Table of Contents
General UBC Information................................................................................................................ 3
Where To Go For Assistance ....................................................................................................... 3
Useful websites........................................................................................................................ 3
Safety Orientation ................................................................................................................... 4
Health ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Student Accident Insurance..................................................................................................... 5
UBC Card .................................................................................................................................. 5
Netinfo (internet access for UBC student) and CWL ............................................................... 6
Keys .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Housing .................................................................................................................................... 7
Course Requirements for Microbiology & Immunology Graduate Students ................................. 8
Master’s Candidate.................................................................................................................. 8
PhD Candidate ......................................................................................................................... 8
Bench Marks for Microbiology & Immunology Graduate Students ............................................... 9
Master’s Candidate.................................................................................................................. 9
PhD Candidate ....................................................................................................................... 10
Switching from Master’s to PhD Program .................................................................................... 11
Summary of Thesis Committee ..................................................................................................... 11
Breakdown of Benchmarks: Guidelines and Requirements ......................................................... 12
Initial Thesis Project: ................................................................................................................. 12
First Progress Report: ................................................................................................................ 12
Second Progress Report (MASTER’S Students Only) ................................................................. 13
Pre-Comp Meeting (PhD Students Only) .................................................................................. 15
Comprehensive Exam ................................................................................................................ 16
Submitting the written proposal ........................................................................................... 16
Guidelines for the Written Portion of the Comprehensive Exam ......................................... 16
Comprehensive Examination Proceedings ............................................................................ 17
General Microbiology and Cell Biology Knowledge .............................................................. 18
Annual Progress Report (Master’s and PhD) ............................................................................ 19
Permission to Write Meeting (Master’s and PhD) .................................................................... 20
MSc Thesis Defence................................................................................................................... 21
PhD Thesis Defense ................................................................................................................... 22
After a successful defense (MSc and PhD) ................................................................................ 23
Stipends and Scholarships ............................................................................................................ 24
Stipend and Scholarship Payment................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Graduate Support Initiative (GSI) ................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
International Partial Tuition Scholarship .................................................................................. 24
John Richard Turner Fellowship ................................................................................................ 25
Graduate Student Travel Fund .................................................................................................. 25
Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) ......................................................................................... 26
Tri-agency Funding .................................................................................................................... 26
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NSERC..................................................................................................................................... 26
CIHR ....................................................................................................................................... 26
Sample Stipend Calculations ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Teaching Assistant (TA) Duties and Expectations ......................................................................... 28
Profile of a good Teaching Assistant ......................................................................................... 29
TAG (Teaching & Academic Growth) Programs ........................................................................ 30
Instructional Skills Workshops (ISWs) ....................................................................................... 30
Peer Coaching for Graduate Students....................................................................................... 31
FORMS........................................................................................................................................... 32
Initial Project Summary ............................................................................................................. 33
Progress Report Outline ............................................................................................................ 34
Graduate Thesis Committee Report ......................................................................................... 35
Comprehensive Exam Planning Report ..................................................................................... 36
Report on Comprehensive Oral Examination ........................................................................... 37
Directions for completing Report on Comprehensive Exam Form ....................................... 38
MSc Thesis Defense Report Form ............................................................................................. 39
PhD Thesis Supervisory Committee Approval to ...................................................................... 40
Send Thesis to External Examiner ............................................................................................. 40
Permission to Write Thesis Committee Meeting ...................................................................... 41
2
General UBC Information
Where To Go For Assistance
The support staff at Microbiology and Immunology is here to help you. If you have any
questions prior to, or during your studies here, please feel free to contact us.
Darlene Birkenhead (822-3615) is the Graduate Program Coordinator, located in room 1362 in
the LSC. She is your contact for questions and concerns regarding your graduate program,
including program milestones, scholarships and awards, pay, employment contracts, study
permits, TA assignments, etc. darmb@mail.ubc.ca
Patrick Ho (822-9493) is the IT and Systems Administrator for the department and is located in
LSC 3505. He can assist with computer and CWL set up. He will also set you up with an account
on the Microbiology and Immunology server. patrick.ho@ubc.ca
Sue Palichuk (822-6648) is the Operations Manager for the Department. Sue is located in room
1373 of the LSC and handles HR and departmental finances.
Odette Rivers (822-9631) is located at LSC 1365 and is the Senior Financial officer. Travel
awards, conference reimbursements, time sheets go through Odette. orivers@mail.ubc.ca
Deanna Shew (822-3325) is the Department Head’s Assistant located at LSC 1365. Deanna can
arrange appointments with the Head (Dr. Mike Gold) as well as look after any room bookings.
