Student Handbook for Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering (BME) is an interdisciplinary field that is based on the application of engineering principles and experimental and analytical techniques to the development of biologics, materials, devices, implants, processes, and systems that advance biology and medicine and improve medical practice and health care.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in BME is a research degree that is intended to provide the graduate with the breadth and depth of knowledge in one area of specialization within BME, as well as the scientific research training needed for successful careers in academia, biomedical industry, or government. The research training process begins with the student working closely with their Dissertation Director and participating in their research program. Building on these experiences, the student begins to conduct independent research that eventually leads to an original contribution to the field of BME. The strength and efficacy of the training process depend to a large extent on the direct interactions of the student with their Dissertation Director and on the time the student spends in the laboratory working on their research. The importance of this research training to a PhD degree in BME is underscored in the following learning objectives that were developed to evaluate the efficacy of the PhD program in BME.

• Conduct independent research that reflects an original contribution to BME.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one area of BME.
• Recognize the need to apply ethical principles in conducting research. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning by participating in local and national professional development activities on a continuing basis.

Students in the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP; a combined MD/PhD degree program) at MCW are eligible to choose the PhD program of the Joint Department of BME for the PhD requirements of the MD/PhD degree program.

MSTP students begin their curriculum at MCW with two full years of medical school (M1 and M2 years), during which they complete a large array of clinical, translational, and basic science coursework, equivalent to an MS degree. During their M1 and M2 years, they also complete four one-month long laboratory rotations during which they gain valuable research experience. These lab rotations are intended to help MSTP students to choose a lab and a research area (by the end of their M2 year) for conducting their PhD dissertation research. Following their M1 and M2 years, MSTP students typically spend three to four years in graduate school, working toward their PhD dissertation before returning to medical school to complete their medical training. 

 

1. Bioinstrumentation 
2. Biomechanics
3. Biomedical Imaging
4. Cellular and Molecular Engineering
5. Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
6. Rehabilitation Bioengineering

Learn more about current research in the Marquette-MCW Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering 

 

1. Educational Background

Graduates of accredited colleges or universities with a Bachelor's (BS) or Master’s (MS) degree in various engineering, physical science, or life science disciplines or equivalent are eligible for admission to the Joint BME Department PhD program.

The time constraints to which MSTP students adhere (i.e., three to four years of graduate school) preclude them from completing any pre-requisite/leveling courses that may not have been completed as part of their undergraduate education. Therefore, MSTP students interested in the Joint BME Department PhD program must have an undergraduate degree in some field of engineering.

2. Pre-requisite Coursework for Students Enrolling Without an Engineering Degree

Students who do not have an engineering degree are admitted into the PhD program on a conditional status based on successful completion (grade of B or better) of a sequence of leveling courses. These courses will provide them with fundamental engineering principles and analytical skills needed for successful completion of the PhD degree in BME and prepare them for careers in BME. The following is a list of pre-requisite leveling courses:

• • Mathematics: Calculus through Differential Equations
  • Programming: Knowledge of a high-level computer programming language (e.g., C, C++, Java, Python, R, MATLAB)
  • Basic Sciences: A minimum of 3 courses from: Calculus-based Physics, Biology (for scientists/engineers), Physiology, or Biochemistry subject to at least one in Physics and one in Biology. 
  • Engineering Sciences: 4 technical engineering courses relating to one of the research tracks within the BME Department. The selection of these engineering courses should fill gaps in the student’s knowledge related to their intended research focus. The selection must be submitted to and approved by the student’s research advisor and by the BME Director/Co-Director of Graduate Studies (DGS/Co-DGS). See “PhD leveling plan form” to be completed by student and their research advisor. 

Equivalent courses completed prior to application to the PhD program can be used to satisfy these pre-requisite courses. 

To gain regular status, a student must complete these pre-requisite courses with grade of B or better. Cost effective online courses could be used to satisfy these pre-requisite courses. Approval from the DGS/Co-DGS is needed prior to enrolling in online courses. 

Graduate tuition waiver does not cover these pre-requisite courses.

