Degree Requirements

Master Of Science Degree In Biomedical Sciences
The M.S. degree program is designed to offer the individual the opportunity to attain mastery of independent research investigation in a particular subject area. In order to attain this mastery the student is given the opportunity to obtain a background in pertinent subject areas, develop requisite skills, engage in a research project, and prepare a research thesis.

The specific requirements for an M.S. degree are a minimum of 30 semester hours of pertinent coursework, to include: at least 6 hours of Research in Biomedical Sciences; successful completion of The Ethical Dimensions of the Biomedical Sciences (GS21 1051) and, effective Fall term, 2011, two on-line ethics modules; and at least 6 credit hours (one semester of full-time registration) in Thesis. For students entering in the Fall 2010 term and thereafter, a minimum of 12 credit hours of didactic courses, graded A/F must be taken.  The majority of these 30 credit hours, plus the majority of any additional coursework required by the Academic Standards Committee or the student's Advisory or Supervisory Committees, must be taken at the UT GSBS at Houston, at other UTHSC schools, or at an institution with which we have consortium arrangements (i.e., Rice University, the University of Houston, or Baylor College of Medicine).

An advisory/supervisory committee guides the student in the selection of coursework, through the research project and the preparation of the thesis, and administers the final oral examination.

Operating within this general framework for the M.S. degree in Biomedical Sciences are the individualized M.S. degree option and three specialized programs, in Genetic Counseling, and Medical Physics.

Doctor Of Philosophy Degree In Biomedical Sciences
The Ph.D. degree program is designed to offer students the opportunity to complete didactic and laboratory studies through which they may gain the expertise to conduct independent and creative research which contributes new knowledge in an area of the biomedical sciences.

Curriculum
The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston requires a minimum of 54 credit hours to obtain the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The 54 credit hour minimum includes: one credit hour of the Ethical Dimensions of the Biomedical Sciences (GS21 1051), and, effective Fall term, 2011, two on-line ethics modules; 12 credit hours of Tutorial Research Experience (GS00 1514), four required GSBS area requirement courses, and a minimum of one year of registration for research which includes Research in Biomedical Sciences (GS00 1520) and Dissertation for Doctor of Philosophy (GS00 1920).  For students entering in the Fall term of 2008 and thereafter, the student must at least submit one first-authored publication prior to graduation. 

Any exceptions to this minimum credit hour requirement must be approved by the Dean upon recommendation by the Academic Standards Committee. All other rules regarding completion of degree requirements in the GSBS are as currently stated in the GSBS Policies and Procedures and Guidelines for Entering Students.

1. Thirty weeks of tutorial laboratory experience: This experience is primarily designed to offer the student the opportunity to establish an area of research for the research dissertation and to attain requisite laboratory skills. This phase of the curriculum occupies one-half of the student's day for the first 30 weeks of study. During this time the student must study under at least three different tutors, at least one of which is in an area different from the student's primary area of concentration.

2. Breadth in the biomedical sciences: Each student is required to develop a broad awareness of several different areas in the biomedical sciences. This requirement is usually met by successfully completing a minimum of four introductory courses in the Quantitative, Molecular, Cellular and Systems areas of the biomedical sciences. However, with faculty approval, a Program may require a different set of courses to meet the breadth requirement. Under this arrangement, students affiliated with that Program meet the specific course requirements of the Program instead of the GSBS area requirements. A list of the current requirements for each Program may be obtained from the Office of Academic Affairs.

3. Appreciation of the ethical issues in biomedical research: Each student is required to pass a one credit hour course entitled The Ethical Dimensions of the Biomedical Sciences (GS21 1051). The aim of the course, which is taught by GSBS faculty members, is to provide students with a framework to recognize, examine, and resolve ethical conflicts in their professional lives. The course explores such issues as the commitment to truth and its breakdown; the ethics of authorship; experimentation with human and animal subjects; and the relationships of scientists to industry, society at large, and future generations. In addition, effective Fall term, 2011, two on-line ethics modules, "Data Acquisition and Management" and "Responsible Authorship and Publication" must also be successfully completed.

4. Capability to formulate a significant research problem: Each student is given the opportunity to develop the skill of formulating a significant research problem. The attainment of the skill is demonstrated by the student's passing an oral candidacy examination, which tests the student's preparedness for undertaking a research problem and knowledge of the pertinent scientific background. 

5. Ability to perform research that significantly contributes to the body of knowledge: The student is given the opportunity to perform research and write a dissertation under the guidance of a supervisory committee. After successfully completing the research and writing, and after formal defense and acceptance of the dissertation, the student must present a public seminar of the research findings.

The five steps in the curriculum of the Ph.D. program described above represent the general academic requirements of the Graduate School. Additional course work to be included in a student's program of study is selected by the student and a faculty advisory committee. The program of study should be selected to provide the student with educational experiences appropriate to the scientific disciplines with which the dissertation research is concerned.