Deanna also issues key requisition forms. deanna.shew@mail.ubc.ca
There are several publications that provide a wide variety of useful information to students at
UBC. Some of these include:
o UBC Calendar: UBC Academic Calendar
o Faculty of Graduate Studies: www.grad.ubc.ca
o Faculty of Graduate Studies: Graduate Studies Policies and Procedures Policies &
Procedures - Faculty & Staff - Grad School
o Faculty of Graduate Studies: Handbook of Graduate Supervision
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/handbook-graduate-supervision
o Faculty of Graduate Studies: Graduate Pathways to success:
o GPS: Graduate Pathways to Success - Current Students - Grad School
o Faculty of Graduate Studies: Intellectual Property Guide Intellectual Property
Guide - Intellectual Property Guide - UBC
o Graduate Student Society Handbook
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/newly-admitted/grad-guide
Useful websites
Ask Me @ UBC – Ask Me | Student Services
Campus Security: http://www.security.ubc.ca
Counselling Services: http://students.ubc.ca/counselling/
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Enrolment Services: www.students.ubc.ca
Equity: http://equity.ubc.ca/
Graduate Student Society: http://www.gss.ubc.ca/
Health and Wellness: http://students.ubc.ca/livewell
Includes information on:
Student Health Services
Health Insurance for New International Students (IMED)
AMG/GSS Health and Dental Plan
Wellness Centre
Housing: http://www.housing.ubc.ca/
Parking: UBC Parking & Access Control Services - Student Parking Rates
Student Service Centre: https://ssc.adm.ubc.ca/sscportal/servlets/
or drop by Brock Hall to request transcripts or to manage your registration, fees, and more
If you are an international student, please refer to the Pre-Arrival Handbook for International
Students- http://students.ubc.ca/international
This site also contains information on:
Admissions - How to apply to UBC
Visa/Immigration Requirements
Costs
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Housing
Health Care & Insurance
How to register for courses
Arriving in Vancouver
University Services for Students
Studying in Canada
Life at UBC
Checklists
Safety Orientation
You should receive a safety orientation of the lab from your supervisor, the lab technician, or
another lab member who is designated by your supervisor. In addition, if you work in the LSC,
you will need to go on the LSI web site (www.lsi.ubc.ca) and do the on-line safety orientation
and read the LSC safety manual. It is important to make yourself familiar with the procedures
and regulations therein. Failure to follow important safety rules can result in your lab losing
their licenses to use hazardous materials. Note that you must pass UBC Biosafety, Chemical
Safety, and Radiation Safety before using such materials. The same is true for the on-line CCAC
animal care course if you will be using animals. Your supervisor or lab manager is also required
to keep a record of all your safety training
4
Health
Everyone should have medical and hospital insurance. BC residents qualify for the Medical
Services Plan. Canadian students from other provinces can remain on their provincial plan as
long as the plan is advised that they are attending UBC and providing that the premiums (if
applicable) are paid. International students should refer to Insurance and Health Care section of
the International Student Handbook: International Student Handbook
The AMS/GSS Student Health and Dental Plan automatically apply to all full and part time
students at UBC who are members of the AMS (undergraduates) or GSS (graduates), including
international students. Note that the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan are extended health
care, and you cannot claim benefits without MSP or equivalent basic coverage.
http://students.ubc.ca/livewell?page=plan. For more information, please visit the Health office
in the Student Union Building (SUB) or www.studentcare.net or call 1-877-795-4421.
Student Accident Insurance
The department of Microbiology and Immunology will pay for the cost of accidental insurance
coverage for all of our graduate students.
For information on this coverage, please refer to: http://www.treasury.ubc.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2010/10/student_accident_insurance.pdf
Student Health Services 822-7011
Located on the main floor down the hall from the University Hospital’s emergency room, this is
a doctor’s office for all registered UBC students with medical problems. Services provided
include medical and psychiatric services, injuries, sports medicine, immunizations, allergy
injections and all hospital specialty services. General problems can be treated on a drop-in
basis. Your health care is covered by any provincial or private medical plan.
UBC Dental Clinic 822-2112
Treatment is provided by dental students under the strict supervision of faculty. Fees are 1/3 of
those listed in the BC Dental Fee Guide. There is a general dentistry waiting list and dental work
is also available when treatment needs fall within the students’ educational requirements and
competency. Emergency care and limited elective treatment are available at reduced fees in
the Reach Community Health Centre (604-251-3000) and at the Mid-Main Community Health
Centre (604-873-3666).
UBC Card
New Student Library Cards
At UBC your UBCcard is your Library, your student ID, transit, and access card as well can be a
food and debit card and your voting identification for student elections. Students who are
registered on the Student Service Centre (SSC) should apply in person at the UBC Bookstore.
Students should know their student number and must bring one piece of photo ID, such as a
passport or driver's license.