3. Application for Admission

All applicants for the joint doctoral program in BME must file the following documents with the MCW Graduate School. Normally, files are not considered for admission until they are complete. Priority deadline for completed applications for fall admission is December 15th. The requisite materials are:

• • Application for Admission.
  • Official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate records, sent directly to the MCW Graduate School by the institution concerned. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for admission. Foreign transcripts submitted may include an evaluation/translation to determine equivalencies. If a transcript or mark sheet is not in English, the applicant must supply a translation.
  • Results of the GRE General (Aptitude), sent directly to the MCW Graduate School by the Educational Testing Service. GRE is optional for fall 2023 and spring 2024.
  • Three letters of recommendation and recommendation form including references from recent teachers and/or supervisors.
  • A "Statement of Purpose" in which the student indicates their reasons for seeking the doctoral degree in BME, declares their areas of interest (from the above six Specifications/Tracks), and identify BME faculty (up to three in the order of preference) that they would be interested in working with for dissertation research.
  • Evidence of research ability, if available (e.g., copy of independent study research reports, undergraduate Honor’s thesis, MS thesis, reprints of manuscripts, conference abstracts).
  • Application fee (non-refundable).
  • International students must submit results of TOEFL examination, sent directly to the MCW Graduate School by the Educational Testing Service. International students who are in the process of completing or have completed their undergraduate degree in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or Canada (excluding Quebec) are not required to take the TOEFL examination.

Admission is not official until the student is notified in writing of acceptance by the MCW Graduate School. Students who cannot matriculate following admission to the PhD program can request deferment for up to one year. Acceptance will be withdrawn for students who do not enroll and fail to request deferment of admission. 

Students with an MS degree from MU or MCW interested in pursuing a PhD degree in the Joint Department of BME must submit a new application to the MCW Graduate School.

MSTP students at MCW wishing to pursue a PhD degree in BME need not formally apply to the Joint BME Department PhD program. Instead, they must satisfy the following requirements prior to pursuit of the BME PhD degree:

• • The student must identify an Academic Advisor with a primary or secondary/adjunct appointment in the Joint Department of BME prior to the start of their BME PhD degree (typically, by the end of their M2 year). MSTP students typically begin their PhD degree program in the summer or fall semester following their M2 year. The Academic Advisor must express their consent for accepting the student into their lab in writing to the student, the MSTP Program Director, the Director/Co-Director of Graduate Studies (DGS/Co-DGS) in BME, and the Chair of the Joint BME Department. The writing could be through an email to the student, cc’ing other officials involved.
  • The student must meet with and obtain approval from the BME DGS/Co-DGS prior to entry into the Joint BME PhD program.
  • The Academic Advisor and the BME DGS/Co-DGS will need to ensure that the student satisfies all the eligibility criteria, including undergraduate academic background, for pursuing a PhD degree in BME.

4. Transfer of Credits

The transfer of credits completed at the graduate level at another institution is handled on an individual basis. No more than 18 graduate-level credit hours will be accepted for transfer into the Joint BME PhD program. The 18 credits hours include coursework taken at MU and/or MCW prior to admission and credits earned at other institutions before or during enrollment in the Joint BME PhD program. Credits are eligible for transfer only if a) the grade earned is a B or better (3.0 on a 4.0 scale), b) earned no more than five years before the start of the MU-MCW BME PhD program, and c) are not used as a part of the requirements for another degree (e.g., MS degree). Pass/Fail courses are not eligible for transfer. Students need to complete the MCW Transfer of Credits form. 

Graduate credits used as a part of the requirements for another degree (e.g., MS degree) and earned no more than five years before the start of the Joint BME PhD program could be used to waive the pertinent didactic coursework requirements. The students still need to satisfy the 60 graduate credits requirement of the MCW Graduate School by taking additional reading and research courses. 

Graduate credits earned more than five years prior to the start of the Joint BME PhD program could be used to satisfy equivalent pre-requisite leveling courses. Any graduate student contemplating course work at another institution with the intent of transferring credits into the Joint doctoral program should seek prior approval from the Director/Co-Director of BME Graduate Studies and the MCW Graduate School.

 

The PhD degree in BME is conferred in recognition of marked ability and high attainment in the advancement of knowledge and pursuit of truth in the field. It is never awarded solely as a result of course work completed, no matter how faithfully extended over any prescribed period of time. In defining the requirement for this degree, it is convenient to use semester credits, but it should be clearly understood that no number of credits alone entitles a student to this degree. The comprehensive knowledge expected of the student in their major field is such that the requirements for the degree usually demand no less than four years of full-time work or the equivalent beyond the BS degree. 

 

1.  Academic Status

The Joint PhD program in BME is administered through the MCW Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and hence doctoral students need to abide by the policies as laid out in the MCW Graduate School Handbook. 

