University of Georgia
Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical
Sciences
Master’s (MS) Degree Program Handbook
2021/2022
Updated: 06/22/2021
Preface
The purpose of the Master’s Degree Program Graduate Program Handbook is to provide information
concerning the procedures and policies of graduate education within the Department of Pharmaceutical
and Biomedical Sciences and the Graduate School of the University of Georgia. It supplements information
contained in the Graduate School Bulletin, the UGA Graduate School website, and the PBS Departmental
website. All graduate students are expected to carefully read the policy manual, retain it for future
reference, and abide by it in the interest of making graduate study in the department a successful
experience.
Table of Contents
MS Program Objectives................................................................................................................................. 1
Program Administration and Contacts ......................................................................................................... 2
PBS MS Graduate Admission Policies ........................................................................................................... 3
Admission Criteria ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Change of Degree Objective ..................................................................................................................... 3
Financial Assistance .................................................................................................................................. 3
MSC Programs ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Curriculum and Program Requirements for MS at PBS (Thesis Track) ......................................................... 4
Curriculum and Program Requirements for MS at PBS (Non-thesis Track) .................................................. 5
Waivers, Extensions and Grievances ............................................................................................................ 9
Academic Performance and Dismissal .......................................................................................................... 9
Laboratory Safety and Security ................................................................................................................... 10
Laboratory Safety .................................................................................................................................... 10
No Gloves in the Hallways....................................................................................................................... 10
Required Yearly Training ......................................................................................................................... 10
Waste Disposal ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Radioactive .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Biohazards ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Animal Use .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Personal Safety ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Visitation ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Additional Policies and Helpful Information ............................................................................................... 12
Graduate School Bulletin ........................................................................................................................ 12
ATHENA: Schedule of Classes and Online Registration .......................................................................... 12
Internships .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Academic and Scientific Honesty ............................................................................................................ 12
Responsible Conduct in Research ........................................................................................................... 12
Records of Research Data ....................................................................................................................... 13
Leave Time .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Desk and Office Space ............................................................................................................................. 13
Email ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Office Materials and Supplies ................................................................................................................. 13
Photocopying .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Administrative Services ........................................................................................................................... 13
Computers and IT support ...................................................................................................................... 13
Protocol for changing major professor ................................................................................................... 14
Departure Procedures ................................................................................................................................. 14
1
MS Program Objectives
The PBS graduate program will provide the academic, research, and administrative resources necessary
to meet the program goals:
Give students a strong foundation in modern pharmaceutical and biomedical science disciplines
and application to drug discovery and development.
Give students depth of knowledge and technical training in their area of study.
Develop a strong work ethic and time management skills in graduate students.
Teach students to speak and write about their research clearly and convincingly.
Teach students to critically evaluate data and results in the scientific literature.
Promote a rigorous academic and research environment in which students will add to the current
knowledge in their fields.
Prepare students for a career in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries, or for advanced
graduate or medical degrees.
2
Program Administration and Contacts
Graduate Program Coordinator
Dr. Jason Zastre
jzastre@uga.edu
371 Wilson Pharmacy
706-583-0290
Graduate Program Specialist
Ms. Julie Simmons
jrs262@uga.edu
438 Pharmacy South
706-542-5403
Who Do I contact for questions or problems with . . .
General graduate program issues and concerns, extensions, grievances, and coordinator
signatures?
Dr. Jason Zastre, jzastre@uga.edu
Courses, forms, deadlines, waivers, graduate school requirements, keys and key card access, etc.?
Julie Simmons, jrs262@uga.edu
Departmental resources, stipends, room reservations, and items to be forwarded to the
department head?
Lynn Smith, lynn.smith1@uga.edu
Telephones, facilities, maintenance, etc.?
Brad Brown, btbrown@uga.edu
Computers and networks?
PBS IT helpdesk: https://helpdesk.rx.uga.edu/
Supplies and Ordering?
Amanda Long, along212@uga.edu
Payroll, benefits, and human resources?
Jason Jones, jason.jones@uga.edu
Fellowship and grant submissions?