Please visit www.ubccard.ubc.ca for open hours and more information
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YOU MUST BE REGISTERED AS A STUDENT PRIOR TO REQUESTING A UBC CARD. As soon as
your confirmation of acceptance has been received from you, the Graduate Program
Coordinator will register you by enrolling you in your thesis course.
Internet access for UBC student and CWL
All registered UBC students are entitled to a Campus-Wide Login (CWL), which enables access
to many UBC online services. To active your CWL account, sign up at www.cwl.ubc.ca
All graduate students are eligible for the lifetime Email Forwarding Service
(name@alumni.ubc.ca). For the UBC Hosted Mailbox Service, aka (FASmail)
(name@mail.ubc.ca), email Patrick Ho directly at itsupport@microbiology.ubc.ca with your
CWL.
Please note: Most of the information you’ll receive from the department will arrive via email,
i.e., award and scholarship information, registration deadlines, social events, etc. so it’s
important that the main office has your correct email as well as postal address.
Keys
A key request form must come from your supervisor (in the LSC) or Lab Manager. A key
requisition form will then be prepared for you, which you take to the Parking and Key desk at
GSAB, Room 204, 2nd Floor, 2075 Wesbrook Mall. Depending on which keys you are issued, you
may be required to pay a deposit of up to $35.00. Please keep in mind that during the first
week of classes, line-ups at the Key Desk can be quite long (1-2 hours). For the LSC, you will
need a keycard to enter the building after working hours and at all times for using the elevators
and stairs that go to the research floors. Individual keys will open your lab wing, equipment
rooms, and student office.
Housing
Graduate students at UBC live both on and off the campus. UBC's location on the western tip of
Greater Vancouver means that students living off campus often have to commute considerable
distances to the university, as well as paying quite high rents. On-campus housing exists for
families at very competitive rates, but waiting lists are long. Single students have a variety of
options for living on campus. If interested in family or single-person housing on campus, you
should not wait until a decision has been made on your admission but complete a housing
application form as early as possible.
Green College
www.greencollege.ubc.ca
604-822-8660
gc.reception@ubc.ca
A residential college administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Green College is devoted
to advanced interdisciplinary scholarship. It offers a broad variety of academic programming
including a series of lectures and seminars featuring faculty and students from UBC, as well as
visiting scholars. Everyone is welcome to attend, and all lectures are free of charge.
6
St. John’s College
www.stjohns.ubc.ca
604-822-8788
sjc.reception@ubc.ca
St. John’s College is a residential college administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The
college focuses on international research themes and global change issues, both in the
selection of its residential and non-residential members, and in its academic offerings to the
university and the great community. It is a veritable hotspot of intellectual and social activity on
campus, featuring frequent lectures and seminars.
For complete information for on-campus housing, please refer to the website:
http://www.housing.ubc.ca/
AMS Rentsline is an off-campus housing referral service for students and landlords run by the
Alma Mater Society. Accessing rental advertisements requires a touch-tone phone. To listen to
the latest rental ads, call (604) 714-4848. www.amsrentsline.com Housing Boards
There are some really good leads on the board in the lobby at the Grad Centre. There are also
housing boards in the SUB and International House.
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Course Requirements for Microbiology & Immunology Graduate
Students
Master’s Candidate
In order to graduate, MSc students are required to take a minimum of 30 credits
Course
Credits
506
6
Additional
6
Course(s)
549 (Thesis)
18
TOTAL:
30
1st Year
• 506c Sept - April
• Additional 6 Credits
decided on with
supervisor.
3rd Term 1st Year
• 1st opportunity to
transfer to PhD or
declare MSc
549
• In all terms you are
registered in your
thesis. You will
receive a pass when
you hand in your
thesis to Graduate
Studies after your
defense.
Courses should be decided on and included on incoming student’s “Initial Thesis Project
Meeting” between supervisor and student. Additional courses can be taken with the approval
of the Grad advisor anytime during the course of your program.
Students starting in January or May should register for 506 for September of their first year.
PhD Candidate
Students starting in the PhD program will discuss course requirements with their supervisor at
the “Initial Thesis Project Meeting”. Each student may have different course recommendations
based on their academic history. Direct Entry PhD students (without a prior Master’s degree)
are required to take MICB506c (6 credits) plus 6 additional credits. A student entering with an
MSc degree is required to take MICB 506d (3 credits). These students are registered in MICB
649. Direct entry students are required to pass the comprehensive exam within 18 months of
starting the program.
8
Benchmarks for Microbiology & Immunology Graduate Students
Master’s Candidate
Initial Thesis
Project Meeting
First Progress
Report
•In 11th month of program
•Sept Start: Aug / Jan Start: Dec / May start: April
•Assesses grades, project, project plans or transfer.