A doctoral student can only receive tuition waiver and stipend if they maintain a full-time status throughout the PhD program and satisfactory academic progress. Traditionally this means that 100% of the student’s activity is devoted to the PhD program. Thus, full-time students are not allowed to hold part-time work outside of the academic environment that would interfere with their doctoral work. Full-time also means 24 credits a year, which is split into 9, 9 and 6 credits for fall, spring and summer, respectively. This could be a combination of coursework and reading and research credits (see Graduate Credits below). If a student does not take a full credit load, they are not eligible for stipend or tuition waiver. Doctoral students need to be continuously enrolled for the duration of their study at a full-time level, but a student may take a Temporary Withdrawal (a.k.a. Leave of Absence) if they need to temporarily drop out of the PhD program for an extended time for personal reasons.

2. Graduate Credits

A minimum of 60 graduate credits are required to complete the PhD degree in BME. For someone entering with a BS degree, this constitutes 36 credits in didactic coursework, 9 credits in dissertation, and a minimum of 15 credits in reading and research. For those entering with an MS degree or with Graduate credits (see Transfer of Credits Policy), they are required to complete a minimum of 18 credits in didactic coursework, 9 credits in dissertation, and a minimum of 33 credits in reading and research. Pre-requisite courses for applicants who do not have a BME degree are not counted as graduate credits. Reading and research credits can be earned by registering and attending a seminar series, workshop, conference, journal club, or simply carrying dissertation-related activities. A student can register for up to 9 credits of reading and research per semester during fall and spring semesters and up to 6 credits during the summer. Students should register for dissertation credits in the semester they intend to defend their dissertation. 

The graduate credits didactic coursework should include formal courses as defined at the end of this Handbook, and consist of:

• Core course requirements (18 credits): All doctoral students must complete courses that satisfy the following competencies: 
  • Biomedical Science (3 credits) (e.g., cellular and systems physiology, neurophysiology, intra- and inter-cellular signaling, genetics and developmental biology, pharmacology, cellular pathology, microbiology and immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, etc.) (e.g., MU BIEN 5700, MU BIEN 5720, MU BIOL 5102, MU BIOL 5703, MCW IDP 16215, 16216, 16217 and 16218, MCW IDP 16271, MCW NDP 12206, 12210, 12221, and 12237, MCW Physiol 08204)
  • Biostatistical methods (3 credits) (e.g., MU MSCS 5720, MU MSCS 5740, MCW courses: BioStat 04224, BioStat 04231, BioStat 04232, BioStat 04233, BioStat 04363, BioStat 04365)
  • Bioethics (2 credits) (MCW BIOETHICS 10222, MCW BIOETHICS 10444). Both courses (1 credit each) are required for all doctoral students.
  • Scientific and technical writing (2 credits) (e.g., MCW IDP 16292 and 16293).
  • Leadership, scientific communication, and teaching skills (2 credits) (e.g., MCW IDP 16290 and 16291, and MU GRAD 8961)
  • Applied mathematics (3 credits) (e.g., applied mathematical methods, fluid mechanics, finite element methods, biomedical signal processing, signals and systems, etc.) (e.g., MU BIEN 5400, MU BIEN 5410, MU BIEN 5510, MU BIEN 6120, MU BIEN 6121, MU BIEN 6200, MU BIEN 6210, MU BIEN 6220, MU BIEN 6400, MU BIEN 6410, MU BIEN 6420, MU BIEN 6500, MU EECE 6010, MU MEEN 5265, MU MEEN 6101, MU MEEN 6102, MU MEEN 6360, MU MEEN 6365, MCW Biophys 03240) 
  • Computational and modeling methods (3 credits) (e.g., numerical methods for solving mathematical models of physical and biological phenomena, regression analysis, data science and machine learning, biological network analysis, computer simulations of physiological systems, etc.) (e.g., MU BIEN 5410, BIEN 5710, MU BIEN 6120, MU BIEN 6121, MU BIEN 6620, MU COSC 5600, MU COSC 5610, MU EECE 6820, MU EECE 6822, MU EECE 6840, MU MEEN 5270, MCW BIOM 35284, MCW BIOM 35285)
• Specialization-specific courses (18 credits): Courses intended to satisfy this requirement should be selected in consultation with the student’s Dissertation Director. A minimum of three unique courses relevant to each specialization are offered within a three-year timespan. Additional specialization-specific courses may be chosen from special topics offerings, overlapping courses with other specializations and graduate courses offered through other departments at MU and MCW. 
• PhD students and MSTP students in the Joint BME Department are also required to register for the BME Department seminar series for the duration of their study (BIEN 6953, which counts for 0 credit/semester of reading and research). For a given semester, students are expected to attend at least two thirds of the seminars. 

