STUDENT&FACULTYHANDBOOK

PharmacologyandMolecularSciencesGraduateProgram

TheJohnsHopkinsUniversitySchoolofMedicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/pharmacology_molecular_sciences/index.html

RevisedSeptember2019

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TABLEOFCONTENTS

ADMINISTRATIONStructure…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4CurrentLeadership…..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4

REQUIREMENTSFORAPh.D.INPHARMACOLOGY…………………………………………….……………………………. 5Overview……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5Year1Requirements……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 7Courses………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7Journalclub………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8ResearchEthicsIandII……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8Researchrotations……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9Selectfacultypreceptor……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10Seminar……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10CareerandProfessionalDevelopment……………………………………………………………………………………….. 10 PharmacologyRetreat………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11

Year2Requirements……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12Courses………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12DoctoralBoardOralExamination……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12IndividualDevelopmentPlan………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12CareerandProfessionalDevelopment………………………………………………………………………………………... 14Seminar………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14ThesisResearch………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14PharmacologyRetreat………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14

Year3Requirements……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15Courses……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 15Seminar……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 15ThesisResearch…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15Thesisproposal…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15ThesisCommitteeSelectionandFirstThesisCommitteeMeeting………………………………………………. 15IndividualDevelopmentPlan………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16CareerandProfessionalDevelopment………………………………………………………………………………………... 16ResearchInProgress…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16PharmacologyRetreat………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17ProgressMeetingwithSteeringCommittee……………………………………………………………………………….. 17

Year4andHigherRequirements……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18Courses………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18Seminar………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18ThesisResearch…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18ThesisCommitteeMeetings………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18IndividualDevelopmentPlan………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18 CareerandProfessionalDevelopment………………………………………………………………………………………… 18ResearchInProgress…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18PharmacologyRetreat………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18 PreparationsandRequirementsforGraduation…………………………………………………………………………. 19 Dissertationwriting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19ThesisReviewandApproval……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19ThesisRevisionsandSubmission……………………………………………………………………………………………… 19ThesisResearchSeminar…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

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DegreeCompletion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20TimeToDegree………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20

MASTEROFSCIENCEDEGREE…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20GRADUATEPROGRAMPOLICIES……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 21EthicsGuidelinesandHonorCode…..……………………………………………………………………………………………. 21Probation,FundingWithdrawal,andDismissal…..…………………………………………………………………………. 21Grades…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 21Vacation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 21SickLeave………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 22LeaveofAbsence…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22ParentalLeave……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 22OutsideEmployment……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22JHUPolicies……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 22

ADDITIONALPROGRAMFEATURES………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23FacultyMentors&Advisors………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 23NewInnovations…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…… 23PharmacologyStudentInitiative…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23StudentLedSeminar………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 23OPTIONSandBiomedicalCareersInitiative……………………………………………………………………………………. 24StudentWellness…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…. 24

STUDENTSUPPORTPROGRAMSANDDISABILITYSERVICES…………………………………………………………….. 25DisabilityServices……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25DiversityandInclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….25GraduateStudentAssociation……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…25JohnsHopkinsStudentAssistanceProgram………………………………………………………………………………….…. 25OfficeofInternationalServices………………………………………………………………………………………………………..26ProfessionalDevelopmentandCareerOffice…………………………………………………………………………………..26

FACULTYADVISORROLESINPhDREQUIREMENTS………………………………………………………………….….……27 ProgramandNIHT32GeneralRequirements………………………………………………………………….………..……27 FacultyMentorTraining………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..……27 ResearchRotations…………………………………………………………………………………………..…………..….……………27 AcceptingStudentsIntoYourLab………………………………………………………..………………………….…..…………27 EssentialGrantsmanshipCourse………………………………………………………..………………………….…………….…28 DoctorateBoardOralExam(DBO)………………………………………………………..………………………….…….....…28 IndividualDevelopmentPlan(IDP)………………………………………………………..………………………….………..….28 ThesisResearch………………………………………………………..………………………….………..……………………………….28 ThesisAdvisoryCommitteeandMeetings…………………………………………………………………………………….…29 DataManagement,RCR,Rigor&Reproducibility…………………………………………………………………………….29 ResearchinProgress&AnnualRetreat……………………………….…………………………………………….……….……29EXPECTATIONSFORFACULTYPARTICIPATIONINPROGRAMACTIVTIES………………………………………….30 GraduateStudentRecruiting……………………………….…………………………………………………………….……………30 DoctorateBoardOralExams(DBO)……………………………….…………………………………………….…………………30 ResponsibleConductofResearch(RCR)……………………………….…………………………………………….…….……30 CareerandProfessionalDevelopment(CPD)……………………………….……………………………..…….……………30 ResearchinProgress(RIP)……………………………….…………………………………………….………………………….……31 JournalClub……………………………….…………………………………………….……………………………………………………..31 DepartmentalSeminars……………………………….…………………………………………….……………………………………31 Retreat……………………………….…………………………………………….………………………………………………………..……31 PolicyonParticipation……………………………….…………………………………………….………………………………………32

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ADMINISTRATIONSTRUCTUREThePharmacologyGraduateProgramisthegraduatetrainingprogramwithintheDepartmentofPharmacologyandMolecular Sciences, currently directed by Prof. James Stivers. A facultymember within the DepartmentdirectsthePharmacologyGraduateProgram.TheProgramDirectorprovidesoverallleadershipoftheProgram,serves as Principal Investigator for the T32 Training Grant, advises students, and serves as the chair of thePharmacology Steering Committee. He/She works closely with the Pharmacology and Molecular SciencesDepartment Chair to coordinate onDepartmental and Program issues and procedures. The ProgramDirectorworks closelywith theAcademic ProgramAdministrator to implement policies andprocedures and to advisestudents.

TheSteeringCommittee is composedof sixmembers, including theProgramDirector, theDepartmentChair,the Admissions Chair, and three additional participating faculty members. The Steering Committee overseesmajorpolicyinitiativesincludingchangestorequirementsforthePh.D.degreeinPharmacology,andisdirectlyresponsible forthe implementationof thetrainingprogram.TheSteeringCommitteeworkstogetherwiththeAdmissionsCommitteetoselectprospectivegraduatestudentsfortheProgram.

The Academic Program Administrator works closely with the Program Director to implement policies andprocedures. He/She advises and tracks requirements for graduate students day-to-day, manages graduatestudent payroll and health insurance and acts as liaison to the Registrar. He/She oversees scheduling ofrequirements including Doctoral Board Oral examinations and Research in Progress. The Academic ProgramAdministratoralsoworks closelywith theAdmissions chair asadministrator foradmissionsand to coordinategraduatestudentrecruitingevents.

TheAdmissionsChairdirectsPharmacologygraduateadmissionsactivities,includingthereviewofapplications,interviewsandcandidateselection.He/Sheoverseesparticipationinadditionalrecruitingactivitiesatlocalandnationalvenues.

The Senior Academic Program Coordinator acts as the course administrator for Pharmacology and ClinicalPharmacology courses.He/Sheoversees course scheduling,managementof coursematerials andgrades. TheSeniorAcademicProgramCoordinatorisresponsiblefortheadministrationofthePharmacologytraininggrant,includingappointingandterminatingtraininggranttrainees,assistingwithassemblyofRPPRsandtraininggrantapplications.He/Sheisalsoresponsibleformaintainingupdatedalumniinformation.

CURRENTLEADERSHIP

STEERINGCOMMITTEEProgramDirector:CarenFreelMeyers

JamesStivers(Dept.Chair)SeanTavernaRonaldSchnaarJunLiuRichardAmbinder

ACADEMICPROGRAMADMINISTRATORAmyParonto

ADMISSIONSCOMMITTEEAdmissionsChair:SeanTaverna

JamesBarrowGregCarrCarenFreelMeyersJamesStiversRonaldSchnaarJunLiuRichardAmbinder

SENIORACADEMICPROGRAMCOORDINATORAmyForcier

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REQUIREMENTSFORAPh.D.INPHARMACOLOGY

OVERVIEW

Year1Requirements• Courses:

FoundationsofModernBiology(7modules)OrganPhysiology(ME:360.720)Twoelectives(considertakinginYear1,mustbecompletedbytheendofYear4)ResearchEthicsIandII

• Researchrotations:2required,3recommended;Research(ME:330.801;registerannually)• Selectfacultypreceptor• Journalclub:PrimarySourceReadingsandAnalysis(ME:330.708;registerforYear1)• Seminar:biweekly,plusthesisandsupplementalseminars;TopicsinPharmacology(ME:330.802,registerannually)

• CareerandProfessionalDevelopment(CPD)requirements:3hoursofcareerpanels,workshops,orothereventswithintheOPTIONSiCANseries

• Researchretreat:attendancerequired;participationexpectedinRCRsessionYear2Requirements• Courses:GraduatePharmacologyI(ME:330.707,Fallsemester)andGraduatePharmacologyII(ME:330.715,Springsemester);EssentialGrantsmanship(ME:330.714;Springsemester,requiredforstudentsmatriculatingin2017orlater);Twoelectives(cantakeinYear3,completebyendofYear4)

• Seminar:biweekly,plusthesisandsupplementalseminars;TopicsinPharmacology(ME:330.802)• Research:towardcompletionofthesisresearchrequirement;Research(ME:330.801)• DoctoralBoardOralExamination(DBO):qualifyingexamforthePh.D.degree• IndividualDevelopmentPlan(IDP)• CareerandProfessionalDevelopment(CPD)requirements:3hoursofcareerpanels,workshops,orothereventswithintheOPTIONSiCANseries

• Researchretreat:attendancerequired;participationexpectedinRCRsessionYear3Requirements• Twoelectives(considertakinginYear2, mustbecompletebytheendofYear4• Seminar:biweekly,plusthesisandsupplementalseminars;TopicsinPharmacology(ME:330.802)• Research:towardcompletionofthesisresearchrequirement;Research(ME:330.801)• Thesisproposal• Thesiscommitteeselectionandfirstthesiscommitteemeeting• IndividualDevelopmentPlan(IDP)• CareerandProfessionalDevelopment(CPD)requirements:JoinanOPTIONScareercommunity;attend6activities;1informationalinterview

• Researchretreat:attendancerequired;participationexpectedinRCRandpresentations• ResearchInProgress(RIP):participationexpectedinYears3,4and5• ProgressMeetingwithSteeringCommitteeYear4andHigherRequirements• Courses:Twoelectives(mustbecompletedbytheendofYear4);RenewResearchEthicstraining(byOctoberofYear5)

• Seminar:biweekly,plusthesisandsupplementalseminars;TopicsinPharmacology(ME:330.802)

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• Research:towardcompletionofthesisresearchrequirement;Research(ME:330.801)• Annualorbiannualthesiscommitteemeetings• IndividualDevelopmentPlan(IDP)• CareerandProfessionalDevelopment(CPD)requirements:developapersonalizedplantoexploreandachievecareergoals.