Jennifer Caplinger, jcap@uga.edu
3
PBS MS Graduate Admission Policies
Admission Criteria
Graduate students are admitted to the PBS Department MS program based on the graduate
committee’s assessment of their ability to succeed in the graduate program, their compatibility with the
research opportunities in the department, and the commitment of a PBS faculty member to serve as their
major professor and faculty advisor. Key factors considered are: prior research experience, evidence of
work ethic and commitment to biomedical research, evidence of appropriate educational background,
grade point average, English language exam score (for international applicants), references (particularly
from laboratory supervisors), research interest of available faculty mentors, other requirements of the
UGA Graduate School, and special considerations of the PBS Department Graduate Program Committee.
The preferred route of admission involves the applicant identifying and reaching an agreement with a
faculty research advisor during the admissions process and enables students to begin their research
immediately on matriculation. Students admitted to the program without prior acceptance into a
research group rotate through multiple laboratories in their first semester to identify an approved advisor
and must join a laboratory by the end of the first semester to continue in the program.
Change of Degree Objective
The Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences offers the Master of Science (MS)
and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. If, after a student is initially admitted as an MS student, the
student wishes to be considered as a PhD student, they may request a change of degree objective
following on academic year of enrollment in the program. At this time, the student’s performance in
coursework and research will be assessed by the Graduate Program Committee. Students applying should
show evidence of excellent academic performance and excellent research progression. The application
package should include CV, transcripts at UGA, and a personal statement explaining why they are
interested in the PhD graduate program and describing their research progress and research plan.
Requests must include a support letter from the student’s prospective PhD research advisor. Additional
supportive information may be required upon request by the committee. Admission to the PhD program
will be determined using the same criteria applied to new PhD students. Once in the PhD program,
students become eligible for departmental assistantships, but acceptance into the PhD program does not
guarantee an assistantship. Departmental teaching assistantships will be awarded on a competitive basis
for all new PhD students, whether newly matriculating or converting from MS. For consideration of
enrollment in fall semester, complete application must be submitted by May 15
th
. For consideration of
enrollment in spring semester, complete application must be submitted by December 1st.
Financial Assistance
MS students are not eligible for departmental teaching assistantships. Faculty advisors with
external funding may support MS students in their laboratories with Research Assistantships. The details
of these assistantships vary based on the funding agency. Research assistants are not required to perform
teaching assignments in the department.
4
MSC Programs
Two pathways exist for the UGA MSC degree in PBS. (1) The thesis pathway requires the
completion and defense of a research-based thesis. Completing a master’s thesis demonstrates research
competencies through direct experiences. The thesis is an excellent way to demonstrate critical thinking,
communication skills, and a contribution of new knowledge to the area of study. This pathway is an
excellent introduction into biomedical research that could strengthen one’s potential to Ph.D. programs
or research positions within the pharmaceutical industry. (2) The non-thesis pathway requires no thesis,
but students must undertake additional coursework and complete/present an applied project to their
committee. The project may include a literature review or an experiential project. This pathway is ideal
for students pursuing advancement in their careers, students who do not plan to pursue future research-
intensive positions or are exploring future academic opportunities in health sciences.
Curriculum and Program Requirements for MS at PBS (Thesis Track)
The following courses are required:
Course Number Course Name Credits
PHRM 7000 Thesis Research 6
PHRM 7300 Thesis Writing 3
PHRM 8200 PBS Seminar (4 Semesters) 4
PHRM 8250 Presentation Skills (2 Semesters) 2
GRSC 8550 Responsible Conduct of Research 1
14 credit hours of elective are required. A minimum of 9 elective credit hours must be non-research courses restricted to graduate
students. Electives to be included on the program of study must be approved by the student’s advisory committee. Appropriate
electives include (but are not limited to):
Restricted to Graduate Students
PHRM 7020 Organic Chemistry for Drug Design and Development 3
PMCY 6410E Robotics in Drug Discovery and Toxicology 2
PMCY 6420E Computation Approaches in Drug Discovery and Tox. 2
PMCY 6430E Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics 2
PHAR 6200E Clinical Trials Design and Management 4
PHAR 7100E Biostatistics Appl for Pharm Biotech Industries 3
PHRM 7050 Abused Drugs 3
PHRM 8010* Structural Biology and Medicinal Chemistry 4
PHRM 8020* Molecular Pharmacology of Disease & Therapeutics 4
PHRM 8030* Advanced Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics 4
Not Restricted to Graduate Students
PMCY 6200 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics 3
PMCY 6500 Pharmaceutical Drug Development 3
PMCY 6500L Pharmaceutical Drug Development Lab 1
PMCY 6510 Advanced Drug Delivery Systems 3
PMCY 6510L Advanced Drug Delivery Systems Lab 1
PMCY 6600 Biological Therapeutics 3
Note: *8000-level courses require permission from individual’s advisory committee and course instructor.