MSTP students in the BME PhD program must also earn a minimum of 60 graduate credits for obtaining the PhD degree. This includes a minimum of 18 credits in didactic coursework, 9 credits in dissertation, and a minimum of 33 credits in reading and research. The number of didactic courses for MSTP students is reduced from 36 to 18 credits due to the wealth of didactic coursework that MSTP students take during their M1 and M2 years. The 18 credits of required didactic coursework could be a combination of BME core and specialization-specific courses. Additional didactic coursework beyond the required 18 credits may be taken if deemed beneficial to the student’s research and training. MSTP students are required to demonstrate that they possess all core competencies.

Upon entry into the BME PhD program, an MSTP student is required to consult with their Academic Advisor to determine which didactic courses (BME core and specialization-specific courses) are most appropriate for their dissertation research and training and gaining BME core competencies.

 

3. Grades

Satisfactory academic work is not determined exclusively by the didactic coursework grades. However, grades are one important factor in the evaluation process. The minimum standard for graduation is a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) and a GPA of 3.2 in core competency courses. Students with a cumulative GPA under 3.0 and/or a GPA under 3.2 in core competency courses are automatically placed on probationary status. Probationary status may only occur once during a student’s academic career in the MCW Graduate School. See the following link for more information about the MCW Graduate School probation policy. See pages 15-16 of this document regarding MCW Graduate School’s expectations for the students’ performance in the reading and research credits and the associated grading policy.

View the MCW Graduate School Handbook

 

4. Doctoral Dissertation Outline Form

Before deciding to take up the Doctoral Qualifying Examination (DQE), the student must meet with their Dissertation Director to identify a Doctoral Dissertation Committee. A document listing the requested committee members  (Dissertation Committee Approval form) must be forwarded to the Director/Co-Director of BME Graduate Studies, the BME Department Chairperson, and the Dean of MCW Graduate School for reviewing and approval. The Dissertation Committee Approval form must be approved by the student’s Dissertation Director, the BME DGS/Co-DGS, the BME Department Chairperson, and the Dean of MCW Graduate School before the student can take the DQE.

 

5. Doctoral Dissertation Committee

The Doctoral Dissertation Committee consists of a Dissertation Director, at least four additional voting committee members, and additional advisory committee members, as needed. The Committee must be designed to represent expertise in the research area(s) of the dissertation. At least three committee members must hold regular (i.e. primary or secondary/adjunct) appointments in the Joint Department of BME, two of which should hold primary appointments. The Dissertation Director must be a regular faculty member in the Joint Department of BME. Dissertation Director must also have an MCW Graduate School Faculty Member Appointment at the PhD level. The Dissertation Director will assure that the appropriate paperwork is filed for the dissertation and assure that graduation requirements are met. 

A voting Dissertation Committee member without a regular appointment in the Joint Department of BME must meet the following qualifications:

• • Curriculum Vitae on file in the Department’s Office.
  • Approval of the Dissertation Director.
  • A terminal degree in the Committee Member’s chosen profession.
  • Recognized expertise in the area(s) of the dissertation.

The Graduate Committee of the Joint Department of BME must approve any exceptions to these qualifications for voting members. If, at any point, for any reason, there is an addition to or removal from the Doctoral Dissertation Committee, a Committee Change Approval form and accompanying documents must be completed, signed, and on file with the graduate school before the student defends their dissertation.

 

6. Doctoral Qualifying Examination

The Doctoral Qualifying Examination (DQE) is intended to be both diagnostic and prognostic. The objectives are to evaluate the student’s a) breadth and depth of knowledge in the chosen area of specialization, and b) ability to apply basic engineering principles and analytical tools to address integrative questions in BME topics related to the chosen area of specialization. Students on probation are not eligible to take the DQE.

The DQE consists of two parts. The first part involves writing a dissertation proposal in the form of an NIH-style F30/F31 fellowship grant proposal and submitting it to the student’s Dissertation Committee. The second part is an oral examination, involving the student’s presentation and defense of the dissertation proposal. For this portion of the DQE, the dissertation committee members examine the student not only on their dissertation proposal, but also on the BME core competencies. The student must submit a dissertation proposal and pass the oral examination to advance to doctoral candidacy. 

Students entering the PhD program with a BS degree are encouraged to take the DQE at or before the completion of 30 graduate credits of didactic coursework. MSTP students and students entering the PhD program with an MS degree are encouraged to take the DQE at or before the completion of 15 graduate credits of didactic coursework. Given the time constraints to which MSTP students must adhere, they are strongly advised to take the DQE and advance to doctoral candidacy by the end of their first year in the BME PhD program.

If the student fails the DQE, he or she will be given one additional chance to retake it, normally within 6 months or 2 semesters of the first attempt. If the second attempt is unsatisfactory, no further oral examination is permitted. Those students who fail the second attempt are permitted to complete a Joint Department of BME MS degree (thesis-based) in BME. The student’s dissertation proposal and the DQE Evaluation forms completed by each member of the student’s dissertation committee become a part of the student’s permanent file in the Office of the Joint Department of BME.