•SUBMIT: "Graduate Thesis Committee Report" form to
Grad Coordinator
2nd Committee
Meeting
•In 2nd half of second year
•Assess project and project plans discuss completion
date or transfer
•SUBMIT: "Graduate Thesis Committee Report" form to
Grad Coordinator
Annual Committee
Meetings
•Committee Meeting are REQUIRED to be held annually
•last opportunity to transfer to PhD 2 yrs. from start
date
•SUBMIT: "Graduate Thesis Committee Report" to Grad
Coordinator
Permission to Write
Committee meeting
•Generally 6 months before student intends to defend
thesis.
•Discuss outline of thesis
•SUBMIT: “Permission to Write Thesis Committee
Meeting”
Preparing to
Graduate
•Check deadlines: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/deadlines/
•Apply to Graduate (Student Service Centre)
•Arrange a Thesis Defense
•Take Thesis to Grad Studies for formatting check
Thesis Defense
•Distribute thesis to committee members
•Orally defend thesis
•SUBMIT: "MSc Thesis Defense Report Form" to Grad
Coordinator
Submitting Thesis
9
•Before start of program
•Discuss: thesis project and course requirements
•SUBMIT: "Initial Thesis Project" form to Grad
Coordinator
•Bring forms and Thesis to Grad Studies
•SUBMIT to GRAD COORDINATOR:
•Thesis receipt for passing grade in 549
•2 copies of thesis for binding
PhD Candidate
Initial Thesis Project
Meeting
First Progress Report
Pre Comp Meeting
Comprehensive Exam
Annual Committee
Meetings
Permission to Write
Committee meeting
Preparing to
Graduate
Thesis Defense
Submitting Thesis
10
• Discuss: thesis project and course requirements
• SUBMIT: "Initial Thesis Project" form to Grad
Coordinator
• In 11th month of program
• Sept Start: Aug / Jan Start: Dec May Start: April
• assigned TAship
• Assesses course grades, project, project plans.
• SUBMIT: "Graduate Thesis Committee Report"
• 16-18 months into graduate program
• Assess research progress and plan
• Grant permission to take Comp exam and assigns
topics
• SUBMIT: "Comprehensive Exam Planning Report"
•within 18-21 months into grad program start date
•Sept transfer: Feb 15th -28th / Jan transfer June 15th-30th /May
transfer Nov 15-30
•Written proposal to committee members 2 weeks before comp
•General Microbiology and Cell Biology knowledge tested verbally
•SUBMIT: ”Report on Comprehensive Oral Examination”
• Committee Meeting are REQUIRED to be held
annually
• SUBMIT: "Graduate Thesis Committee Report" to
Grad Coordinator
• Generally 6 months before student intends to defend
thesis.
• SUBMIT: “Permission to Write Thesis Committee
Meeting”
• Choose date and prepare Exit Seminar
• Check deadlines: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/deadlines/
• Apply to Graduate (Student Service Centre)
• Apply for External Examiner
• Take Thesis to Grad Studies for formatting check
• 2 copies of Thesis to Grad Studies for External
Examiner
• Distribute thesis to committee members
• Orally defend thesis
• Bring forms and Thesis to Grad Studies
• SUBMIT to GRAD COORDINATOR:
• Thesis receipt for passing grade in 649
• 2 copies of thesis for binding
Switching from MSc to PhD Program
Students who enter in the MSc program and wish to transfer to the PhD program must have
completed one year of study in the MSc program with a first class average (≥80%) in 12 credits.
Nine of these credits must be at the 500 level or above. Nine credits must be at first class
(≥80%) standing. The student must have completed all program requirements and show clear
evidence of research ability, as determined by the supervisory committee.
Students should discuss switching to the PhD program with their supervisor and then discuss in
a supervisory committee meeting. Students have the opportunity to switch to the PhD program
at their First Progress Report/committee meeting and on or before their Second Progress
Report/committee meeting. The thesis supervisory committee approves the transfer from the
MSc to PhD program and documents this on a committee report form. The Program
Coordinator completes a Recommendation to Transfer form signed by the grad advisor; the
Faculty of Graduate Studies approves the transfer for the beginning of a term: (Sept, Jan and
May).
NOTE: Students who started as MSc students and transfer to the PhD program are REQUIRED to
pass the Comprehensive exam within 6 months of transfer from the MSc program.
Summary of Thesis Committee
The role of a thesis supervisory committee is to mentor the student throughout their program.
The committee is also responsible for monitoring and assessing the student’s progress.
Committee meetings (minimum of 3 members) are held at least annually to ensure the student
is on track. The Graduate Thesis Committee Report must be completed by the supervisor and
signed by both the student and the supervisor. The Graduate Thesis Committee Report must be
submitted to the Program Coordinator and will be kept in the student’s file.