• Researchretreat:attendancerequired;participationexpectedinRCRandpresentations(Years4&5)• ResearchInProgress(RIP):participationexpectedinYears4and5 • PreparationsforGraduation

DissertationwritingThesisReviewandApprovalThesisRevisionsandSubmissionThesisResearchSeminar&DegreeCompletion

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YEAR1REQUIREMENTSRequired Courses: Course grades are monitored by the Academic Program Administrator and theProgramDirector.

1.FoundationsofModernBiologyconsistsof7modules.WiththeexceptionofBioinformatics,eachmoduleis16lectures.Bioinformaticsis8lectures.Coursesareheldfrom9:00-10:30a.m.eachday(M-F).Allmodulesaregraded.

ModuleDescriptions:Biochemical and Biophysical Principles (ME:100.710): The physical and chemical principlesunderlying biological processes are presented and discussed. Topics include thermodynamics,chemicalequilibrium,chemicalandenzymatickinetics,electrochemistry,physical chemistryofsolutions, and structure and properties of water. Elementary concepts of statisticalthermodynamics are introduced as a way of correlating macroscopic and microscopicproperties.ThecoursedirectorisDr.HerschelWade.

Macromolecular Structure and Analysis (ME:100.709): The structure and properties ofbiological macromolecules are presented. Experimental and computational methods used tostudy macromolecular structure including X-ray crystallography, magnetic resonance,spectroscopy,microscopy,andmass spectrometryarealsocovered.Dr.DominiqueFruehandDr.JieXiaoarethecoursedirectors.

Molecular Biology and Genomics (ME:260.709): This course module covers the molecularBiologyandGenomicsofbothprokaryotes(usingE.coliasthemodelorganism)andeukaryotes,withafocuson“modelorganisms”includingyeast,flies,worms,miceaswellashumans.Boththe Molecular Biology (reductionist) perspective and the Genomics (systems biology)perspectives are provided on each topic, and there is heavy emphasis on mechanism andregulationoffundamentalprocessesinbiologicalinformationtransferDNA!RNA!protein.Thismodule covers genes and genomes, transcription and RNA processing, translation, the RNAworld, replication, chromosome structure and function and genome instability. The coursedirectorisDr.JeffCorden.

Bioinformatics(ME:800.707):Thiscourseprovidesanintroductiontobioinformatics,thecombinedfieldofmolecularbiologyandinformatics(informationscienceandtechnology).Thecoursefocusesontheanalysisofproteins,genes,andgenomes.TopicsincludeDNAandproteinsequenceanalysis,databasesearching(includingBLAST),phylogeny,proteomics,andmicroarraydataanalysis.ThecoursedirectorisDr.WinstonTimp.

OrganicMechanismsinBiology(ME:330.709):Thiscoursedealswiththechemicalmechanismsof enzymes. It is intended to illustrate how catalysis in biological systems can be understoodusingprinciplesderivedfromorganicreactionmechanisms.ThecoursedirectorsareDr.JamesStiversandDr.CarenFreelMeyers.

Pathways and Regulation (ME:360.728): This course will cover the principles of membranetransport,bioenergetics,metabolicpathways,cellcycleandcelldeathwithparticularemphasison regulatory mechanisms including receptor-mediated signaling, small GTPases, lipidmolecules,kinasesandphosphatases.ThecoursedirectorsareDr.GuangWilliamWongandDr.SteveClaypool.

CellStructureandDynamics(ME:110.728):Theobjectiveofthiscourseistoprovidethebasicsof cell biology, including the structure, function and biogenesis of cellular organelles. Alsocovered are essential concepts on the cytoskeleton, cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix

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interactions, cellmotility, chaperones, andprotein turnover. The coursedirectors areDr.RobJensenandDr.HiromiSesaki.

2.OrganPhysiology (ME:360.720):TheOrganPhysiologyCourse isan integrativecourse,bringingtogether diverse disciplines in an effort to understand the functioning of living organisms.Thecourse utilizes a variety of innovative educational methods, ranging from eLecture learning totraditional/taped lectures, labs, small group discussions, textbook readings, speakers, and othermethods which all focus on heightening the students’ learning experience.The course aims toprovideabasicunderstandingofthemanydifferentaspectsoftheinternalstructureandfunctionofthe body, which includes Respiratory, Renal, Gastrointestinal, Cardiovascular, Endocrinology, andReproductivePhysiology.Thevariousorgansystemsofthebodywillbediscussedinsequence,buttheinteractionofthesesystemsinthelivinganimalmustconstantlybekeptinmind.Studentswillbepresentedacomprehensivesurveyofmanyofthecomplexinterrelationshipsthatexistbetweenthe structure and function of cells and organs.Above all, the course seeks to identify themechanisms by which an organism maintains the processes that we regard as characteristic oflife.The investigations of thesemechanisms range from themolecular level to studies of humansubjects.In this course, we can consider only a selected sample from the broad range ofphysiological science, emphasizing topics that provide a basis for later independent study.Also,objectiveshouldbetonotonlytalkaboutwhatisknown,butalsodiscusswhatisnotknown.

3.PrimarySourceReadingsandAnalysis(ME:330.708):Thiscourseisdesignedtohelpstudents1) strengthen their ability to critically analyze scientific literature, 2) refine skills in experimentaldesign,3)correctlyauthenticateandreportkeyresearchreagents,4)enhancedatarecordingandreporting,5)understandthedo’sanddon’tsofdataprocessingandpresentation,and6)learnnewtrends in scientific publishing. The course is further enhanced with content on professionaldevelopment, including discussion of techniques to manage the stresses of a scientific career,strategiestoevaluateanddemonstrateproductivity,theuseofsocialmediaforcareerpromotion,and activities to improve oral communication skills. Schedule and format: Class is generally heldbiweeklybetweenOctoberandApril.SessionsarehostedbyguestfacultyfrominsideandoutsidethePMSProgram,whowillactasconsultantandassignaresearcharticletobediscussedinclass.Thecoursedirector(Dr.NetzArroyo)attendsandoverseessessionstoensurecontinuityandactiveparticipation from all students. One student serves as the discussion leader for each class. Thestudent discusses the assigned paper with the faculty consultant before class, and prepares apresentation highlighting the main discussion points from the article. He/she leads a groupdiscussion inclasswith inputsfromtheguestfacultyandcoursedirector.Thosestudentswhoarenot leading the discussion must complete an assignment prior to each discussion session.Assignments vary from session to session depending on discussion session content. Classattendanceismandatory.Assessmentsandgrading:ThecoursefollowsaPass/Failgradingsysteminwhichapassinggradeisdeterminedbasedon:1)pre-classassignments,2)in-classparticipation,3)oralpresentation,4)midtermexam,and5)finalexam.Completionofmidtermandfinalexamsismandatory to pass the course. As for all required courses, students who receive a “fail” for thecourseareplacedonacademicprobationandmustrepeatthecourse. 4.ResearchEthicsIandII:Thiscourse isameansfortheSchoolofMedicinetofulfill institutionalandsocietalexpectationsforthepropertrainingofgraduatestudentsintheresponsibleconductofresearch. In this two-phase course, students learn the fundamental principles of academic andscientific integrity (fall session), alongwith the appropriate protection of human and non-humananimalsubjectsandtheaccuratereportingofresearchresults(springsession).Byinvitinggraduatestudentsfromavarietyoftrainingprograms,thecoursealsoprovidesaforumforstudentstoshare

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their experiences in fulfilling academic requirements,workingwithmentors, conducting research,writinggrants,publishingscientificmanuscripts,andinitiatingcareersearches.

5.Two approved electives (consider taking in Year 1,must be completed by the end of Year 4):MostcoursesinSOMandJHSPHandselectcoursesintheSchoolofArtsandSciencesareacceptableas electives.Registration for any elective course is contingent upon approval by the ProgramDirector.StudentsarerequiredtocompletetwoapprovedelectivecoursesbytheendofYear4.

6. Statistics coursework is required of all students in the Programmatriculating in Fall 2019 andlater.Developmentofacomprehensivestatisticscourseiscurrentlyinprogress,andstudentswillbekept updated on changes as the course is created to fit the new academic calendar. In themeantime,studentsmaytakeStatisticsforLaboratoryScientists(PH:140.615)throughtheSchoolofPublicHealth.StudentsmustcompletethestatisticsrequirementbytheendofYear3,thoughitisstronglyencouragedthatstudentsdosoasearlyasYear1.

Researchrotations:Researchrotationsofferfirstyeargraduatestudentstheopportunitytolearnnewtechniques and approaches, and to interactwith the faculty preceptor and students day-to-day. Thisrequirement in the first year is intended to help the student select a faculty preceptor and lab forhis/her thesis research. Similarly, research rotations give the facultypreceptor the chance toobservethestudent’saptitudeandmotivationtoconductresearchinhis/herlaboratory.Studentsmustregisterfor Research (ME:330.801; Year). In the first year, two research rotations are required, three arerecommended; the first rotation begins in late September/early October, the second rotation beginsimmediately following the holiday break, and the third rotation begins inmid-March. Studentsmustselectarotationadvisorandlabby1weekbeforethestartoftherotation.ResearchrotationsmustbecarriedoutinthelabsoffacultywhoparticipateinthePharmacologyGraduateProgram,andonlyonePharmacologystudentmayrotateinalabduringagivenrotation.

Studentsmustsubmitawrittensummaryofresearchconductedduringtherotation(upto3pages)by the last day of the rotation. Students should get feedback on the written summary from theirrotation preceptor. The Program Director reviews research summaries and provides feedback tostudents.Forthefirsttworotations,thestudentwillgiveapresentation(aposterorashorttalk)attheend of the research rotation. The faculty preceptor for the research rotation is asked to provide anevaluationof the student at theendof the rotation. Students and faculty preceptors are required tomeet to discuss the evaluation. Students are assigned a grade for each rotation, given by the facultypreceptor. Research rotation evaluations and grades are monitored by the Academic ProgramAdministratorandtheProgramDirector.