5
Curriculum and Program Requirements for MS at PBS (Non-thesis Track)
The following courses are required:
Course Number Course Name Credits
PHRM 6800 Applied Project in Pharmacy 6
PHRM 6950 Applied Project Writing and Defense 3
PHRM 8200 PBS Seminar (4 Semesters) 4
PHRM 8250 Presentation Skills (2 Semesters) 2
GRSC 8550 Responsible Conduct of Research 1
21 credit hours of electives are required with a maximum of 7 credit hours allowed outside PHRM/PMCY/PHAR. A minimum of 9
elective credit hours must be non-research courses restricted to graduate students. Electives to be included on the program of
study must be approved by the student’s advisory committee. Appropriate electives include (but are not limited to):
Restricted to Graduate Students:
PHRM 7020 Organic Chemistry for Drug Design and Development 3
PMCY 6410E Robotics in Drug Discovery and Toxicology 2
PMCY 6420E Computation Approaches in Drug Discovery and Tox. 2
PMCY 6430E Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics 2
PHAR 6200E Clinical Trials Design and Management 4
PHAR 7100E Biostatistics Appl for Pharm Biotech Industries 3
PHRM 7050 Abused Drugs 3
PHRM 8010* Structural Biology and Medicinal Chemistry 4
PHRM 8020* Molecular Pharmacology of Disease & Therapeutics 4
PHRM 8030* Advanced Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics 4
Not Restricted to Graduate Students
PMCY 6200 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics 3
PMCY 6500 Pharmaceutical Drug Development 3
PMCY 6500L Pharmaceutical Drug Development Lab 1
PMCY 6510 Advanced Drug Delivery Systems 3
PMCY 6510L Advanced Drug Delivery Systems Lab 1
PMCY 6600 Biological Therapeutics 3
Note: *8000-level courses require permission from individual’s advisory committee and course instructor.
6
Student Advisory Committee
Each student will form an Advisory Committee by the end of the first semester in the program.
The Student Advisory Committee consists of the major professor as chair and two additional faculty
members. The major professor and at least one of the other members of the committee must be graduate
faculty members of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences. Faculty form outside of
the department are allowed, but not required. Thesis Advisory Committee members must be approved
by the Graduate Coordinator and the Graduate School. The first committee meeting must be held by the
end of the second semester in the program. Student progress in course work, thesis research or the
applied project will be evaluated by the Student Advisory Committee during annual committee meetings.
The Program of Study is an official document listing the courses for a degree program. A preliminary
program of study is a non-binding plan that should be discussed and approved at the first committee
meeting. The final program of study must be approved by the Student Advisory Committee members and
the graduate coordinator and submitted to the graduate school prior to the notification of graduation.
The Program of Study is submitted through the UGA Graduate School portal GradStatus. All courses
included on the program of study must have a grade of 3.0 or higher.
Thesis Track
Dissertation Writing and Defense
The Master’s thesis pathway involves proposing, executing, summarizing, and defending a
hypothesis driven research project.
The Dissertation (Thesis)
The thesis is the final component of a series of academic experiences, which culminate in the
awarding of the post baccalaureate degree. The thesis fulfills the following major objectives:
a) It represents original scholarship.
b) It demonstrates the student’s ability to critically evaluate the literature of the field.
c) It reflects the student’s mastery of appropriate research methods and techniques.
d) It shows that the student can address a major problem, arrive at successful conclusions, and
report these results in a literate fashion.
Students are referred to the University of Georgia Graduate School website for details on format
and procedures for submitting a these (
https://grad.uga.edu/index.php/current-students/policies-
procedures/theses-dissertations-guidelines/theses-and-dissertations-overview/). The student distributes
copies of the thesis to the major professor, and each of the Advisory Committee members. The
Department of PBS requires that each member of the Advisory Committee receive a final copy at least
three weeks before the final defense. The committee are then asked to alert the major professor when
they have evaluated the work and indicate if the approve of the defense going forward. Once the faculty
advisor has the input form all committee members, the Graduate Program Assistant’s Office should
receive an email from the advisor indicating the defense will either move forward, or if there are major
7
issues that need to be addressed prior to the exam being held. The student must defend their thesis at
the final oral examination.