            

A. Dissertation Proposal

Before taking the oral examination, the student must prepare a detailed dissertation proposal (NIH-style F30/F31 fellowship grant proposal covering specific aims and hypotheses, background and significance, innovation, preliminary data, and research methodology including scientific rigor and statistical analysis). The proposal should be appended to a completed Dissertation or Thesis Proposal Approval form. The dissertation proposal should clearly state the research problem to be addressed; give a cogent perspective of the problem relative to the state of the art; discuss the methods proposed to solve the problem; and discuss the expected results, potential difficulties, and alternative approaches. As a guide, the dissertation proposal should be approximately 7 pages in length (NIH-style font, size, margins, and spacing), which is the length of an NIH fellowship grant proposal (F30/F31). The student is required to send a copy of their dissertation proposal to each member of their Dissertation Committee at least two weeks prior to taking the oral examination. 

See IDP courses listed on pages 20-21 (or link below) for a course on writing an F31 proposal.

View the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences (IDP) website

 

B. Oral Examination

The principal focus of the oral examination will be the dissertation proposal and BME core competencies. Again, it is to be both diagnostic and prognostic, as detailed above. It is recommended that the oral examination not exceed three hours in duration. 

The oral examination requires that the student present their dissertation proposal to the Dissertation Committee, followed by an extensive question-answer (QA) session on the dissertation proposal and BME core competencies. Again, the objectives of the QA session are to evaluate the student’s a) breadth and depth of knowledge in the chosen area of specialization, and b) ability to apply basic engineering principles and analytical tools to address integrative questions in BME topics related to the chosen area of specialization. At the end of the QA session, the student will be asked to leave the room. The Dissertation Director and the Dissertation Committee members will then discuss the student’s performance and determine if they have gained the requisite core knowledge and skills needed to complete the proposed work. At the end of this discussion, the Dissertation Director will take a vote of the Dissertation Committee members on whether to pass or fail the student. A majority of “pass” votes is needed for the student to pass the oral examination and advance to doctoral candidacy.

At the end of the oral examination, a Qualifying Examination Report form should also be completed by each member of the Dissertation Committee and submitted by the Dissertation Director to the BME DGS/Co-DGS and MCW Graduate School. In the DQE Evaluation Form, each Dissertation Committee member should identify the areas of weakness in the student’s dissertation proposal and oral examination. Through this process, the Dissertation Committee members will also identify any additional didactic coursework necessary to fill potential knowledge gaps required to prepare the student for ongoing research and training. Prescriptions to address the perceived weaknesses should be included in the DQE Evaluation Form. 

If the student passes the oral examination, the Dissertation or Thesis Proposal Approval form along with the approved dissertation proposal must be completed by the Dissertation Director and submitted to the MCW Graduate School.

After advancing to doctoral candidacy, students should register for the required 9 hours of dissertation credits in the semester they are expected to defend their PhD dissertation. There must be at least of 18 months of duration between the student’s advancing to candidacy and defense of their PhD dissertation.

 

7. Academic Progress and Evaluation of Performance

• Doctoral students within the Joint Department of BME shall present a summary of their research progress to their Dissertation Committee on an annual basis, commencing in the spring semester after passing the doctoral candidacy examination.

• At the annual meeting (following the student presentation), the Dissertation Committee shall jointly complete a departmental assessment of the graduate student’s progress. The Dissertation Committee shall make a determination as to whether student progress is satisfactory or unsatisfactory and whether or not the student should be allowed to continue in the BME PhD program.

• Following the meeting, the Dissertation Director shall draft a brief summary of student performance (20-100 words) to be submitted with the department assessment form to the Graduate Committee of the BME Department for review. The summary should also be submitted to the MCW Graduate School. In addition, the MCW Graduate School requires that the student meet with their Dissertation Director on an annual basis to complete an assessment rubric (MCW Graduate School form) to be submitted to the MCW Graduate School.

• Based on the student’s academic work (cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a GPA of 3.2 in core competency courses) and progress and performance (annual progress reports from student’s dissertation committee), the BME Graduate Committee shall recommend to the BME Department Chairperson and the Academic Standing Committee as to whether the student is performing satisfactory work. If the student is not performing satisfactory work, the Graduate Committee and the Academic Standing Committee will recommend one of the following: 

  • A probationary period of two semesters.
  • Transfer to the MS program in BME at MU.
  • Withdrawal from the BME PhD program.
• If a student is not performing satisfactory work, the student, Dissertation Director, Academic Advisor, Academic Standing Committee, and the Dean of MCW Graduate School will be notified in writing by the Department Chair. The student may be placed on probation for two semesters, advised to transfer to the joint MS program in BME,or counseled to withdraw from the BME doctoral studies. The proposed program will follow MCW Graduate School probationary policy.