Agradeof“A”signifiesastrongperformanceandpositiveexperienceduringtherotation.Agradeof“B” is assigned if the student needs improvement in one or more areas. The preceptor is asked toelaborateonthisgradeassignmentandconfirmtheyhavecommunicatedtheirconcerntothestudent.A grade of “C” is assigned if there are serious problems with the student that require immediateattention.Thepreceptorisaskedtoexplainthisgradeassignmentandconfirmtheyhavecommunicatedtheconcernwiththestudent.Agradeof“C” isconsideredfailingandwillpromptameetingbetweenthe Program Director and student to discuss the problem and plans to improve performance insubsequent research labs. A final grade for research rotations is assigned at the endof the first yearaccordingtoa4pointgradingscalebasedontheaverageofindividualresearchrotationgrades(A=4.0pt,B=3.0pt,C=2.0pt).Anaverageof3.0orabove(B)isrequiredtopassresearchrotationsinthefirstyear.Studentswhoreceiveanoverallgradeof“C”forresearchrotationswillcomebeforetheSteeringCommittee. Such cases are acteduponby the SteeringCommitteeon a case-by-casebasis and couldleadtoplacementofthestudentonprobation.

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Selectionofafacultypreceptor:StudentsmustselectalabfortheirthesisresearchbyJune1ofYear1.Insomecases, studentsmayneeda4th rotation; thesestudentsmustgetapproval fromtheProgramDirector, and a timeline will be set for completion of the rotation and selection of a thesis lab. ThefacultypreceptorselectedbythestudentmustbeamemberofthePharmacologyGraduateProgram.Thisfacultymentoristheprimarypersonresponsibleforthestudent’straining.Occasionallyco-mentorsarepermitted.Co-mentorsmustbeapprovedbytheProgramDirector.A lettermustbesubmittedtotheDirectorstatingwhyco-mentorshipisessentialforthestudent’straining.Ifapproved,theco-mentormustcompletementortrainingandagreetothetermsofco-mentorshipbytheProgramandSOM.

Note:AfacultypreceptorispermittedtomentornomorethanthreePharmacologystudentsatanygiven time. Labs with more than three Pharmacology students will be barred from admitting newstudentsintothelabuntilatleastonecurrentstudentiswithinsixmonthsofgraduation.Thishelpstoensurethateachstudentreceiveshigh-qualitymentoringandpromotesanevendistributionofstudentsthroughouttheProgram.Seminar: Thisbiweekly seminar (Topics inPharmacology)offers students,postdocs, facultyandotherscientists inthedepartmentanexcellentchanceto learnaboutcurrentresearch inPharmacologyandrelatedfieldsandto interactwithoutsidespeakersfromotheracademic institutions, industryandthegovernment. Speakers are invited by individual faculty members to visit the Department ofPharmacologyandMolecularSciences.Thespeakertypicallymeetswithfacultythroughouttheday,andhas lunchwithstudentsandpostdocs.Lunchwiththespeaker isanopportunitytohearabouthis/hercareer path and to begin establishing a networkwith scientists outside of JHU. To further encouragethese interactions, outside speakers are also invited and hosted by the students. All students mustregisterannuallyforTopicsinPharmacology(ME:330.802).

Seminar is held biweekly throughout the academic year, at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays. Additionalthesis and supplemental seminarswill occasionally takeplace.Attendance is requiredat all seminars.Studentsmustsigninforeachseminar,andattendanceismonitored.Excusedabsencesarepermittedforeducationalactivities(e.g.traveltoaconferenceorparticipationinacourse);studentsmustobtainapproval for such absences in advance from theAcademic ProgramAdministrator. At their individualdiscretion, any student may miss up to 3 seminars in a given academic year without affecting theirgrade. These unexcused absences may involve illness, vacation, or any other reason the studentdecides.

Studentsareassignedalettergradeforthiscourseattheendoftheacademicyear.Agradeof“A”is assigned to students who attend all seminars. A grade of “B” is assigned to students with oneunexcusedabsence.Agradeof“C”isassignedtostudentswithtwoormoreunexcusedabsences,andwill lead to placement of the student on academic probation. Students who fail to address thisdeficiency and maintain a B or better in subsequent years may be brought before the SteeringCommitteeifdeemednecessary.Signinginforseminarandthenleavingbeforetheendoftheseminar,orsigning inonbehalfofanotherstudent isconsideredcheating,which isaviolationoftheacademicethicspolicyandhonorcodeandisgroundsfordismissal.

Lunchwiththespeakerisanopportunitytohearabouthis/hercareerpathandtobeginestablishinganetworkwithscientistsoutsideofJHU.Studentsarerequiredtoattend3seminarlunchesduringthecourseofeachacademicyear.StudentswillindicatewhichlunchestheywishtoattendtotheSeminarCoordinator,DebbieSaylor.Missingaseminarlunchwillcounttowardoneofthe3unexcusedabsencesdescribedabove(i.e.,amissedseminarandamissedlunch=2unexcusedabsences).Studentscanearnbacktheirunexcusedlunchabsencebyattendingafuturelunchinlieuofthemissedlunch.Unexcusedabsencescannotbereclaimedbyattendingadditionalseminars.CareerandProfessionalDevelopment(CPD):StudentsstartexploringcareersinYear1byattendingatotalof3hoursof InvestigatingCareersandNetworks (iCAN)eventsorothercareerpanels.The iCAN

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seriesfeaturesPhDprofessionalsandalumniwhosharetheircareerjourneys,day-to-dayactivities,andtips on success.These events are 1.5 hours and are typically held every 1-2 months. Alternatively,studentscanattendtheNIHAnnualCareerSymposiumtosatisfy this requirement.Attendanceat theNIHsymposiumineitheryearissufficienttosatisfytheentirerequirement.PharmacologyRetreat:TheDepartmentsponsorsaretreateachfall , themainpurposeofwhich istofoster scientific interaction between faculty and trainees in the Program, and offer opportunities forrequired training inRCR, professional and careerdevelopment. The retreat consists of short researchtalksbyfacultymembers,arequiredResponsibleConductofResearchtrainingsession,studentposterpresentations,andastudent“flashtalk”competition.EachstudentinYears3through5oftheprogrammust present either a poster or flash talk at the retreat. Over the three years at least one of thesepresentationsmust be a flash talk. The retreat offers the opportunity for first year students to learnabout research in the Programandmayhelp themas they consider labs for rotations. Attendance isrequiredbyallstudentsintheProgram.

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YEAR2REQUIREMENTSRequiredCourses:

1.GraduatePharmacologyIandII(ME:330.707,Fall;ME:330.715,Spring):Thiscourse(directedbyDr. Jim Barrow) covers basic pharmacology concepts and major drug classes related to diseasetherapies. Both parts of this course are team taught by experts in pharmacology and drugdevelopment, as well as clinicianswith specific disease-area expertise.Graduate Pharmacology Ifocuses on the basic concepts related to in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, including themathematical basis of dose-response curves and pharmacokinetics. It is intended to providestudents with a practical working knowledge of how to evaluate the effects of drugs on livingsystems, aswell as an overviewof the tools and techniques used to identify, study, and developpharmacologically active substances. Graduate Pharmacology II focuses on understanding thephysiology, clinical use, and limitations of therapeutic agents used in infectious diseases, cancer,cardiovascular diseases, endocrine disorders, inflammation, and nervous system diseases.Attendanceisrequired.Gradesforthecourseswillbedeterminedbasedonattendance,homeworkandexams.

2.EssentialGrantsmanship(ME:330.714,Springsemester):Pharmacologystudentsmatriculatingin2017orlatermustenrollinthiscourse.Thecourseisdesignedtoprovideamentoredopportunityfor students to build grantsmanship skills through experiences in writing, reading, and reviewingresearch proposals. Studentswill prepare anabbreviatedF31-style proposal based on their thesisproject.Sincethecoursehasalimitedtimeframetheabbreviatedproposal(<3pages)will includeonespecificaim,backgroundandsignificance,onepreliminarydatafigureandtheresearchsectionforthesingleaim.Thegoalistofocusonessentialgrantsmanshipskillsratherthancompletionofanentire proposal. The grade will be pass/fail based on class participation, as well evidence ofimprovedgrantsmanshipskillsoverthecourseasjudgedbyevaluationofwritingassignments.Theskills taught in thiscoursewillbe testedduringthewrittencomponentof thedoctoralboardoralexam(DBO).

3.Twoapprovedelectives(considertakinginYear2,mustbecompletedbytheendofYear4):seedescriptioninYear1Requirements.

Doctoral Board Oral (DBO) Examination: This is a University requirement for all Ph.D. candidatesintendedtotestthebreadthanddepthofthestudent’sscientificknowledgeandevaluatekeyaspectsofeachstudent’spreparednesstoconductresearch.DBOformat:TheDBOexamformatwillconsistofwrittenandoralsections.Thewrittensection(“open-book”andgiventoallstudents)willincludeguidedquestionsbasedonaresearchproblem,formulatedinadvancebyacommitteeofProgramfacultyandapprovedbytheSteeringCommittee.Competencesin the elements of research design, learned in the first two years through research rotations and“EssentialGrantsmanship”,will be tested in thewrittenexam.Theoral sectionof theDBOexamwilloccur ~1 week later, to give the DBO committees time to review written answers with respect toexperimentaldesignandlogic,methods,rigor&reproducibility,innovation,breadth&depth,andclarity&scientificwritingstyle.Thewrittenanswerswillprovideastartingpointforfurtherquestioningintheoralexam.Twoor threeDBOcommitteeswill administer theoralexams toall 2nd year students. Thestudent’s facultyadvisordiscusses the student’sprogresswith the committeeat thebeginningof theexam.Typically, thecandidate is thenaskedtospeakbrieflyabout their research (at thediscretionoftheChair).Thestudentisthenquestionedfor10-15minutesbyeachcommitteemember.

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DBOexamcommitteeselectionandscheduling:TheDBOexamisconductedbyfivefacultymembers–two“inside”memberswhoareparticipatingfacultymembersinthePharmacologyGraduateProgram,two“outside”memberswhoarenotparticipatingmembersoftheProgram,andonememberthatmaybeeither“inside”or“outside”.TwoalternateDBOcommitteemembersmustalsobeselected,onefrominsideandonefromoutsidetheProgram.AtleastoneexaminerfromoutsidetheProgrammustbeanAssociate or Full Professor. The student’s faculty advisor is serves on the exam committee. TheAcademic ProgramAdministrator assigns the exam committeeswith assistance fromand approval bythe Program Director, and students are not allowed to select or veto any member. A list of thecommitteemembersissenttotheSOMRegistrar,wherethecommitteeisauthorizedandtheChair isassigned.TheexamisscheduledbytheAcademicProgramAdministratortobeheldduringthemonthofMay, following completion of required first-year courses and Graduate Pharmacology. Studentsmatriculatingin2017orlatermustalsocompleteEssentialGrantsmanshippriortotheDBOexam.Thestudent'sadvisorbrieflyreviewsthestudent'sresearchprogressforthecommitteeatthebeginningofthe oral exam. TheChair,with consent of the committee,will decide on the timing of the examandordering of examiners. Typically, the candidate is asked to speak briefly about their research (at thediscretionoftheChair),thenisquestionedfor10-15minutesbyeachcommitteemember.DBOoutcomes:ThecommitteewilldeliberateafinaldecisionontheDBOoutcomebasedonstudent’sperformanceinboththewrittenandoralcomponents.Theresultoftheexaminationwillbeoneofthefollowing:UnconditionalPass,ConditionalPass,orFail.