Before the Defense
The student must meet all departmental graduation requirements prior to dissertation defense,
including all coursework on the Final Program of Study. They must have held at least two annual
committee meetings, and have an Advisory Committee approved thesis research prospectus. The student
must notify the Graduate Program Assistant of the scheduled date, time, and location for the thesis
defense at least three weeks in advance of the exam date. It is the student’s responsibility to apply to
graduate, perform thesis format checks, and submit all required paperwork with the UGA Graduate School
by the posted deadlines.
Forms: http://grad.uga.edu/index.php/current-students/forms/
Deadlines: http://grad.uga.edu/index.php/current-students/important-dates-deadlines/
Oral Defense of the Thesis
The final defense will consist of a seminar presentation by the student of their research topic,
which is open to all members of the department and UGA community. This presentation will be followed
by an oral examination from the Advisory Committee covering the substances of the thesis. Only the
Advisory Committee may be present during this part of the examination. The Advisory Committee will
determine the success or failure of the candidate and inform them of the committee’s decision
immediately following the defense. In order for the student to pass the examination, the advisory
committee must approve both the written thesis and the oral defense of the thesis. If two or more
committee members do not vote to approve either the written thesis or the oral defense, the student will
have one additional opportunity to defend their thesis. If successful, the student is awarded an MS degree
upon completion of the remaining Graduate School degree requirements. If the final written thesis or oral
examination is unsatisfactory the second time, the student is dismissed. The Thesis Defense & Final
Examination Approval form is process through the GradStatus system and require responses from all
Advisory Committee members as well as the PBS Graduate Coordinator before final approval from the
UGA Graduate School.
Non-Thesis Track
Applied Project Writing and Presentation
The Masters non-thesis track involves an applied project which may include a literature review
or an experiential project. The student will propose, and write, and present this project to the Advisory
Committee.
The Applied Project
The student will investigate a problem that has application to his/her professional interests or
area of specialization. The project will be an in-depth examination of a particular problem or study topic
which is considered relevant to todays or future direction in pharmaceutical sciences or related health
sciences. The project fulfills the following major objectives:
8
a) It represents original scholarship.
b) It demonstrates the student’s ability to critically evaluate the literature of the field.
c) It shows that the student can address a major problem, arrive at successful conclusions, and
report these results in a literate fashion.
Early in the program you are expected to have an initial discussion with your faculty advisor
regarding possible project ideas to develop your pre-proposal, timeline, and the process for project
completion. Once a topic is selected, the student will need to present the topical outline to the Advisory
Committee for comments and possible revision.
Project examples include:
1) Literature review providing a critical summary of published research on a topic. Its purpose is to
create familiarity with research on a particular area and to identify previously overlooked or
understudied areas.
2) Experiential project: small research project including a critical analysis report
3) Systematic Review addressing a defined research question by collecting and summarizing all
empirical evidence. May also include meta-analysis of a topic.
The final project should be an expanded and well-written version of the proposal. The student
must then submit the final project document to the Advisory Committee members for review no later
then two (2) weeks prior to the presentation date. The paper should be at a minimum of 30 pages double-
spaced including figures and tables. Cite appropriate references, numbered format in the order they
appear in the text. Bibliography section does not count towards page requirements. Additional guidelines
should be used for the final paper: Title, abstract and table of contents do not count towards the page
requirements
Title page: Include your name, address, email, agency or organization and each following
page to contain a running head (topic) and your last name.
Abstract: summarization of the project
Table of Contents: listing headings/subheadings.
Margins, font and spacing: Allow 1" (2.5 cm) margins and use either Arial or Times New Roman
12 pt. Type.
Presentation
Upon completion of the project, the student will conduct a 30-45 minute presentation to the
Advisory Committee followed by a questioning period. At this time the committee can suggest revisions
prior to approval of the final project. The department requires either a bound or digital copy of the final,
approved project that can be submitted to the graduate coordinator.
9
Waivers, Extensions and Grievances
Students may appeal to the Graduate Program Committee to have a core course requirement
waived or substituted. The student must be able to document that they have previously taken and are
knowledgeable in the subjects contained in the course under appeal. Appeals of first semester courses
must be made, in writing, within two weeks of the student entering the graduate program.
