thesis defense will be conducted at Iowa, but the department does
not assume responsibility for travel expenses incurred 2. Thesis committee The Thesis Committee will typically be comprised of the Comprehensive Committee plus the adviser. Thus the group would include four faculty members of the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (at least three faculty members with a primary appointment), one graduate faculty from outside the department plus the research advisor. A faculty member who has collaborated/published with the students Thesis Advisor should disclose this fact at the time the students thesis committee is formed. Any subsequent changes in the makeup of the Thesis Committee must be coordinated with the Director of Graduate Studies and approved in writing by the Department Executive Officer. The Thesis committee will serve as a guide for the student during his/her doctoral research and will meet at least once yearly, usually following workshop presentation, to evaluate the student's progress. Students are required to submit a 3-4 page report outlining: the background of their thesis project; a summary of their research progress; and their future research directions. Several days before the student’s workshop and thesis committee meeting, he/she should distribute this report to the members of their thesis committee. Immediately after each yearly meeting, the advisor will write a brief report summarizing the student’s progress andthe committee’s recommendations. This report will be shared with the student and both advisor and student will sign the report before it is submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies. 3. Thesis style The thesis shall
consist of distinct sections entitled Abstract, Table of Contents, Introduction,
Methods, Results, Discussion, and Bibliography which must conform to
the current Graduate College style requirements. The Introduction
and Methods sections should not be in the highly condensed form appropriate
to specialized journals, but should constitute a critical and extensive
review of the pertinent literature. It is anticipated that the
thesis research will be published in refereed journals. Students
are strongly encouraged to publish their findings before the submission
of the thesis. The thesis, however, should not be written by simply
collating a series of published articles, which may have multiple authors.
Although published articles may represent individual chapters in the
thesis, the student is expected to write a comprehensive background
and discussion and the experimental results must be written in the student’s
own words. The
Graduate College Thesis
Guidelines are available online at http://www.grad.uiowa.edu 4. Thesis defense During the semester in which the doctoral candidate plans to defend and graduate he/she must file an Application for Degree in the Registrar's office no later than the specified deadline for that semester Before the oral defense can be scheduled, a first deposit of the thesis must be presented to the Graduate College for approval. First deposit must be made with the Graduate College before the specified deadline for the semester in which the defense is to be held. After approval by the Graduate College, the thesis must be distributed to the Thesis Committee members at least three weeks prior to the scheduled thesis defense. The time and date of the defense is to be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. The thesis defense
consists of a public seminar in the department followed by an oral examination
by the Thesis Committee. During the oral examination questions
concerning the thesis project, as well as the written thesis itself,
will be raised. If the student's performance is deemed satisfactory,
it is the responsibility of the student and his/her advisor to insure
that all the necessary corrections have been made before the final deposit
of the thesis is made with the Graduate College by the specified deadline. V. Scientific and Academic Misconduct A graduate student who commits any act of scientific or academic misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action by the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. Misconduct includes conduct which the graduate student knew or reasonably should have known was a form of cheating, plagiarism, or falsification on any examination, term paper, scientific manuscript, comprehensive examination, transcript or registration document. The department thus affirms the policy specified in the "Code of Student Life" It is the responsibility of each student to act in accordance with this official university policy. All graduate students receive a brochure entitled "On Being a Scientist", published by the Committee on the Conduct of Science of the National Academy of Sciences. It is the responsibility of each student to understand the nature and consequences of academic and scientific fraud outlined in this publication. A. Mailboxes and Electronic Mail Graduate students are provided with a box in the departmental mailroom, 5-332 BSB. Each student is also given an electronic mail (e-mail) account. Students are responsible for checking their mailbox and e-mail inbox daily for messages and departmental meetings and seminar notices. B. Photocopying The Department maintains a copy machine in room 5-332 BSB. Use of this machine requires a 5-digit access code assigned by the Departmental accounting office. Graduate students are responsible for charges relating to copying unless a faculty Research Advisor authorizes use of their access code. Students will be billed on a monthly basis and if payment is not made, the number will be removed. C. Graduate Assistantships and Health Insurance After the Graduate Research Assistant and/or Trainee appointments are processed, payroll checks are received on the first of each month. It is recommended that automatic deposit of payroll checks be utilized. The Departmental Administrator will meet with each new student to complete the necessary paperwork for appointment. Foreign students are required to carry health insurance and will be informed about the options by the Office of International Students and Scholars. United States citizens are not required to carry insurance. All graduate students may use the Student Health Service, for which the department pays the “Mandatory Health Fee.” All assistants are also eligible for the Student Health Insurance plan or the UI GRADCare plan. Students choose the plan when their graduate appointment begins. The student contributes a nominal amount per year to either plan, and the department/advisor pays the remainder. D. Parking For rules and regulations concerning Parking and Transportation, please see their website. A Night and Weekend (NW) only permit, which is offered at a reduced rate, includes after-hours access privileges separate from a specific parking lot assignment. This permit available to employees and students who otherwise walk, bike, bus, carpool or van pool to work. The NW permit offers the same eveing and weekend access currently available to Reserved and Commuter permit-holders, but those with the NW permit still have access to the University’s subsidized bus pass. E. Vacation and Sick Leave All vacation needs to be approved in advance by the student’s advisor. Graduate students may be absent for 15 workdays per fiscal year (July 1-June 30), in addition to the nine official University holidays, without loss of pay. The University policy on sick leave is negotiated with COGS, the graduate student union. Graduate students may be absent due to illness for up to 18 workdays per year without loss of pay. F. Travel Graduate students
should coordinate travel requests to attend or present at scientific
meetings with their Faculty Research Advisor and seek advice concerning
financial assistance. Upon return from the meeting, a Travel
Expense Voucher (TEV) must be completed promptly for reimbursement.
Itemized receipts are required for lodging and expenses greater than
$25.00. Prepayment of registration fees, airfare or deposits are
processed by our accounting staff. Additional information related
to Physiology travel can be found at http://www.uiowa.edu/~fustd The Graduate
Student Senate also allocates travel funds from the Graduate College
to graduate student applicants for the purpose of presenting their work
at meetings, symposia, conferences, or other professional or academic
gatherings. See http://www.uiowa.edu/~fustd A. The Bowen Science building is locked after 7:00 PM and not unlocked until 7:00 AM, Monday-Friday It is also locked at all times on the weekend. If entry is needed during times when the building is locked authorization must be granted by the University. To request entry, take your I.D. card to the departmental secretary who will request access. Once approval is received, you will be able to swipe your card in one of the devices located at each entrance to the building. B. Core doors are unlocked from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and locked at all other times. To enter a core door before or after these hours or on the weekends, your I.D. card must be swiped at the entrance. C. The mailroom (5-532) is unlocked from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and locked at all other times. Access after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends is by the CD key. D. Keys to faculty laboratories are issued by the department to individuals based on authorization by the faculty member to whom the space is allocated. E. Security of departmental
facilities and laboratory keys, and the return of keys when a student,
fellow or employee leave the department are responsibilities of the
authorizing faculty member. A key deposit is required for all
keys issued by the department. The Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the University to instruct
all employees and students on biological safety. The following
training is offered by the Health Protection Office (HPO) on their website
at http://www.uiowa.edu/~hpo Biological Safety Bloodborne Pathogen Chemical Safety General Safety Hazardous Waste Management Industrial Hygiene Radiation Safety including
Laser Safety If an accident occurs
while in the department which requires medical attention, immediate
treatment at the Workers
Health Clinic or the UIHC emergency room is required. A Workers Compensation form must be
completed following an accident. The form is located on the Self-Service
website at https://hris.uiowa.edu/workersC
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