If thecandidate receivesanunconditionalpass (e.g.,amajorityof favorablevotesbycommitteemembers),theexaminationcommitteeisdischarged.Ifthecandidatereceivesaconditionalpass,theexacttermsoftheconditionaretobereportedonthe examination form – i.e., what course(s), if any, need be taken; in what time frame theconditions(s)shouldbemet;andanyotherpertinentinformationthatwillpointoutclearlytoboththe student and faculty how to satisfy the condition(s). A Conditional Pass means that thecommitteenotedadeficit in the student’s knowledgebase thatneeds tobeaddressed toensurethat he/she has the necessary foundation for success. Such a condition should not be taken as anegativejudgmentonthestudent’scapacitytosucceed,butanopportunityforhim/hertofirmupknowledge in a key area. As soon as all conditions havebeenmet, the chair of the examinationcommittee must report the removal of the condition in writing to the Academic ProgramAdministrator,whowillnotifytheProgramDirectorandforwardtheoriginalcorrespondencetotheRegistrar.Thecommitteeisthendischarged.Ifthecandidatefails,theexaminationcommittee,throughthechair,shouldrecommendacourseoffurtheraction:

•No further examination. The committee may feel the student should not be given theopportunity to re-take theexamination,after taking intoconsideration thebackgroundof thestudent,his/herpotential,andreactiontooralquestioning.Inthiscase,thestudentissubjecttodismissalfromtheProgram.

•Re-examinethecandidatebythesamecommitteeatalaterdate.ThecandidatemustreceiveaPassorConditionalPassonthesecondattempt.Asecondfailurewillresultindismissal.

•Re-examinethecandidatebyadifferentcommitteeata laterdate. Reasonsshouldbegivenfor the change in the committee membership. The newly formed committee must have

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representationfromthepreviouscommittee.ThecandidatemustreceiveaPassorConditionalPassonthesecondattempt.Asecondfailurewillleadtodismissal.

The committee may recommend whatever action in its judgment seems appropriate, taking intoconsiderationthebackgroundofthestudent,previousperformance,potential,andreactiontowrittenandoralquestioning.IndividualDevelopmentPlan(IDP):TheIDPinvolvesarequiredyearlyone-on-onemeetingbetweenthestudentandhis/her facultypreceptor todiscussprogress,concerns,andgoals toensureeachstudenthasanindividualdevelopmentplan.InYear2,thestudentandhis/herfacultypreceptormustholdthismeetingby June30.Studentswillcompleteaquestionnaire (available inNew Innovations)beforethemeetingtofacilitatethediscussion.Themeetingisconfidentialbetweenthestudentandadvisor(s).TheadvisorandthestudentshouldkeeparecordoftheformsandmustsubmitasignedstatementtotheAcademicProgramAdministratorbythedeadline.CareerandProfessionalDevelopment(CPD):SeedescriptioninYear1Requirements.Seminar:All studentsmustregisterannually forTopics inPharmacology (ME:330.802).Pleaserefer tothecoursedescriptionandpoliciesforthiscourseinYear1Requirements.Thesisresearch:AllstudentsmustregisterannuallyforResearch(ME:330.801;Year)tomeetthethesisresearchrequirementforgraduation.Thestudent’s facultypreceptorwillassignagradeeachyearforresearch.Agradeof“A”signifiesastrongperformanceandgoodeffort inthelaboratoryandrequiresnoexplanation.Agradeof“B”isassignedifthestudentneedsimprovementinoneormoreareas.Thepreceptor is asked toelaborateon this gradeassignment and confirm theyhave communicated theirconcerntothestudent.Agradeof“C”isassignedifthereisaseriousproblemthatrequiresimmediateattention.Thepreceptorisaskedtoexplainthisgradeassignmentandconfirmtheyhavecommunicatedtheconcernwiththestudent.Agradeof“C” isconsideredfailingandwillpromptameetingbetweentheProgramDirectorandstudent(and/orbetweentheProgramDirectorandpreceptor)todiscusstheproblemandplanstoimproveperformancemovingforward.Agradeof“C”mayresultinplacementofthe student on probation. Failure to take corrective measures and meet conditions outlined in theprobationcouldleadtowithdrawaloffundinginthethesisresearchlabandpossiblydismissalfromtheProgram.PharmacologyRetreat:SeedescriptioninYear1Requirements.Attendanceisrequired,andstudentsinYear2areexpectedtoparticipateintheResponsibleConductofResearchtrainingsession.

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YEAR3REQUIREMENTSRequiredCourses:

Two approved electives (must be completed by the end of Year 4): see description in Year 1Requirements. In some cases, completion of an internshipmay be counted as an elective. Thesewouldbeconsideredonacasebycasebasis,approvedbytheProgramDirector.

Seminar:All studentsmustregisterannually forTopics inPharmacology (ME:330.802).Pleaserefer tothecoursedescriptionandpoliciesforthiscourseinYear1Requirements.Thesisresearch:AllstudentsmustregisterannuallyforResearch(ME:330.801;Year)tomeetthethesisresearchrequirementforgraduation.RefertoYear2Requirementsforadescriptionandpolicies. Thesisproposal:Thethesisproposalhastwogoals:1)togiveyoutheopportunitytofullyconsiderandarticulatethebackground,significance,anddesignofyourthesisresearch;and2)toprovideyouwithadditionalviewpointsandsuggestionsonhowbesttoreachyourresearchgoals(throughreviewofyourproposalbyyourthesisadvisorycommittee).

Thesisproposalsubmissiondeadline:Studentsareeligibletosubmitthethesisproposal followingsuccessfulcompletionoftheDoctoralBoardOralExamination.Forstudentsmatriculatingin2017orlater,theresearchproposaldevelopedduringEssentialGrantsmanship(ME:330.714) inYear2willserveasthestartingpointtodevelopthethesisproposal.Studentswhomatriculatedpriorto2017,maybeginpreparingthethesisproposalanytimefollowingcompletionoftheDBOexamination,andare strongly encouraged to audit Essential Grantsmanship (Spring, Year 2) to assist inwriting theproposal.Eachstudentmusthavethethesisproposalapprovedbyhis/herfacultypreceptorpriortosubmissiontotheProgramDirector.Thenamesofthethesiscommitteemembers(below)andthethesisproposalaresubmittedatthesametime.ThedeadlineforsubmissionisJanuary31ofthe3rdyear.

Formatting the thesis proposal: The thesis proposal should take the form of an NIH NRSA F31fellowshipproposal.OnlytheSpecificAims(1page)andResearchStrategy(6pages)oftheF31arerequired. Studentsmust follow the rigid formatting requirementsof theNIHNRSAF31 fellowshipproposal.GuidelinesareavailableonthePharmacologywebsite.

Thesisadvisorycommitteeselectionandfirstthesiscommitteemeeting:Thethesiscommitteeconsistsof experts in your field and related fields who can guide you with research direction and technicalchallenges,andwhowilloverseeyourprogressuntilyourthesisresearchrequirementiscompleteandyour doctorate is awarded. Regular thesis committeemeetings are essential to track the progress ofeachstudent’sthesisresearch.

Selectionofcommitteemembers:Thestudentandfacultypreceptorworktogethertodecidewhoshouldbe asked to serveon the thesis advisory committee. The committee should consist of thefacultypreceptor andaminimumof threeadditional facultymemberswhoare knowledgeable inthestudent’sfieldofstudyandwhoseexpertisemaybebeneficialtothestudentinperformingtheproposedresearch.Inthecaseofco-mentorship,threefacultymembersinadditiontobothmentorsisrequiredforthecommittee.ThestudentsubmitsthelistofproposedthesisadvisorycommitteemembersandthethesisproposaltotheProgramDirectorandAcademicProgramAdministratorbyJanuary31ofthe3rdyear.ThethesisproposalandthesiscommitteemembersareapprovedbytheProgram Director. In some cases, it may be deemed that additional oversight by a SteeringCommitteememberisneededonthethesiscommittee.

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Firstthesiscommitteemeeting:Oncethethesisadvisorycommitteeandproposalareapproved,thestudentshouldcontacteachof the thesiscommitteemembers toconfirmthat theyarewilling toserveandarrangeamutuallyagreeabledateandtimeforthefirstthesismeeting. Thefirstthesismeetingmust take place inMarch or April of the 3rd year. Students are advised to schedule thismeeting as soon as the thesis proposal and thesis committee have been approved to ensure themeetingtakesplaceinMarchorApril.Thethesiscommitteemeeting,inconjunctionwiththethesisproposal, is intended to help the student consider the broader concepts onwhich his/her thesisresearchisbased,toassistthestudentinfocusinghis/herthoughtsontheresearchproblem,andtoclarifyanyquestionsthatthecommitteemayhaveconcerningthestudent’sexperimentalapproach.Thefirstthesiscommitteemeetingbeginswithanoralpresentationoftheproposalbythestudentfollowedbyaperiodofquestions,comments,anddiscussion.

Thesisadvisorycommitteeforms:Thefacultypreceptoractsasthethesisadvisorycommitteechair.He/Shemustbrieflysummarizeprogressandsuggestionsby thecommittee in thespaceprovidedonthethesiscommitteemeetingform,orinanattacheddocumentthatisplacedtogetherwiththeform in the student’s file. The thesis committee must indicate on the form whether researchprogresshasbeensatisfactoryandoutlineexpectationsmovingforward.Thethesiscommitteemustindicate on the form the timing of the next thesis committee meeting (6 months, 1 year, or atimeframedeemedappropriatebythecommittee).Thestudentandfacultypreceptormustindicateon the form the completion of the required IDPmeeting (below). All thesis committeemembersmust sign the form. A completed thesis committee meeting form is required for successfulcompletionofthisannualrequirement.