Graduate program policies, course requirements, exam deadlines, and other program
requirements are subject to well-justified request for waivers/exemptions submitted beforehand, and to
appeals submitted after a decision has been made. If a student is completing laboratory rotations and
therefore does not yet have a major professor, the student may submit written requests for waivers,
extensions, or appeals to the Graduate Program Committee. After a major professor and advisory
committee has been identified, waiver requests initiated by either the student or the major professor
should be discussed first by the advisory committee, and if approved by the advisory committee the
request should be forwarded to the Graduate Program Committee by the major professor.
University of Georgia students have the right to appeal academic decisions. An appeal must be
made within 30 days after the student receives the grade or ruling in dispute. Usually the appeal goes first
to the unit responsible for the decision. For example, grades or departmental graduate program policies
are appealed to the department; graduate school policies are appealed to the Graduate School; University
policies to the Educational Affairs Committee. An unfavorable ruling at one level is appealed to successive
levels. For example, a department ruling can be appealed to the college in which the institutional unit is
located; a collage ruling can be appealed to the University Council Educational Affairs Committee; the
Educational Affairs Committee ruling can be appealed to the President of the University; and the
President’s ruling can be appealed to the Board of Regents.
Academic Performance and Dismissal
If more than one committee member or the major professor gives the student an Unsatisfactory”
evaluation, the student and major professor must develop a remediation plan to improve performance.
For example, the remediation plan may include additional coursework, a more structured schedule in lab,
and/or more frequent committee meetings.
University of Georgia graduate students must maintain an average of 3.0 or higher on all graduate
courses taken. Grades below 3.0 are not acceptable for courses on the Program of Study, which includes
all required core courses. In the first semester that the cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, students are placed
on academic warning by the University of Georgia Graduate School and are required to meet with their
major professor to develop a plan to improve their academic performance. If the cumulative GPA is below
3.0 for a second consecutive semester, the student is placed on academic probation and cannot receive
an assistantship stipend. If the student receives a GPA below 3.0 in any semester while on probation, they
are dismissed by the UGA Graduate School.
https://grad.uga.edu/index.php/current-students/policies-procedures/academics/probation-and-
dismissal/
PBS graduate students may be dismissed from the program at the end of any semester if they
have not made sufficient academic progress to warrant continuation of study, have not met their
responsibilities, have not met their admittance stipulations, or have not maintained accepted standards
10
of conduct. This would apply to: students who spend two consecutive semesters with a cumulative GPA
below 3.0; students who make a “U” or a grade below a “C” in a core course; students who fail to pass the
final oral examination (Thesis track); or ethical violations. Failure to make acceptable progress in the thesis
project may be demonstrated by unsatisfactory grades in thesis research courses (PHRM 7000) or by more
than one poor annual committee evaluation. Ethical violations that warrant dismissal from the program
include but are not limited to: violation of ethical principles concerning treatment of animals; violation of
ethical principles concerning teacher-student relationships; falsification of data or records; plagiarism;
and academic dishonesty including incorporation of materials into papers, theses, dissertations, etc.
without appropriate attribution.
Laboratory Safety and Security
The following is not a comprehensive list of safety requirements or expectations. See the various
documents that are outlined in the following list for more details. It is the student’s responsibility to
understand how to handle the chemicals and equipment associated with your research projects.
Laboratory Safety
The University of Georgia publishes a laboratory safety manual that contains guidelines for
laboratory safety, chemical storage, waste disposal and other important information. Familiarity with the
fundamental concepts outlined in this document is considered essential for working in the departmental
laboratories.
https://research.uga.edu/docs/units/safety/manuals/Chemical-Laboratory-Safety-Manual.pdf
No Gloves in the Hallways
Laboratory workers are not to wear gloves outside the laboratory. This is a departmental policy.
Required Yearly Training
All graduate students are required to complete Right-to-Know (https://esd.uga.edu/right-know)
and Hazardous Materials Management Training (https://esd.uga.edu/rcra-compliance/hazardous-waste-
training). These certificates must be filed with the laboratory’s RTF forms. This training must be updated
on a yearly basis. Additional training is necessary for specialized experiments that include the use of
respirator masks, radioactive materials and radiation, and high-risk biohazards.