8. Publications

PhD students are required to submit at least one first-authored manuscript to a refereed journal in the field based on their doctoral dissertation work prior to their public defense of dissertation.

See IDP courses under the Core Competencies (or link below) for a course on writing a scientific paper.

View the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences (IDP) website

Also see the MU Writing Center for additional help with writing your dissertation or a scientific paper.

Go to MU Writing Center website

 

9. Public Defense of Dissertation

An acceptable doctoral dissertation must meet all the following 3 conditions:

• • The dissertation must represent an original research contribution as determined by the student’s Dissertation Director and Committee members.
  • The dissertation must show a high degree of achievement and a clear ability to do independent research. 
  • The format of the dissertation must follow the “Dissertation Directives” issued by the MCW Graduate School. 

When the student and their Dissertation Director consider the dissertation to be in appropriate form, the student should submit a copy to each member of the Dissertation Committee. This should be done a minimum of 2 weeks (14 days) before the scheduled final examination. In addition, a dissertation defense announcement should be sent to the Graduate School at least 30 days prior to defense. It is the obligation of the student to arrange a time and place on the MU or MCW campus for the final examination. In addition, it is the obligation of the student to meet all appropriate deadlines as indicated in the MCW and MU Graduate School “Academic Calendar”. Students must follow MCW Graduate School rules for dissertation defense and meet all the requirements.

There shall be a minimum of 18-month period between advancement to candidacy and dissertation defense. 

A public defense of the dissertation (final oral examination) is conducted after the student has completed all other formal requirements for the PhD degree and has submitted the written dissertation to their Dissertation Committee. Although the examination is primarily a defense of the dissertation, it will also include material relevant to the general field in which the dissertation is written, with particular attention to the more recent and significant developments in the field. Because the examination is a public defense, it must be scheduled on MU or MCW campus during weekday working hours, avoiding public or religious holidays. All dissertation defenses will be held in the format of a departmental seminar. The student will give a formal presentation of work followed by questions invited from all present. Immediately following the seminar, the student will meet privately with the Dissertation Committee. In this private meeting the Committee will address concerns with the oral presentation and written elements of the dissertation.  

The student’s Dissertation Director will inform the Chairperson of the Joint Department of BME of the examination outcome. The Dissertation Director will also forward this information to the MCW Graduate School in a “Confidential Report of Completion” along with a list of requirements within two weeks after the dissertation defense. It is assumed that the dissertation will be reviewed and edited until it meets the approval of all the committee members. However, when complete consensus seems impossible to achieve, it will be accepted if the Dissertation Director and three other committee members approve. Three copies of the completed dissertation along with a completed “Graduate School Degree Completion Checklist” form are then submitted to the MCW Graduate School.

 

10. Time Limitations

All work for doctoral degrees, including the final examination, must be completed within 7 years from the initial registration in graduate courses.

 

The Learning Objectives of BME Doctor of Philosophy training program and their outcome assessments, provide tools that ensure continuous quality improvement. Graduates earning the PhD degree will be able to:

• • Conduct independent research that reflects an original contribution to BME: This is measured via evaluation of doctoral dissertation and defense, submission of at least one first-authored manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal, and a survey sheet that is completed by each of the Dissertation Committee members. Specifically, the following parameters are evaluated: ability to execute an appropriate research plan; research methods appropriate to the topic; conclusions and main arguments supported by the conducted research; effective use of resources to investigate the state of current knowledge relative to the research project.
  • Demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one area of BME: This is measured via evaluation of the doctoral dissertation and defense, and a survey sheet that is completed by each of the dissertation committee members. Specifically, the following parameters are evaluated: demonstration of factual knowledge of engineering and life science; professional quality public presentation of research findings.
  • Recognize the need to apply ethical principles in conducting research: This is also measured via evaluation of doctoral dissertation and defense, and a survey sheet that is completed by each of the Dissertation Committee members. Specifically, the following parameters are evaluated: honest reporting of results and data; proper citing in the dissertation; understanding of plagiarism; understanding of and compliance with IRB/IACUC rules and regulations.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to professional development by participating in local and national professional development activities on a continuing basis: This is measured via surveys of the Department’s faculty. Specifically, the percentage of students that presented a conference abstract in the previous year is determined. Furthermore, the number of doctoral students that are members of a technical or professional society is determined and the number of students that published first-authored, peer-reviewed manuscripts is documented.