IndividualDevelopmentPlan(IDP):TheIDPinvolvesarequiredyearlyone-on-onemeetingbetweenthestudentandhis/her facultypreceptor todiscussprogress,concerns,andgoals toensureeachstudenthas an individual development plan (see description in Year 2 Requirements). Starting in Year 3, thestudent andhis/her faculty preceptormust hold thismeetingprior to and separately from the thesiscommitteemeeting.Theadvisorandthestudentshouldkeeparecordoftheforms.CompletionoftheannualIDPmeetingmustbeindicatedonthethesiscommitteemeetingformforsuccessfulcompletionofthisrequirement. CareerandProfessionalDevelopment (CPD):Studentsbuild career-specific skills and continue careerexplorationinanarrowerfieldbyjoiningoneoftheOPTIONSCareerCommunitiesandattendingatleast6 workshops. In addition, students are required to conduct 1 informational interview with someonewhosecareerorcompanytheyare interested in learningmoreabout.Forstudentswhoareconfidentabout their career path and are actively engaged in a career-related experience, such as the JohnsHopkins Graduate Consulting Club, The Commercialization Academy, or a similar experience, specialpermissionmaybegrantedtobypasstheOPTIONScommunities. ResearchInProgress(RIP):Researchinprogress(RIP)isabiweeklyforum,heldat12p.m.onTuesdayinwhichstudentsandpostdoctoralfellowspresentprogressontheirresearch.Lunchisprovided,andallmembers of theDepartment are encouraged to attend. Students in Years 3, 4 and 5 are required toparticipate.Eachpresenterisgiven30minutes(25-minutepresentationwith5minutesforquestions)todescribetheirresearchprojectandpresentresults.Presentersshouldscheduletheirpresentationdatewith the approval of their faculty preceptor and are encouraged to work closely with their facultypreceptor to receive guidance on the presentation. Members of the audience provide feedback onpresentations.Inordertoensureawell-balancedaudience,presentersareencouragedtoreachouttointerestedfacultymembers(e.g.,collaboratorsorthosefacultymembersontheirthesiscommittee)toinvitethemtoattend.

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Pharmacology Retreat: See description in Year 1 Requirements. Students in Year 3 are required topresenteitheraposterorflashtalk.Anelevatorpitchtalkmustbegivenatleastonceduringthethreeyearsstudentsarerequiredtopresent.ProgressMeetingwith Steering Committee: In the fall all 3rd year studentsmeetwith theGraduateProgramSteeringCommitteetodiscussresearchprogressandplansforsubmittingthethesisproposal.Thisisabriefinformalsessionanddoesnotrequireanypreparation.

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YEAR4&HIGHERREQUIREMENTSRequiredCourses:

1. Two approved electives (must be completed by the end of Year 4): see description in Year 1Requirements. In some cases, completion of an internshipmay be counted as an elective. Thesewouldbeconsideredonacasebycasebasis,approvedbytheProgramDirector.

2.RenewResearchEthicstraining(byOctoberofYear5)Seminar:All studentsmustregisterannually forTopics inPharmacology (ME:330.802).Pleaserefer tothecoursedescriptionandpoliciesforthiscourseinYear1Requirements.Thesisresearch:AllstudentsmustregisterannuallyforResearch(ME:330.801;Year)tomeetthethesisresearchrequirementforgraduation.RefertoYear2Requirementsforadescriptionandpolicies. Thesis Committee Meetings: Thesis committee meetings are a critical component of the trainingprocesstotrackresearchprogressrequiredforsuccessfulcompletionofthePh.D.StudentsmeetonceortwiceyearlywiththeirThesisAdvisoryCommitteetoupdatethemonresearchprogressanddiscussspecificaimsmovingforward.

Schedulingthesiscommitteemeetings:ThesiscommitteemeetingsmustbeheldannuallythroughYear5.Thedateofthefirstthesiscommitteemeeting(heldinMarchorAprilofthe3rdyear)isthedeadline for subsequentannualmeetings. Forexample, if the first thesis committeemeetingwasheld on April 4, 2017, the deadline for the next thesis committeemeeting is April 4, 2018. Aftercompleting the 5th year, students are required to hold semiannual thesis committeemeetings astheynearcompletionoftheresearchrequirement.StudentswillreceiveanemailreminderfromtheAcademicProgramAdministratorapproximately60dayspriortothisdeadline.Ifthestudentfailstoholdhis/herannualmeetingsbytheestablisheddate,theyareplacedonacademicprobationwithastateddeadlinetoholdthethesismeeting.

Progress reports and thesis committeemeeting forms: Starting in Year 4with the second thesiscommitteemeeting,ashort (nomorethan3pages)summaryofgoalsandprogresssincethe lastmeeting should be assembled by the student, approved by the faculty preceptor, and thensubmitted to theAcademicProgramAdministratorandmembersof the thesis committee1weekbeforethethesiscommitteemeeting.Progressreportswillbekeptonfileasanadditionalrecordofresearchprogress.ThesiscommitteeformsmustbecompletedasdescribedinYear3Requirements.

Individual Development Plan (IDP): See description in Year 3 Requirements. Students in Years 6 andabovemayelectnot tocompletean IDP for their semiannual thesiscommitteemeeting,however,anIDPisrequiredatleastyearly. CareerandProfessionalDevelopment(CPD):StudentsinYear4andabovemustmeetatleastonceinaone-on-one session with PDCO staff to create a personalized plan for the remainder of his/her PhDtrainingthat isbasedonindividualcareergoals.Studentscantakeupto240hourstogainexperienceforafuturecareerbyparticipatinginaninternship,joiningastudent-ledgroup,completingateachingcertificate,orcompetingin3-MinuteThesis. ResearchInProgress(RIP):SeedescriptioninYear3Requirements.PharmacologyRetreat:SeedescriptioninYear1Requirements.StudentsinYears4and5arerequiredtopresenteitheraposterorelevatorpitchtalk.Anelevatorpitchtalkmustbegivenatleastonceduring

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thethreeyearsstudentsarerequiredtopresent.Preparations and Requirements for Graduation:When the thesis advisory committee believes thethesis research project is nearing completion and it is time to begin writing the dissertation inpreparationforgraduation,the“FinalPhase”boxischeckedonthethesiscommitteeform.Thistypicallyoccursatthefinalthesiscommitteemeeting(within6monthsofgraduation)duringwhichthestudent,preceptor,andcommitteemembersagreetoandspecifyanyremainingexperimentsorconditionsthatmustbecompletedtofulfillthePh.D.researchrequirement.Thethesiscommitteeformforthismeetingshoulddetail remainingexperimentsandspecifyaprojected timetable for completionofexperimentsand thesis writing. If the student is unable to meet these expectations within the 6 month period,he/shemustcontacttheAcademicProgramAdministratorandProgramDirectortodiscussthereasonfor thedelay.TheProgramDirectormay requireanadditional thesiscommitteemeeting. Incaseofadisagreement between a student and the faculty preceptor, the student’s thesis committee and theProgramDirectorwillmakeafinaldecisionregardingdegreecompletion.

Dissertationwriting:Thedocument isa scholarlyeffort thatdescribes thescientificquestion thatthethesisresearchaddressed,theapproachesthatwereusedtoanswerthisquestion,theresultsthat were obtained from the studies, and the conclusions that were drawn from the work.Guidelines for thePh.D.dissertationareprovidedby theEisenhowerLibraryof the JohnsHopkinsUniversity, and can be viewed at their website: https://www.library.jhu.edu/library-services/electronic-theses-dissertations/formatting-guidelines/. Students should discuss the styleand format of their dissertationwith the ProgramDirector prior towriting. An example thesis isavailableuponrequestfromtheProgramDirector.

ThesisReviewandApproval:Onceacompletedraftofthedissertationiswrittenandapprovedbythe faculty preceptor, it must be submitted to the Program Director and Academic ProgramAdministrator. The Program Director will determine whether it complies with style and formatrequirements (allow fora48hour turnaround).After thedraft thesis isapprovedby theProgramDirector,eachthesisadvisorycommitteemembershouldreceiveacopy.Distributionshouldincludeletters to each committeemember describing their responsibilities in reviewing the thesis,whichwill vary depending onwhether or not themember is designated as a “reader”. Two committeemembers,oneofwhomistheadvisor,willserveasofficialthesis“readers.” Thesecondreaderisnot permitted to be associated with the student’s lab. In cases of co-mentorship, both mentorsserveas“readers”andathirdreader is required.Thereadersarerequiredtowritea jointreviewandapprovalofthethesisusingguidelinesthatwillbeprovidedbythedepartment.Thesisadvisorycommitteememberswhoarenotdesignatedas“readers”muststillapprovethedraftdissertationviaaformthatwillbesenttothem.

ThesisRevisionsandSubmission:Itistheresponsibilityofthestudentandpreceptortoensurethatany changes required by the thesis advisory committeemembers are included in the final thesisdocument.Anysignificantchangesmustbeapprovedbythereaderspriortosubmissionofthefinalcopies of the dissertation to the University and Department. When all changes required by thethesisadvisorycommitteehavebeencompleted,thestudentmustsubmitthethesisinappropriatePDF format via ETD. One electronic copy must also be submitted to the Academic ProgramAdministrator. Complete instructions for submitting the thesis are available from the AcademicProgramAdministratorandonthePharmacologywebsite.

Thesis Research Seminar: After the dissertation has been reviewed and approved by the thesisadvisorycommittee,thestudentmustpresentapublicseminardescribinghis/herthesisresearch.Thethesisseminarshouldbescheduledtofallonadateat leasttwoweeksafterthethesishasbeendistributedtothethesisadvisorycommitteemembers.

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DegreeCompletion:Astudentisconsideredtohavecompletedhis/herdegreerequirementswhenthethesishasbeenapprovedbytheircommittee,thethesishasbeensubmittedviaETD,thethesisseminarhasbeenpresented, and the signed letterofdissertationapprovalhasbeendelivered totheAcademicProgramAdministrator.TheUniversityconsidersstudentstatustoenduponreceiptofasignedformfromtheProgramDirectortotheRegistrar'sofficestatingthattheserequirementshavebeenmet.CompleteinstructionsforcompletingthefinaldegreepaperworkareavailablefromtheAcademicProgramAdministratorandonthePharmacologywebsite.

TimeToDegree:Theprogressofbiomedicalresearchisoftenunpredictable.Therefore,thetimeittakeseach student to complete the doctoral degree will vary. Each student’s research progress will beevaluatedbythestudent’spreceptoronaregularbasis,andbytheirthesisadvisorycommitteeonanannual or semi-annual basis. The Program expects most students to complete their degree within 6yearsofenteringtheProgram.AterminalMaster’sdegreewillbegivenifthePh.D.isnotcompletebythe end of Year 8, unless the steering committee approves an extension due to extenuatingcircumstances.StudentsmustbeintheirfinalphaseforthePh.D.thesisresearchrequirementnolaterthan7.5years.NotethatofficialLeaveofAbsenceisnotincludedinthetotaltrainingtime.

MASTEROFSCIENCEDEGREE

AstudenthastheoptiontoleavethePharmacologyProgramwithaMasterofSciencedegreeif:

1) He/She has successfully completed all first year requirements and unconditionally passed thequalifyingexam,or

2)He/ShehassuccessfullycompletedallfirstyearrequirementsandwritesaMaster'sessayonresearchcompletedinYear2.