Waste Disposal
No hazardous wastes are to be poured down the sink drains or placed in the trash. These
substances are to be placed into containers labeled “Hazardous Wastes” along with the identity of
contents and % compositions (be knowledgeable of the wastes you are mixing). When these containers
are full, complete the forms in CHEMATIX for pickup. https://chematix.uga.edu/Chematix/
Radioactive
Radioactive compounds require a special license which requires training in proper handling and
disposal procedures. These are explained in Radiation Safety Procedures of the University of Georgia. The
license can be revoked if food is eaten in the laboratory. https://research.uga.edu/safety/radiation/
11
Biohazards
Some laboratories work with biohazards of differing degrees. It is the student’s responsibility to
understand how to properly handle biological samples. Students should confer with their major professor
if there are any questions regarding the biohazards in the laboratory. Generally, most wastes can be
autoclaved then disposed of in the regular trash. https://research.uga.edu/biosafety/
Animal Use
All laboratory personnel and students are expected to comply with all Federal and University
regulations related to the ethical treatment of research animals, and should not handle research animals
without required training. https://research.uga.edu/oacu/iacuc/
Personal Safety
Safety glasses or goggles and laboratory coats are worn for most experiments and are required
when handling hazardous materials. Appropriate laboratory attire includes low-heeled, closed-toe shoes
and clothing that protects the body. Sandals, shorts, and tank tops are not allowed in the laboratories. No
eating, smoking, or drinking is allowed in laboratories.
Visitation
In the interest of security, students should not admit guests to laboratory areas. Students should
be aware of and abide by any restrictions concerning hazardous laboratory restrictions.
12
Additional Policies and Helpful Information
Graduate School Bulletin
All graduate programs at the University of Georgia are administered through and governed by the
UGA Graduate School. Details of programs, policies, requirements, and procedures for graduate studies
are described and annually updated in the Bulletin (
https://grad.uga.edu/index.php/current-
students/policies-procedures/). Students should become familiar with the current regulations, policies
and schedules contained in this publication, and are responsible for meeting all requirements and
deadlines for their degree.
ATHENA: Schedule of Classes and Online Registration
Complete registration instructions for each semester including the list of course offerings, class
dates, registration schedules, payment of fees, and drop/add policies are available on ATHENA, the online
access to the student information system. All students are required to consult with their major professor
prior to registration for each semester. Information can be assessed and students may register for classes
online at https://athena.uga.edu
.
Internships
Students interested in internship opportunities should discuss opportunities with their major
professor and the Graduate Coordinator. Contact information for internship programs at multiple
pharmaceutical and biomedical companies is available. Students participating in summer internship
programs must obtain prior approval of their major professor and the Graduate Coordinator. Internships
are typically only approved if the student is in good academic standing. If an internship is approved,
students must notify the Graduate Program Assistant with the details.
Academic and Scientific Honesty
Students in the PBS graduate program are held to the highest ethical standards. There is
absolutely no place in the graduate program for academic or scientific dishonesty, including all forms of
plagiarism and data falsification. Academic dishonesty is grounds for dismissal from the program. See the
UGA policy on academic honesty at https://honesty.uga.edu/
. Each student must become familiar with
these standards and regulations, and is responsible for maintaining and adhering to the strictest standards
of academic and scientific integrity and honesty.
Responsible Conduct in Research
In addition to the basic University principles and policies governing academic integrity, students
engaged in scientific research have a special obligation to adhere to the highest standards of Responsible
Conduct of Research. The University of Georgia provides several courses and seminars in Responsible
Conduct of Research that meet NIH and NSF requirements for students funded by these agencies.
Students may learn more about these courses and register for the seminar series at
https://research.uga.edu/integrity-support/rcr/
.
13
Records of Research Data
All research data obtained by graduate students should be properly recorded and dated in a
standard laboratory data book. At the completion of study, students should turn in the data book to the
major professor. All research data remains the property of The University of Georgia.
Leave Time
Graduate students are expected to be at work during normal hours of operation of the University
throughout the calendar year. Students should notify their major professor of their class and work
schedules, and request approval for times they will be away from campus. Graduate students do not
accrue leave time.
Desk and Office Space
Incoming MS graduate students are assigned desk space in 351/352 Wilson Pharmacy. Upon
joining a lab, students may move to desk space assigned to their major professor and turn in their keys to
351/352, or if no desk space is available in their new lab, students may request to keep their desk in room
351/352.