 

Upon detection of academic dishonesty, the student involved will automatically receive an “F” grade in the course. Beyond this, additional credit for graduation may be required or expulsion from the school may result depending on the nature of the offense and the decision of the Dean of MCW Graduate School according to MCW policy. Refer to the MCW Graduate School Handbook for “Definitions of Academic Dishonesty” and its consequences and to the statement regarding “Research Misconduct”.

 

Students should register at MCW for all courses they plan to take, and at MU for the courses offered at MU.

 

The Graduate Committee of the Joint Department of BME reviews all BIEN 6995 course proposals. The proposal specifies the method for documenting successful completion of the course. Appropriate documentation is typically a summary report (with an appropriate list of references) but can also take the form of a completed project (with documentation), formal presentation, examination or other suitable evidence of accomplishment. Completion of each BIEN 6995 course must be documented by the student, approved by the course director and submitted to the Graduate Committee of the Joint Department prior to the end of the semester in which the course is completed.

 

Please refer to the MCW Graduate School Handbook for more information regarding vacation and leave policy for PhD students.

 

View MCW Graduate School Handbook

 

• All full-time students admitted to the BME PhD program will receive continuing tuition waiver, stipend, and health insurance contingent on satisfactory progress.
• Stipends: 
  • It is the policy of the MCW Graduate School that: (1) All full-time doctoral students in good academic standing receive a graduate stipend, and (2) that the stipend level should be uniform among all eligible students at a comparable level of training (see MCW Graduate School Handbook for more information regarding this policy). 
  • Three major sources of graduate stipends:
    • Teaching Assistantships: Teaching assistantships provide students with a stipend for the first 18 months in the doctoral program. In return the students are expected to satisfactorily perform 20 hours of teaching-related assignments per week.  MSTP students are not eligible for Teaching Assistantships due to the time constraints to which they must adhere (i.e. three to four years of graduate school).
    • Research Assistantships: Research assistantships also provide students with a stipend. In return the students are expected to satisfactorily perform 20 hours of research-related assignments per week. Research assistantships are also available from individual faculty members with research grants.
    • Fellowships: A limited number of fellowships are available through the MU Graduate School. Doctoral students are also urged to seek fellowships available from various external government institutes (e.g., NIH, AHA, NSF), foundations, and other organizations.

 

Years 0–1

• Complete new student orientation / MCW graduate school “Boot Camp”
  • Boot Camp is held in the early part of August
  • Yearly orientation for BME students is typically the first Graduate Seminar Series of the year
• Register for Graduate Seminar Series every semester

Years 1–2

• Identify Dissertation Committee
• Submit Dissertation Committee Approval Form
  • The Dissertation Committee Approval Form (and all forms) must be approved by the student’s Dissertation Director, the BME DGS/Co-DGS, the BME Department Chairperson, and the Dean of MCW Graduate School before the student can take the DQE
• By end of Year 2, be well into preparing for Doctoral Qualifying Exam (DQE)

Years 2–3

• Submit Dissertation Proposal to Dissertation Committee
  • The Dissertation Committee Proposal is in the style of an NIH F31 grant and is the written portion of the DQE
  • Proposal must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the Oral Examination
• Complete Oral Examination portion of Doctoral Qualifying Exam
• Submit signed Qualifying Examination Report Form
• Submit Dissertation Outline Approval Form

Years 3–4+

• Present research to committee once annually until defense
  • Minimum of 12–18 months between passing DQE and dissertation defense
  • Annual summary of research to be submitted commencing the spring semester after passing the DQE
• If Dissertation Committee members are added or committed, a Committee Change Approval form must be submitted
• Prepare for Defense: Submit copy of Dissertation
  • Must be submitted to the graduate school at least (30) days prior to defense
• Prepare for Defense: Secure date/time and location of Defense
  • Students will work with the MCW graduate school to confirm all public defense logistics

Defense

Timeline: All work for doctoral degrees, including the final examination, must be completed within 7 years from the initial registration in graduate courses

• Submit Application for Graduation Program Approval form
• Submit Signature Page
• Submit Committee & Program Director Final Recommendations
• Submit Dissertation Binding form
  • (2) copies will be printed: one for the candidate, and one for the department’s records

 

Links to all doctoral forms can be found on the Graduate Resources page, including:

• PhD Completion Checklist
• Dissertation Committee Approval form
• Dissertation Committee Change Approval form
• Qualifying Examination Report form
• Dissertation Outline Approval form
• Application for Graduation Program Approval form
• Oral Defense Completion & Recommendation form
• ProQuest Dissertation Publishing Info

Note: Please make sure to also apply for graduation on the MU side (via CheckMarq). Use the link “Apply for graduation” on the “My Academics” page in the “Student Center.”