MSc Committee:
Supervisor + 2 other members
PhD Committee:
Supervisor + 3 other members
Committee Members:
 faculty members at the rank of at least Assistant Professor
 If the committee is to include members from outside the University, approval by the
Graduate Program Advisor or department head must be obtained
 May include senior instructors, professors emeriti, honorary faculty, adjunct faculty,
off-campus professionals as well as faculty members from other universities. A
request for approval for such members submitted to the graduate program advisor
should include a copy of the individual’s curriculum vitae
11

A committee may contain more than three members, but the majority of the
committee must be members in the Faculty of Graduate Studies
NOTE: 1st Committee members must be chosen within 3 months of entry into the program. At
least 1 member of the committee must be a member of our department.
Breakdown of Benchmarks: Guidelines and Requirements
IMPORTANT: It is a requirement by the department and Faculty of Graduate Studies that
Progress is reported at least annually. If you fail to arrange and hold a Thesis Committee
Meeting your stipend will be withheld and it will be reported to the Faculty of Graduate Studies
that your progress is deemed inadequate, and you may be withdrawn from the program by
Graduate Studies.
Initial Thesis Project:
Timeline: A description is due before start of first term or in first month of first term
Submit to Grad Coordinator: “Initial Thesis Project Form” (page 33)
This meeting should include a list of courses that should be taken or audited, initial project
direction and design. Students are encouraged to have as much input as possible into the
direction of their research project. However, it is up to the supervisor to ensure that the
student has a well-defined and feasible project for the first year.
NOTE: Although the project may change after the first year or after initial results are obtained,
it is important that the student have a clear idea of their project as soon as they start in the lab.
NOTE: The supervisor and thesis committee can suggest that the student take or audit
additional courses. It is the responsibility of the student and the supervisor to ensure that the
student has sufficient general knowledge in their field to pass the comprehensive exam and a
thesis defense. Note that many graduate courses focus on detailed understanding of a few
areas within a field. Undergraduate survey courses such as MICB 302 (Immunology), MICB 306
(Virology), MICB 403 (host-pathogen interactions) or BIOC 402 (protein chemistry) may provide
a more comprehensive overview of a field.
First Progress Report:
Timeline: Within 12 months of start Submit to Grad Coordinator: “Progress Report” (see
outline on page 34) maximum 4 pages plus references and figures and signed “Graduate Thesis
Committee Report” (page 35) after committee meeting.
At this meeting, the student will describe the courses taken and grades received and then give a
30 minute presentation to summarize their research project, proposed research plan, and their
progress to date.
12
Note: the written progress report (“Progress Report Outline”) must be submitted to thesis
committee members at least one week before the meeting.
The purposes of this thesis committee meeting are:
a) To ensure that the student has a reasonable and feasible project.
b) To provide advice on the proposed research plan for the next year.
c) To ensure that the student is making satisfactory research progress.
d) To discuss and approve transfer from the MSc program to the PhD program, if
applicable; please refer to Switching to PhD program section (page 11).
Second Progress Report (MSc Students Only)
Timeline: 2nd term of 2nd Year
Submit to Grad Coordinator: “Progress Report Outline” (page 34) one week before meeting
and “Graduate Thesis Committee Report” (page 35) after committee meeting.
The purposes of this meeting are:
a) To ensure that the student is making satisfactory research progress.
b) To provide advice on the proposed research plan for the next year
c) If applicable, to discuss and approve transfer from the MSc program to the PhD
program, please refer to Switching to PhD program section (page 11).
d) Discuss future plans to finish up project write and defend thesis
Departmental Seminars
Before graduating, PhD students must present a summary of their work in the Departmental
lunchtime seminar program held during winter session, terms 1 and 2 (seminars are not held
during summer session). Please notify the Graduate Program Coordinator of the date of your
seminar, as this will be recorded on your file. Although not mandatory, MSc students are
strongly encouraged to participate in the seminar program because this is a valuable
opportunity for students to practice their presentation skills in front of a supportive audience.
Department of Microbiology and Immunology graduate students are expected to attend all
departmental seminars, regardless of the research topic. At your comprehensive exam, you
may be examined on the content of seminars considered relevant to your project or field. In
addition, students are expected to attend seminars relevant to their research field that are
presented by other departments or units.
13
MSc Thesis and Defence Procedures
1. Receive approval from your supervisory committee to write your thesis.
2. Prepare your thesis according to the guidelines as specified in the Faculty of Graduate
Studies “Instructions for the Preparation of Graduate Thesis" (see Graduate Studies web site
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/dissertation-thesis-preparation).
3. Submit a copy of your thesis to each committee member and examiner at least 3 weeks
before the date of your defence.
 Your examining committee will be comprised of at least one member of your
supervisory committee and one additional member as chosen by your supervisor (may
be, but need not be departmental).
 Your supervisor is the chair person.