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GRADUATEPROGRAMPOLICIES

Students are subject to all applicable university, divisional, department and program policies. Thefollowingisanon-exhaustivelistofseveralimportantpoliciesapplicabletostudentsinourProgram.

PHARMACOLOGY GRADUATE PROGRAM ACADEMIC ETHICS POLICY ANDHONORCODEThestrengthofthescientificcommunitydependsonacademicandpersonalintegrity.AtJohnsHopkinsUniversityand inthePharmacologyGraduateProgram,weexpectstudentstobehonestandtruthful.Ethical violations are taken seriously andmay result indismissal from thePharmacologyProgram.Allstudents sign a general School of Medicine Honor Code upon matriculation. In addition, there is aspecificPharmacologyGraduateProgramAcademicEthicsPolicyandHonorCodethatissignedbyeachstudent in the presence of the ProgramDirector at the beginning of the first year. This document isintendedtoeducateeachstudentregardingsuchviolations,andgivesdefinitionsandexamples.

POLICYFORPROBATION,FUNDINGWITHDRAWAL,ANDDISMISSALThePharmacologyGraduateProgramPolicyforProbation,FundingWithdrawal,andDismissaladdressesconsequencesofstudentunderperformance.FailuretomeetanyProgramrequirementbythespecifieddeadline could result in placement of the student on probation. Dismissal from the PharmacologyGraduate Program is a possible consequence of failing to successfully complete probation terms.Students may also be subject to dismissal without a formal probation period under certaincircumstances.

GRADEPOLICYGradesinrequiredandelectivecoursesmustbeB-orbetter.Astudentwhoreceives1)agradelowerthanB-(and/ora“fail”inapass/failcourse)inthreerequiredcourses,or2)agradelowerthanC-inany required course is subject todismissal from theProgram. Each such instance is reviewedby theGraduateProgramSteeringCommitteeandactedupononacase-by-casebasis,takingallaspectsofthestudent'sperformance (courseworkand laboratoryresearch) intoaccount. Requiredcoursesmaynotbeauditedordroppedbecauseofacademicdifficulties.Inmostscenarios,ifastudentreceivesagradelowerthanaB- inarequiredcourse,theclassmustberepeated,andagradeofB-orbettermustbeachieved. InthecaseofagradebelowB- inanelectivecourse,thestudenthastheoptionofretakingthecoursetoachieveasatisfactorygradeoroftakinganotherelectivecourseandachievingagradeofB- or better. An “Incomplete” in any coursemust be resolved within 1month. The studentmay beplacedonacademicprobationifhe/shefailstoresolveanIncompletewithinthisperiod.

VACATIONPOLICYInaddition toposteduniversityholidays, amaximumof twoweeks (10days)of vacationareallowedduringthefirstyearandthreeweeks(15businessdays)duringsubsequentyears.Additionalvacationorpersonal leave time must be approved by a student's faculty preceptor or the Program Director.Traineesshallcontinuetoreceivestipendsduringvacationsandholidays.Timebetweensemestersoracademicquarters isconsideredanactivepartofthetrainingperiod, includingthesummermonths.However,studentsmaychoosetotaketheirvacationsduringthesetimeperiods.VacationorpersonalleavetimeexceedingthoselistedabovewithoutthepriorapprovalofthefacultypreceptororProgramDirectormaybecauseforconcern.Inmostcases,thiswillleadtopoorperformanceincoursesandisa

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valid reason for a student to receivea researchgradeof “C”.Cases inwhich students are repeatedlyabsentorabsentforextendedperiodsoftimefromworkwithoutapprovalwillbereviewedonacase-by-casebasisbytheSteeringCommittee.

SICKLEAVEPOLICYSickleaveshouldnotexceed15calendardaysperyear.Unuseddaysmaynotbecarriedoverintothefollowing12-monthperiodandarenotpayableupondeparture.Sickleavemaynotbesubtractedfromanypaid leaveearnedthroughthepolicyabove.At itsdiscretion, theDepartment,Programor facultypreceptormayrequirethestudenttosubmitverificationoftheneedforsickleavefromtheirhealthcareprovider to the University Health Service Center for review. Any documents containing a student’smedical informationmustbekeptseparatefromhis/heracademicfile.Extendedabsences(morethan14businessdays)mustbereportedbythestudentand/orfacultypreceptortotheAcademicProgramAdministratorasquicklyaspossible.Iftheillnessrequiresanextendedabsence,thestudentmayapplyfor a leave of absence (LOA), as described in “Procedures for theAward of theDoctor of PhilosophyDegree”.StudentsarealsosubjecttotheSchoolofMedicineInvoluntaryLeaveofAbsencePolicy. LEAVEOFABSENCEStudentsmayrequestaLeaveofAbsence(LOA)foramedicalcondition,militaryduty,personalhardshipor topursuean internship. Time spentona LOA isnot counted toward the time todegree. StudentsseekingtotakeaLOAmustapplyaccordingtotheproceduresdescribedin“ProceduresfortheAwardoftheDoctorofPhilosophyDegree”.

PARENTAL/NEWCHILDACCOMODATIONSFORGRADUATESTUDENTSAll eligible full-time graduate students and postdoctoral trainees will receive an eight-weekaccommodation to care for a new child,with no loss in tuition benefits, stipend support, or benefitsfromatraininggrant,fellowship,orscholarship.Seethefullpolicyhere.TheProgramDirectormustbenotifiedifastudentplanstouseparentalleave.

OUTSIDEEMPLOYMENTA student who has completed 1st and 2nd year required courses, successfully passed the DBOexamination and held at least one thesis committee meeting is eligible to pursue an internshipopportunity either through the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Biomedical CareersInitiative (BCI) or elsewhere after obtaining approval in advance from his/her faculty preceptor, theProgramDirectorandtheAssociateDeanforGraduateStudentAffairs.Studentswhosecureinternshipopportunities independentlyofBCImustregistertheinternshipwithBCIandfollowallBCIproceduresforcompletinganinternship.Duringinternships,studentsmustbeplacedonLeaveofAbsence(LOA)bythe Program and are paid by the organization hosting their internship. Students may also receivecompensation as teaching assistants (TA) or graders for JHU courses and/or through tutoring forstudents in the Program. These are considered excellent opportunities to gain teaching experience.However, as these activities can detract from thesis research activities, the student must obtainpermission from the faculty preceptor. Other outside employment is prohibited. Extenuatingcircumstances may be considered on a case by case basis, and procedures for obtaining outsideemploymentinthesecaseswilladheretothe“GraduateStudentEmploymentandConsultingPolicy”. JHU POLICIES To review University policies and statements, please visithttps://www.jhu.edu/university-policies/.

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ADDITIONALPROGRAMFEATURES

The Pharmacology Graduate Program organizes or participates in additional events that enrich thegraduatestudentexperience.

FACULTYMENTORING&ADVISORSSome students find it helpful to interactwith a faculty advisor to discuss courses, rotations, or otheradjustmentstograduateschool.Drs.CarenFreelMeyersandJimStiversareavailabletoassiststudentswithissuesthatariseingraduateschool.Ifstudentswishtohaveanassignedfacultyadvisorduringtheirfirst year, or subsequent years,who is not their thesis researchmentor, theDirector, orDepartmentChair,onecanbeassigneduponrequest.Drs.MeyersandStiversareavailabletoconfidentiallydiscussissuesstudentsmaybehavingwiththeirfacultymentor.BeyondtheProgramlevel,theSchoolofMedicineisalsocommittedtoensuringthatallstudentsbenefitfromqualitymentoring.Its“PolicyonMentoringCommitmentsforPhDStudentsandFacultyAdvisors”wascreatedtoprovidementortrainingacrosstheSOMandsupportgoodmentor-menteerelationships.Acomprehensivelistofexpectationsforbothmentorsandtraineesisavailableintheformofthe“JHUMentorship Commitments of Faculty Advisors and PhD Students.” Additional information is available here. Studentsmay alsowish to review the Program’s conflict resolution procedures, which exist toassiststudentsresolveconflictswithfacultyand/orstaffintherarecaseswherePrograminterventioniswarranted.TheconflictresolutionprotocolisavailablefromtheAdministrativeCoordinator.

NEWINNOVATIONSNew Innovations (NI) is a graduate biomedical education platform for data management andcommunication. Each student has aNew Innovations account which can be accessed viahttps://my.jhmi.eduunderthe“Education”Tab.AllstudentsattheSchoolofMedicinearerequiredtokeeptheirrecordsuptodatewithinNIforthedurationoftheirtraining.Studentsareabletoviewandedittheirpersonal information,progressintheprogram(includingevaluations),andprovideandtracktheir scholarly activities.Using NI to track scholarly activities helps both students and the Programaccess information in one secure place, making it easy to refer to when working on CVs, grantapplications, fellowships and preparing for graduation.For technical help with NI, students shouldcontactthehelpdeskasTeamNI@jhmi.edu,orvisithttp://helpni.jhmi.edufortips,videos,andresourcedocuments.

PHARMACOLOGYSTUDENTINITIATIVEThe Pharmacology Student Initiative (PSI) is a student representative group started within thePharmacologyDepartmentwiththegoaloffosteringdepartmentalcamaraderieandcollaboration.PSIworks closely with the departmental administration to organize new events as well as to improveexistingones.TheyalsohostsocialeventstoallowallmembersoftheDepartmenttogettoknoweachotherbetter.

STUDENT-INVITEDSEMINARSPEAKERTheDepartmentsponsorsastudent-invitedseminarspeakerannually.PSIselectsandinvitesanoutsidespeaker tovisit JohnsHopkins,andstudentshost the speaker formeetingsduring theday, lunchanddinner.

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OPTIONSANDBIOMEDICALCAREERSINITIATIVE(BCI)HousedwithintheProfessionalDevelopmentandCareerOffice(PDCO),theOPTIONScareercurriculumisdesigned togive trainees theopportunity for careerexploration,professionaldevelopment trainingandcareerskillbuilding.Duringyear1and2,studentsexplorecareersbyattendingatotalof6hours(3hourseachyear)ofInvestigatingCareersandNetworks(iCAN)eventsorothercareerpanels.TheiCANseriesfeaturesPhDprofessionalsandalumniwhosharetheircareerjourneys,day-to-dayactivities,andtips on success.These events are 1.5 hours and are typically held every 1-2 months. Alternatively,students can attend the NIH Annual Career Symposium to satisfy this requirement. During year 3,studentsbuildcareer-specificskillsandcontinuecareerexplorationinanarrowerfieldbyjoiningoneoftheOPTIONSCareerCommunitiesandattendingatleast6workshops.LedbyPhDprofessionals,theseinteractiveworkshopsexplorethevariouscareersavailablewhilehostinganactivitythathighlightsthemostcommonskillsandresponsibilitieswithinthefield.Studentswhowouldliketocontinueexploringmultiple career fields may select their own set of workshops from those offered throughout the 6communities. Inaddition,studentsconductan informational interviewwithsomeonewhosecareerorcompany interests them. For students who are confident about their career path and are activelyengaged in a career-related experience, such as the Johns Hopkins Graduate Consulting Club, TheCommercializationAcademy,orasimilarexperience,specialpermissionmaybegrantedtobypasstheOPTIONScommunities.Duringyear4andbeyond,studentsgainhands-oncareerexperience.Inatleast1 required one-on-one session, PDCO staff will help each student create a personalized plan for theremainderofhis/herPh.D.trainingthatisbasedonindividualcareergoals.Studentsmaytakeupto240hourstogainvaluableexperienceforfuturecareersbyparticipatinginaninternship,joiningastudent-ledgroup,completingateachingcertificate,orcompetingin3-MinuteThesis.The Biomedical Careers Initiative (BCI) works closely with the Professional Development and CareerOffice(PDCO)toactivelypromotecareerdevelopment.BCIoffersinternshipopportunities,networkingevents,andseminarsexploringthebroadrangeofcareeroptionsavailabletoPh.D.graduates.