 

Considerations for Evaluating Readings and Research

Criteria used to evaluate students in Readings and Research should reflect performance related to the student’s effort on their dissertation or thesis project. Specifically, it is recommended that faculty mentors evaluate student effort in terms of the Core Qualities and Competencies for Graduate Education. In brief, Core Qualities include: Scholarship: the pursuit of knowledge through study and research; Innovation: creativity in the generation of new knowledge; and Professionalism: conforming to the behavioral norms of a profession. Similarly, Core Competencies that students are expected to achieve during their training experience include excellence in: Knowledge and Skills, Communication, and Management, Teamwork, and Leadership.

 

Criteria Used to Evaluate Readings and Research

Due to the varying nature of the research experience across different disciplines and mentors, fixed criteria for grading students are not easily established. Mentors should consider performance relative to the student’s stage in the program on the following types of activities when evaluating Readings and Research:

• • Written research summaries

  • Presentations to the department and dissertation/thesis committee

  • Motivation and commitment to research

  • Data management and record keeping

  • Familiarity with the literature

  • Collegiality within the laboratory/group

  • Ability to establish and meet pre-set deadlines and goals

  • Laboratory/research skills and experimental design

  • Oral and written communication skills

  • Scientific honesty and integrity

  • Research accomplishments and progress towards the dissertation/thesis

  • Research problem solving and computing skills

  • Creative thinking skills

Grading System for Readings and Research

Student performance in Readings and Research is graded according to the following scale: E (excellent), G (good), S (substandard), and U (unsatisfactory). Please note that the definition for S has been changed from satisfactory to substandard. Examples of student activities have been provided to help clarify these grading designations:

• • E (excellent) – Student performance exceeds expectations. The student functions primarily independent from the mentor. For example, a student initiates and manages new collaborations related to their project, establishes a new technique for the laboratory or a new method for the research problem, submits his/her research proposal for outside funding consideration, and/or submits a manuscript for publication consideration. The student successfully troubleshoots a difficult experiment, research or computing problem independent of their mentor, or independently mentors and manages a student. 
  • G (good) – Student performance meets expectations. The student is beginning to function independently but still requires appreciable guidance from the mentor. For example, the student actively participates in a collaboration previously established by the mentor, masters an established technique within the laboratory or problem-solving techniques, works toward initiation, preparation, or completion of their research proposal, and/or prepares a manuscript based on studies from their research project. The student successfully troubleshoots a difficult experiment/research problem with the help of the mentor or works with the mentor to successfully mentor and manage a student.
  • SD (substandard) – Student performance is below expectation. The student meets the bare minimum requirements established and requires substantial guidance from the mentor beyond what is expected at this point in their training. For example, the student meets deadlines but requires frequent reminders or other input from the mentor or program director. The overall product produced in the laboratory or the progress made on the dissertation/thesis needs improvement in terms of quality, efficiency, and/or timeliness. The student remains unable to successfully troubleshoot an experiment/research problem even with input from the mentor.
  • U (unsatisfactory) – Student performance is below minimum standards and corrective actions are required. There is a general lack of engagement by the student. The student fails to take ownership of his/her research project even after significant input from the mentor. The student fails to engage in timely communication, and overall student effort suffers from a lack of commitment to research.

Recommendation when Assigning an S Grade for Readings and Research

Mentors who assign an “S” in Readings and Research should plan to meet with their student to discuss the specific activities that have failed to meet expectations. Recommendations on how to improve student performance in these areas should be discussed and/or documented, and when warranted, specific milestones developed and periodically evaluated with the student to improve performance to one that meets expectations.

 

Policy for Assigning a U Grade for Readings and Research

Mentors should be aware that a “U” in Readings and Research automatically places a student on probation, and two “U” grades are grounds for dismissal from the Graduate School. Given the significance of this grade, prior to assigning a “U” the Mentor will consult with members of the Dissertation/Thesis Committee (for students that have formed a dissertation/thesis committee) and the Director of the Graduate Program for feedback on the appropriateness of the decision. If there is consensus that the student performance is evaluated as Unsatisfactory, a letter explaining the basis for this grade and detailed corrective measures and strategies shall be submitted to the Director of the Graduate Program and to the Dean of the Graduate School in Biomedical Sciences. A student who receives a second evaluation as Unsatisfactory during any subsequent semester of study will be considered for dismissal.