 You are responsible for arranging the thesis defence date with your examining
committee.
At the defence, you will make a 20 to 30 minute oral presentation of your research, followed by
a question and answer session. The Chair person will allow 2 rounds of questioning from each
examiner. Each examiner should keep their questions to 10 minutes per round. (Master’s thesis
defence is NOT public and attendance by anyone else requires approval of the examination
committee.)
After the defence, the student will withdraw from the room and your examining committee will
decide on a pass/fail grade.
“Outstanding” theses will be recognized by the department. If judged outstanding by the thesis
committee, i.e., among the top 10% compared to others in the department as decided by a
unanimous vote of the committee, the student will receive a congratulatory letter from the
department. This letter will be bound with the thesis to ensure a permanent record.
You must complete all recommended revisions and obtain committee signatures prior to
submitting your thesis to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Please download and complete the
Master’s Thesis Approval and Program Completion form and submit it with your thesis.
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/forms/?=THS
1. Upon completion, your supervisor will return a completed departmental MSc Thesis
Defence form to the program coordinator who will submit your grade.
2. Following your MSc defence, go to the Registrar’s Office, Records Department, and fill
out the form for graduation or fill out on line
http://students.ubc.ca/current/graduation.cfm.
3. Copy or email your thesis to grad studies for formatting approval (this can be done
before your defence).
4. If required, make any corrections to your thesis within one to two weeks.
5. After the final thesis has been approved, grad studies will send the graduate coordinator
a confirmation report.
6. Pick up bond paper from program coordinator and make 2 copies of your thesis.
Graduate program coordinator will have them bound (Student, supervisor).
Check deadlines: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/resources-links/deadlines
14
Pre-Comp Meeting (PhD Students Only)
Timeline: 2-3 months before comprehensive exam
Submit to Grad Coordinator: “Progress Report Outline” (page 34) one week before meeting
and “Comprehensive Exam Planning Report” (page 36)
The purposes of this meeting are to:
a) Assess research plan and progress
b) Grant permission to take the comprehensive exam
c) Set comprehensive exam topics.
d) Set comprehensive exam date (if possible)
If needed, an additional committee member will now be added to the thesis committee to
result in 3 besides the supervisor.
At this meeting, the student will briefly summarize their research plan and research progress,
and permission to take the Comprehensive exam will be dependent on satisfactory research
progress. If permission to take the comprehensive exam is granted, exam topics will be set.
Student that are not granted permission to take comprehensive exam
If the student already has an MSc degree, and their research progress has been deemed
unsatisfactory at this meeting, the student will be asked to withdraw from the program.
 Approximately six to eight weeks prior to the anticipated date of the comprehensive
examination, a pre-comps meeting will be held with the student, supervisor and the
three comprehensive committee members. This is a regular thesis committee meeting
that requires a written progress report as well as a 10-minute presentation of your
research objectives and progress. Permission to take the comprehensive exam is
conditional upon successful completion of courses and evidence of research progress
 Once the committee agrees that the student can take the comprehensive exam, the
student will be informed of the topics for which s/he will be responsible at the
comprehensive examination. The supervisor will record these topics on the
Comprehensive Exam Planning Report (available in the Form section of this handbook).
The date for the comprehensive exam is agreed upon at this meeting and also recorded
on the report form. Once the student delivers the form to the Graduate Program
Coordinator, the report will be delivered to the Graduate Advisor for approval of the
exam topics. The Graduate Advisor will notify the comprehensive committee if changes
or modifications are warranted. Once the topics have been approved, the Graduate
Program Coordinator will secure a chair. The chair’s name will be added to the
Comprehensive Exam Planning report, copied and circulated to the Comprehensive
Examination Committee members, the research supervisor, student, chair and a copy
will be added to the student’s file. The Chair of the Comprehensive Examination
Committee will normally be a member of the Graduate Advisory Committee. If an
examiner on the committee is a member of the Graduate Advisory Committee, this
15
person will be the Chair. The role of the Chair is to provide uniformity among
comprehensive exams both in content as well as in the format of the exam.
Comprehensive Exam
Timeline: Comprehensive exams are held Feb 15-28, Jun 15-30 or Nov 15-30. Students must
plan ahead to ensure that the comprehensive exam is completed by the required date. For
example, students transferring from the MSc program as of September, January or May would
complete the exam in February, June or November, respectively.
Submit to Grad Coordinator: “Report on Comprehensive Oral Examination” (page 37)
Location: All comprehensive exams will be held in the LSC. If you need help booking a room,
please contact the graduate student coordinator.
It is the student’s responsibility to arrange their comprehensive exam with the comprehensive
exam committee, which consists of 3 members, usually the student supervisory committee
members. The supervisor does not participate in the exam but can be present as an observer.