STUDENTWELLNESSStudentwellnessandwell-beingareimportantaspectsofgraduatetraining,andtheProgramaimstosupportstudentswhereverpossible.ThePharmer’sGarden(Physiology320),developedby thePSI, providesPharmacology traineeswith a safe, calm,plant-filled spacewithin thedepartmenttoworkorrelax.InconjunctionwithPSI,Pharmer’sGardenorganizesgarden-relatedsocialevents,suchasvolunteeringatBaltimoreFreeFarm,apple/strawberrypicking,etc.The JohnsHopkinsStudentAssistanceProgram(JHSAP–seebelowunder“StudentSupportProgramsand Disabilities Services”) meets with students in Year 1 every fall to discuss stress management,work/life balance, and study and organization tips. The Pharmacology Program also invites a JHSAPrepresentativetomeetsemi-annuallywithgroupsofPharmacologystudentsatsimilarstagesoftraininginlateryearstofocusonstage-specificstressmanagementandwellness.

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STUDENTSUPPORTPROGRAMSANDDISABILITYSERVICESDISABILITYSERVICESInassuringthateverystudenthasequalaccesstouniversityprograms,facilitiesandtechnology,JHUiscommitted to full compliancewithall laws, regulationsandbestpractices related toaccommodationsforstudentswithdisabilities.ForquestionsaboutJHUproceduresandpolicies,GraduateStudentsareencouragedtocontacttheOfficeofInstitutionalEquity.If you have a disability and may require accommodations, please contact the Disabilities ServicesCoordinator forPh.D. students in theSchoolofMedicine (Catherine L.Will, cwill@jhmi.edu,410-614-3385) to discuss your specific needs. It is important to register with Disability Services in a timelymanner. Occasionally, it may be necessary to request additional information from an individual’sdiagnosticiantoverifytheinformationoraccommodations.

DIVERSITYANDINCLUSIONJHUiscommittedtofosteringanenvironmentthatembracesstudentsofallbackgrounds,cultures,andorientations.Dr.DamaniPiggott, theAssistantDeanforGraduateBiomedicalEducationandGraduateStudentDiversity,actsasanadvisor,advocate,androlemodelforgraduatestudents,supportingtheiracademic achievement and career development. Dr. Piggott also works to implement initiativesdesignedtoenhanceinclusion,diversity,andthewell-beingofgraduatestudentsatJHU.TheOfficeofInstitutional Equity is another resource for students interested in supporting diversity initiatives at auniversity-widelevel.Numerous student-run groups exist that are committed to supporting and promoting diversity andinclusion,suchastheBiomedicalScholarsAssociation(BSA)ortheGertrudeSteinSociety.

GRADUATESTUDENTASSOCIATION(GSA)TheGraduateStudentAssociation (GSA)of the JohnsHopkinsUniversitySchoolofMedicineactsasaliaison between the graduate student body and all other elements of The Johns Hopkins University.Accordingly,theGSArepresentstheopinionsandidealsofthegraduatestudentbodytothefacultyandadministration, and it reciprocally communicates the ideals and standards of the Johns HopkinsUniversitySchoolofMedicinetothegraduatestudentbody.

JOHNSHOPKINSSTUDENTASSISTANCEPROGRAM(JHSAP)TheJohnsHopkinsStudentAssistanceProgram(JHSAP)providessupport indealingwiththepressuresand challenges students face during their academic and professional careers. The Student AssistanceProgramoffers:

•Discussionandsupportgroups;•Preventativeandeducationalsessions;•Identificationandassessmentofpersonal,family,andschool/work-relatedissues;•Briefcounselingandconsultation;and•Referraltoappropriateandaccessibleservicesandresources.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 410-955-1220 or 443-997-3800, or visitwww.jhsap.orgorhttp://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/uhs/SAP.html. Seealso“StudentWellness”under“AdditionalProgramFeatures”above.

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OFFICEOFINTERNATIONALSERVICESTheOfficeofInternationalServices(OIS)assistsinternationalstudents,scholars,researchers,clinicians,staffandfacultywithvisasandimmigration.Walk-inadvisinghoursareofferedforstudentsonF-1orJ-1visas.OIS is also anexcellent resource for informationonpracticalmatters suchashousing, banking,andtaxes.PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTANDCAREEROFFICE(PDCO)The JHMI Professional Development and Career Office (PDCO) supports the professional and careerdevelopment of JHMI faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and medical students. A variety of andworkshopsandclassesareoffered,aswellasabroadrangeofcareer-relatedservices.ThePDCOworkstogetherwithPMStoprovideastructuredCareerandProfessionalDevelopmentPlanoutlinedabove.

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FACULTYADVISORROLESINPHDREQUIREMENTS

PROGRAMANDNIHT32GENERALREQUIREMENTSFaculty advisors must have sufficient time to commit to training given their other professionalobligations.AsperT32guidelines,facultyadvisorsareexpectedto:

●promotethedevelopmentoftraineeskillsinapproachestoexperimentaldesign,methodsofdatacollection,dataanalysisandinterpretation,andreporting

● provide opportunities for trainees to initiate, conduct, interpret, and present rigorous,reproducibleandresponsiblebiomedicalresearchwithincreasingself-direction

● demonstrate a commitment to effective mentoring, and promoting inclusive and supportivescientificandtrainingenvironments

FACUTYMENTORTRAININGFaculty advisorsmust complete training inmentoring graduate students, adhere to the guidelines ofeffectivementorship (see“JHUMentorshipCommitmentsofFacultyAdvisorsandPhDStudents”),andareevaluatedregularlybytheProgram.TheSchoolofMedicine is committed toensuring thatall studentsbenefit fromqualitymentoring. Its“Policy on Mentoring Commitments for PhD Students and Faculty Advisors” was created to providementortrainingacrosstheSOMandsupportgoodmentor-menteerelationships.Acomprehensive listof expectations for both mentors and trainees is available in the form of the “JHU MentorshipCommitmentsofFacultyAdvisorsandPhDStudents.”Additionalinformationisavailablehere.Studentsmay also wish to review the Program’s conflict resolution procedures, which exist to assist studentsresolveconflictswithfacultyand/orstaffintherarecaseswherePrograminterventioniswarranted.Faculty advisors are expected to play key roles in several requirements for the PhD degree inPharmacology.Theseinclude:

RESEARCHROTATIONSThefacultymentorshouldbeavailabletointeractwithrotationstudentsduringtherotationandmakean effort to provide feedback on research activities and presentations. At the end of the rotation,he/shehasa responsibility to:1) reviewtherotationsummaryassembledby thestudentandprovidefeedbackonthestudent’srotationpresentation,2)provideanevaluationoftherotationstudenttotheprogram, 3) meet one-on-one with the student to discuss the rotation and provide feedback to thestudent,and4)attendtherotationpresentation.

ACCEPTINGSTUDENTSINTOYOURLABFacultymaymentornomorethan3Pharmacologystudentsatatime.Whenacceptinganewstudentintothelab,thePharmacologyfacultyadvisorisagreeingtobetheprimarymentortothestudent,andmustparticipateas such invarious requirements for thePhD (notedbelow).Co-mentors for studentsthatareapprovedbytheProgrammaynotsubstitutefortheprimarymentortofulfilltherolesintheserequirements.

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ESSENTIALGRANTSMANSHIPCOURSEFacultyadvisorsofPharmacologystudentsenrolledin“EssentialGrantsmanship”(2ndyearstudents)areexpected to provide guidance to their students during the preparation of anabbreviatedF31-styleproposal based on their thesis project. Since the course has a limited time frame the abbreviatedproposal (<3 pages) will include one specific aim, background andsignificance, one preliminary datafigureandtheresearchsectionforthesingleaim.Thegoalistofocusonessentialgrantsmanshipskillsrather thancompletion of an entire proposal.Mentor guidance should be provided at the point ofproposal conception, review ofmenteewriting assignments, and a shortwritten critique of the finalproductandthestudent’sprogress.Thementor’swrittenevaluationwillbeconsideredalongwiththecourse directors' indetermining the satisfactory progress of eachstudent.The primary mentor mustfulfill thisresponsibility incaseswherethestudentalsohasaco-mentor.Thisrequirement isonewaythat the Program ensures that grantsmanship, elements of RCR and methods to enhance rigor &reproducibilityarereinforcedbyourfacultymentors.

DOCTORATEBOARDORALEXAM(DBO)Facultyadvisorsof2ndyearstudentsmustparticipateasamemberoftheDBOcommittee.Thestudent’sfacultyadvisordiscussesthestudent’sprogresswiththecommitteeatthebeginningoftheexam.Theprimarymentormustfulfilltheseresponsibilitiesincaseswherethestudentalsohasaco-mentor.

INDIVIDUALDEVELOPMENTPLAN(IDP)JHU requires that, at least annually, every PhD student and their advisor discuss (a) the student’sacademicprogressandnextsteps;(b)thestudent’sprofessionaldevelopmentgoalsandanynextsteps;(c) how the advisor can be helpful regarding each. For the full policy, please see “Policy on AnnualAcademicandProfessionalDevelopmentDiscussionsforPhDStudentsandTheirFacultyAdvisors”.Thefacultyadvisormustholdthismeetingwithhis/hersecondyearstudentsbyJune30ofYear2,andbefore the annual thesis committee meeting with students in Year 3 or higher. The student willcomplete a questionnaire before themeeting to facilitate the discussion.Themeeting is confidentialbetween the student and advisor(s). However, the career development portion of the IDP is to besharedwiththethesisadvisorycommitteeattheannualthesiscommitteemeeting.Theadvisorandthestudent should keep a record of the forms and must submit a signed statement to the AcademicProgram Administrator by the deadline. The primary mentor must fulfill this responsibility in caseswherethestudentalsohasaco-mentor.