Email
Each graduate student will be given a UGA (MyID) email account. The UGA account and the
graduate student listserv will be used by the Graduate Coordinator and office staff to contact you and
distribute critical information. It is the student’s responsibility to check this email account daily.
Office Materials and Supplies
Supplies needed for research may be obtained from the departmental business office or through
your major professor. The department does not furnish paper, notebooks, postage, etc. for personal or
class use of the graduate students.
Photocopying
Each student will be authorized for a certain number of copies each year. These are limited
accounts. The departmental copy machines are restricted for the duplication of materials necessary for
specific departmental assignments and to support student research.
Administrative Services
The main responsibility of departmental administrative staff is to serve the faculty. Administrative
assistance is available to graduate assistants by authorization of the Department Head or major professor
for work directly related to their teaching assignments.
Computers and IT support
There are several computers and printers dedicated for graduate student use. Most of the
computers have been connect to the college network, which may be accessed by logging in with a your
UGA MyId and password. The College of Pharmacy IT department may have to grant you access to the
systems. Use of all UGA computer and/or network resources is limited by the “University of Georgia
Policies on Use of Computers” Please be sure to read these policies so that you understand your legal
obligations. As noted, certain violations may constitute a crime, potentially resulting in prosecution. Other
violations may result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to, a revocation of your
14
network/email accounts. If you have questions regarding any of these policies, please contact the college
IT staff for assistance. (https://eits.uga.edu/access_and_security/infosec/pols_regs/policies/aup/
)
If you require technical assistance or have other related inquiries, you may submit a ticket at
https://helpdesk.rx.uga.edu
. (UGA MyID required.) Please remember to check your ticket status for any
updates or questions that our IT staff may post in response.
Protocol for changing major professor
Although not encouraged, under certain circumstances graduate student may change major
professor with clear and reasonable explanation. A MS student may change major professor as long as
the new major professor is willing to serve in the role.
If the change in labs/major professor was initiated by the major professor, the Graduate
Coordinator will initiate a discussion with both the original and new major professor so that potential
problems identified with the previous major professor can be disclosed to the new major professor. It is
the student’s responsibility to identify a new major professor.
If possible, all changed in major professor should occur during the transition between terms. If a
student is without a major professor in the middle of a term for any reason (whether initiated by the
student or the major professor), the student must identify a new major professor as soon as possible, but
no later than the beginning of the next academic term (Summer, Spring or Fall). Students will not be
permitted to register for classes or receive a stipend in the next term without a major professor.
Departure Procedures
BEFORE departing, it is the student’s responsibility to:
1) Submit new or forwarding contact information to PBS Graduate Program office: email, mailing
address, etc.
2) Turn in keys to College of Pharmacy Facilities coordinator.
3) Ensure laboratory space and equipment are cleaned and ready to be reallocated.
4) Submit one hardbound or digital copy of a dissertation/project to the Graduate Coordinator
PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPROVAL
of a thesis or dissertation submitted by
(type your name here)
This thesis or dissertation has been read by each member of the following supervisory
committee and by majority vote has been found to be presentable.
This form is to verify that all members of the advisory committee agree that the student is
ready to defend and has approved the scheduling of a defense. Signature indicates
agreement.
__________________ _________________________________________
Date
Chair: (type the name of your chair here)
__________________ _________________________________________
Date
(type the name of a committee member here)
__________________ _________________________________________
Date
(type the name of a committee member here)
__________________ _________________________________________
Date
(type the name of a committee member here)
__________________ _________________________________________
Date
(type the name of a committee member here)
Anticipated Defense Date: ______________________________
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences
NOTICE OF EXAMINATION
Notice of Examination must be reported to the PBS Graduate Program Specialist
at least three weeks in advance of examination date.
1. Student: (full legal name)
2. Student ID: 81#
3. Student’s email address:
4. Major Professor(s):
5. Committee Members:
6. Exam: Choose One
Comprehensive Oral Exam
Day: Date: Time:
Building/Room Number:
Dissertation/Thesis Exam
Day: Date: Time:
Building/Room Number:
Thesis/Dissertation Title:
Human subjects in research: Yes No
Project number: Date approved by IRB:
7. Graduation:
Anticipated date of graduation:
Month Year