Submitting the written proposal
The written proposal for the comprehensive exam must be submitted to each of the examiners
2 weeks before the date of the exam. The examiners will have two weeks to look over the
proposal and to determine if it is suitable for examination. This means that the proposal meets
the minimum standards for acceptance and contains all of the necessary elements:
Overall statement of research problem and significance,
Relevant background information,
Hypothesis/rationale,
Description of experimental approaches including controls and feasibility,
Discussion of possible outcomes and how they will be interpreted,
Discussion of the significance of the work
If an examiner finds that the proposal is unacceptable, the examiner will indicate the reason by
email. The student will revise the proposal accordingly and submit the revised proposal to all
examiners within two weeks.
The research proposal will be examined at the comprehensive exam. Successful defense of the
research proposal, in addition to general knowledge of the relevant field, will be required for
the student to pass the comprehensive exam.
Guidelines for the Written Portion of the Comprehensive Exam
(i.e., the project proposal)
The written portion of the comprehensive proposal should be a coherent description of the
student’s project, written in the format of a CIHR grant proposal.
The proposal should contain a 1 page abstract (double-spaced) and the text is strictly limited to
a maximum of 20 pages of double-spaced text not counting references or figures. Use margins
of 0.75 inches, and 12 point Times New Roman font.
The research proposal should contain:
16
a) An introduction/literature review with background information.
b) A hypothesis and a list of specific objectives.
c) A description of the experimental plan for each specific aim that includes:
(i) Rationale
(ii) A description of the experimental approach
(iii) A discussion of feasibility, potential problems and how those problems could
be addressed
(iv) A description of any results to date
(v) A description of potential outcomes of proposed experiments as well as a
description of how the results will be interpreted
(vi) A description of the significance of the proposed research
d) A bibliography containing recent references.
e) Essential figures (summary figures, pathways, key pieces of data) with brief figure
legends.
•The research proposal must be written in paragraph form and not in point form except for lists
of hypotheses or specific aims.
Examples of good written proposals from past comprehensive exams are kept on file and are
available to students (note that these will not be put on the departmental web site due to
privacy issues).
MICB 506 assignments will give students practice in preparing a written proposal.
Comprehensive Examination Proceedings
The comprehensive examination will begin with an oral presentation by the student outlining
the thesis proposal. This is strictly limited to 10 minutes and will be enforced by the Chair.
The examination committee will have an open round of questions to the student regarding the
thesis proposal, the oral presentation, and general knowledge in the student’s research area
(e.g., Microbiology, Biochemistry or Immunology). Each examiner will have 15 minutes to ask
questions.
A second round of questioning will follow in which each committee member can ask additional
questions, if they feel it is necessary. This second round should be limited to 15 minutes per
examiner but can be extended at the discretion of the Chair.
Following completion of the question period(s), the student will be asked to leave the
examination room.
The student’s supervisor will then be asked by the Chair to comment on the proceedings, after
which he or she will leave the room.
The committee members and Chair will then discuss a decision and vote on the examination
outcome. To pass the examination, the student must achieve a passing score on both: a) the
thesis proposal and its defense and b) the questions related to assigned topic areas and general
knowledge.
The committee has the following options:
(1) Awarding a pass (Advance to Candidacy).
17
(2) Awarding a conditional pass requiring re-writing of part or the entire proposal. The
chair will provide a description of what actions must be taken (e.g. specifics of how the
proposal should be rewritten). The student will distribute the re-written proposal to the
entire examining committee, including the chair, and also provide the graduate program
coordinator with a copy), the deadlines for completing all aspects of the comprehensive
exam (written proposal and oral defense) will be 2 months after the exam with no
exceptions.
(3) Asking for a re-examination of the student on part of the material covered in the
comprehensive, or
(4) Asking for a repeat of the comprehensive examination. Only one re-examination will
be allowed; it must be held within six weeks of the first examination.
If the student fails either of the two components upon re-examination, withdrawal from
the program is mandatory.
The chair will submit a report on the decision of the committee at the end of the exam to the
Graduate Program Coordinator who will distribute copies of the report to the student, thesis
supervisory committee and Faculty of Graduate Studies.
General Microbiology and Cell Biology Knowledge
PhD graduate students in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology level of knowledge
at the time of their comprehensive examination can be found in such texts as:
1) “Biology of Microorganisms” by Madigan, Partinko and Parker or “Microbiology” by
Prescott, Harley and Klein.
2) "Essentials of Cell Biology" by Bruce Alberts et al. and for some areas, the level of detail
found in "Molecular Biology of the Cell" by Alberts et al.
The range of topics specified below is quite broad. Students should anticipate a greater
expectation of knowledge in systems closest to their research and less so on more peripheral
areas. For example, it is understood that a person engaged in research bacterial membrane
components may well be less knowledgeable about eukaryotic cell protein trafficking.