THESISRESEARCHThefacultyadvisoroverseesthethesisresearchofhis/herstudentandhasaresponsibilitytoadheretothe guidelines of effective mentorship and provide regular evaluations of the student. The facultyadvisormustassignagradeeachyearforresearch.

●Agradeof“A”signifiesastrongperformanceandgoodeffort inthe laboratoryandrequiresnoexplanation.

●Agradeof“B”isassignedifthestudentneedsimprovementinoneormoreareas.●Agradeof“C”isassignedifthereisaseriousproblemthatrequiresimmediateattention.

The faculty advisor has a responsibility to communicate his/her concern to the student if assigning aletter grade of “B” or “C”. The advisormust also explain this grade assignment to the Program, andconfirmtheyhavecommunicatedtheconcernwiththestudent.Agradeof“C”isconsideredfailingandwill prompt a meeting between the Program Director and student (and/or between the Program

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Directorandpreceptor)todiscusstheproblemandplansto improveperformancemovingforward. Incases where the student has a co-mentor, it is the primary mentor whomust provide the researchgrade.

THESISADVISORYCOMMITTEE&MEETINGSThe faculty advisor is expected to work with his/her student to select appropriatemembers for thestudent’s thesis advisory committee. He/she is expected to engage with the student prior to thesiscommitteemeetings,working togetherwith thestudent tosummarizeprogressandproposedstudiesandtimelinesinthewrittensummaryandoralpresentation.Thefacultyadvisormustbepresentatthethesis committeemeeting. The primary mentor must fulfill these responsibilities in cases where thestudentalsohasaco-mentor,althoughitisalsoconsideredappropriatefortheco-mentortoattendthethesiscommitteemeetings.

DATAMANAGEMENT,RCR,RIGOR&REPRODUCIBILITYThe faculty advisor is expected to have a clear Data Management SOP for his/her lab that iscommunicatedwithstudentsandmonitoredonaregularbasis inthelab.Likewise,thefacultyadvisorhas a responsibility to employ the highest standards of scientific rigor and impart those standards totheir students. The faculty advisor must also reinforce and augment the curricular material onresponsibleconductofresearch(RCR),andmethodsforenhancingreproducibilitywithhis/herstudents.AssessmentswillbemadeduringtheDBOandannualthesiscommitteemeetingstoensurethestudentisreceivingthisguidancebyhis/hermentorinthelab.

RESEARCHINPROGRESS&ANNUALRETREATThe faculty advisor is expected to engage with his/her student when they prepare oral and posterpresentationsforRIPandannualretreats(requiredinyears3-5),andtoprovideconstructivefeedbackduringthisprocess.Theadvisoralsohasaresponsibilitytomakeeveryefforttoattendhis/herstudent’spresentationandprovidefeedback.

CO-MENTORSEachPharmacologygraduatestudentmusthaveaprimaryfacultyadvisorfrominsidethePharmacologyGraduate Program. In some cases, the student and his/her primary faculty advisor may decide it isnecessarytohaveafacultyco-mentor(frominsideoroutsidethePharmacologyGraduateProgram).Co-mentorsmustbeapprovedbytheProgramDirector.AlettermustbesubmittedtotheDirectorstatingwhy faculty co-mentorship is essential for the student’s training. If approved, the co-mentor mustcompletementortrainingandagreetothetermsofco-mentorshipbytheProgramandSOM(ifoutsideofPharmacology).Note:Theprimaryfacultyadvisor(nottheco-mentor)isthepersonresponsiblefor:1)overseeingthestudent’straining,2)fulfillingtheaboveexpectationsoffacultyadvisors,and3)payingthestudent’sstipendstartinginYear2.Theco-mentorisnotallowedtopaythestudent’sstipend.

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EXPECTATIONSFORFACULTYPARTICIPATIONINPROGRAMACTIVITIES

Participation in Program activities by all Pharmacology training faculty is key to the success of theTrainingProgram.Asa requirement formembership in thePharmacologyGraduateProgramat JohnsHopkinsSchoolofMedicine,Programfacultymustparticipateinthefollowingactivities:

GRADUATESTUDENTRECRUITINGREQUIREMENT:Programfacultymustparticipateingraduatestudentrecruitingbyconductingatleast2interviewsperyear,onaverage.FacultywithprimaryappointmentsinPharmacologyareexpectedtoparticipate inat least4 interviewsper year,onaverage.Recruiting the verybest students toourprogramdemandsadedicatedefforttoevaluateprospectivestudentsandconnectthemwithpotentialfacultymentorsofinterest.Theadmissionscommitteereliesheavilyuponthefeedbackobtainedfromfaculty who participate in the interview process. Thus, it is essential that faculty members regularlyparticipate in recruiting activities, including interviewing prospective students and attending therecruitingdinnerwhenpossible.

DOCTORATEBOARDORALEXAMS(DBO)REQUIREMENT: Program faculty must participate in the DBO at least once every 3 years. Thiscommitment will involve either service on one DBO committee that assesses two or three studentsconsecutively(allinonemorningorafternoon),orserviceonthecommitteeresponsibleforwritingDBOquestions(seethenewDBOformat).

RESPONSIBLECONDUCTOFRESEARCH(RCR)REQUIREMENT:ProgramfacultymustparticipateinaResponsibleConductofResearch(RCR)Programtraining activity at least once per year, on average. Responsible conduct of research involves theawarenessandapplicationofestablishedprofessionalnormsandethicalprinciplesintheperformanceofallactivitiesrelatedtoscientificresearch.PharmacologystudentsarerequiredtoreceivetrainingandundergoassessmentinRCRinmultipleformatsandatmultiplepointsthroughouttheirtraining.TheT32training program is required to ensure that faculty mentors participate in training activities thatreinforceandaugmenttheRCRcurricularmaterial.OpportunitiestoparticipateinRCRtrainingactivitiesincludethefollowing:

●leadanRCRsessionattheannualretreat●leadajournalclubdiscussioninwhichRCRisemphasized●participate intheEssentialGrantsmanshipcoursewithyour2ndyearstudent(required) inwhichRCRisemphasized

●leadrequiredRCRactivitiesatJHUSOMinwhichPharmacologygraduatestudentsparticipate(forexample,leadingasessionintheJHUSOMResearchIntegrityColloquiaseries)

CAREER&PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENT(CPD)REQUIREMENT: Program faculty must participate in a Career and/or Professional Developmenttraining activity at least onceper year, on average.T32 trainingprogram facultymust participate inactivitiesthatpromotetraineeprofessionalandcareerdevelopmentsuchthatstudentsgraduatewith

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the skills, credentials and experiences to transition into their chosen career paths. There are severalopportunitiestoparticipateinCPD,including:

●annualretreat:serveasaposterorflashtalkjudge,orleadtheflashtalkworkshoppriortoretreat●participateintheCPDplanforPharmacologygraduatestudents(e.g.,afacultymembercanleadaworkshop on Establishing a Research Lab, in the OPTIONS Academic Research CommunitysponsoredbythePDCOandattendedbyPharmacologystudents)

●hostResearchinProgress(RIP)andprovidefeedbacktostudentspeakers●involveyourstudentswhenhostingaseminarspeaker(seeDepartmentalSeminarsbelow)

RESEARCHINPROGRESS(RIP)REQUIREMENT:Programfacultymembersarerequiredtohostandprovidefeedbacktopresentersatleast once every 2 years, on average. Students in the Pharmacology Department give an oralpresentationatResearchinProgress(RIP)inyears3-5.Thisrequirementgivesthemanopportunitytosharpentheirpresentationskills,andtoreceivecriticalfeedbackfromstudents,postdocsandfaculty.

JOURNALCLUBREQUIREMENT:Programfacultymustleadatleastonejournalclubdiscussionevery3years.**Note:participation in journal club is not required if the faculty member is fulfilling RCR requirementsanotherwayANDalreadydevotessubstantialtimetoteachingPharmacologygraduatestudents(i.e.directingand/orteachingatleast2lecturesperyearinrequiredcoursesforPharmacologystudents).Journal club is intended to help students strengthen their ability to critically analyze the literature,enhanceskillsinexperimentaldesignandmethodsforenhancingrigorandreproducibility,anddiscussresponsibleconductofresearchindifferentcontexts.Facultyparticipationinjournalclubsessionsoffersteaching opportunities for program faculty, the chance to interact with students and to meetrequirementsforengaginginRCRactivitiesandtraininginmethodstoenhancerigor&reproducibility.

DEPARTMENTALSEMINARSREQUIREMENT:PrimaryfacultyinPharmacologyarerequiredtoinviteatleastonespeakerperyear.All other program faculty are strongly encouraged to participate in this activity. Faculty-invitedseminar speakersmake up our departmental seminar series and provide an excellent opportunity toengage with scientists from other institutions and industry. Seminars offer opportunities for ourstudentstohearaboutresearchfrombeyondthewallsofJHUandtonetworkwithscientistswhohavetaken a variety of career paths; Pharmacology students have lunchwith seminar speakers as part oftheircareerdevelopmentplan.Programfacultyarealreadystronglyencouragedto invitespeakers, toensureabreadthof topicsof interest toourstudentsandfaculty.Programfacultywhohostseminarspeakers can fulfill the CPD requirement by considering career development opportunities for ourstudentswhentheyinviteaspeaker:

●invitePharmacologyalumni(paststudentsorpostdocs)● get students involved: solicit names for speakers from your students, involve your students byasking themtohelpyouhostyourspeaker,schedule inaslot foryourspeaker tomeetwithyourstudents,todiscusstheircareerpath,etc.

RETREATOur annual retreat is held on campus in themonth of September. This event gives a chance to hearaboutresearchinPharmacologylabsandtomeetnewstudents,andpresentsmultipleopportunitiestofulfillfacultyparticipationrequirements(i.e.RCRandCPDrequirementsfortheyearcanbecompleted

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byparticipatingintheretreat).Inaddition,toensuresomelevelofinteractionbetweenprogramfacultyandstudents,attendancebyProgramfacultyattheretreatisstronglyencouraged.

POLICYONPARTICIPATIONFacultyparticipationwillbemonitoredfromyeartoyear.FacultymemberswhohavenotparticipatedinprogramactivitiesoverthepreviousacademicyearwillreceiveareminderfromtheDirectorthattheirmembershipintheProgramisdependentonparticipationintrainingactivities.Thefacultymemberwillbegivenanadditionalyeartoengageandaddressdeficienciesinparticipation.Failuretoengageintheprogramactivitiesovermultipleyears,intheabsenceofextenuatingcircumstances,willbegroundsforremovalfromtheProgram.