Alternatively, some may interpret this expectation to mean that they have the highest level of
knowledge in the areas described below as they apply to a particular bacterium, fungal or
eukaryote cell type and less so for other systems. This is acceptable and the examining
committee should be made aware that this approach to study was used. The topics below are
listed only as a rough guideline and comprise areas that any well-informed researcher in the
areas of microbiology and immunology should be familiar with.
A. MOLECULAR STRUCTURES
1. Protein structure
a) Amino acid structures and characteristics (hydrophobic, polar, etc).
b) Primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary protein structure.
c) Major types of protein modifications-glycosylation, phosphorylation, etc.
d) Concept of protein-protein, protein-DNA, and protein-RNA interaction domains.
2. DNA structure
18
a) Basic structural aspects of RNA and DNA
b) Histones and chromatin structure
3. Major classes of lipids
4. General structure of carbohydrate building blocks
5. ATP and other important metabolic intermediates
B. CELL ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE
1. Bacteria
a) Structure of Gram-positive and Gram-negative cell walls and cell membranes
i) General knowledge of the structure of the major cell wall constituents such as LPS and
peptidoglycan.
ii) Types of phospholipids typically found in bacteria
iii) Integral vs. peripheral proteins, basic structural design principles for membrane proteins.
b) Some understanding of the variations on the general themes- As examples:
i) Cell differentiation expressed by sporulating bacteria.
ii) How mycobacterial and mycoplasma wall structures are different from the norm.
iii) Major differences seen in the Archaea: Variations in structure seen as adaptations to growth
or survival in extreme conditions.
2. Eukaryotic cells
a) Structure of the eukaryotic plasma membrane
i) Types of major phospholipids, glycolipids and other neutral lipids
ii) Integral vs. peripheral proteins; type I, type II, multiple membrane spanning region proteins,
glycolipid linked proteins, etc.
b) Cellular organelles--their structure and function
c) Cytoskeleton--types of filaments, their structure and functions.
d) Extracellular matrix.
C. CELLULAR PROCESSES
1. Bacterial
a) Common methods of energy generation
b DNA replication, cell division
c) Transcription
i) Structure of prokaryotic promoters.
ii) Basic aspects of the transcription process
d) Translation
e) Subcellular localization of proteins
i) Targeting to cytoplasmic membrane, periplasm and outer membrane
ii) Protein secretion-key aspects of the various types.
f) Biosynthesis and translocation of carbohydrates.
A general understanding of how various groups of bacteria deal with “unusual” sources of
energy: one-carbon organic compounds, xenobiotics, minerals, light.
2. Eukaryotic
a) Energy generation
b) Endocytosis and exocytosis
19
c) Cell cycle, DNA replication, cell division
d) Transcription
i) Structure of eukaryotic promoters.
ii) Basic aspects of the transcription process
e) Translation
f) Subcellular localization of proteins
i) Concept of nuclear import and export signals, other targeting signals
ii) Protein secretion--signal peptides and ER insertion, carbohydrate addition.
g) Biosynthesis and translocation of carbohydrates
h) Cell adhesion, cell motility and role of cytoskeleton in these processes.
i) Signal transduction--cell surface receptors, common second messengers such as cAMP and
Ca2+, protein kinases.
j) Role of multi-enzyme pathways in cell metabolism--basic knowledge of the goals (inputs,
outputs, kinds of regulation) of pathways such as the Krebs cycle, glycolysis.
D. MOLECULAR GENETIC AND BIOCHEMICAL METHODS
1. Mutagenesis
a) Understanding and use of classical and molecular mutagenesis methods to explore gene
function.
b) Chemical and physical mutagenesis
c) Gene inactivation by transformation, antisense technology, and site-directed mutagenesis.
This area includes an understanding of the interpretation of genetic experiments (e.g., loss of
function, gain of function, dominant activated alleles, epistasis experiments, suppressor
analysis) or how mutants can be used to identify components of pathways and to order
pathways.
2. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene structure including transcriptional control elements.
This include an understanding of methods to explore various aspects of gene structure such as
identifying cis-acting elements, identifying intron position, etc.
3. Recombinant DNA techniques including:
a) Phage and plasmid vectors
b) Enzymes employed in DNA manipulations
c) Introduction of DNA into cells.
4. Theory and practice of DNA sequence determination including an understanding of
automated DNA sequencing.
5. Theory and practice of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) including:
a) Basic principles of primer design
b) RT-PCR
c) PCR mutagenesis
d) Other common variations on the use of the method, including inverse PCR, PCR approaches
to DNA sequencing.
20
6. Gel electrophoresis of nucleic acids and proteins.
7. Theory and practice of nucleic acid hybridization.
8. Methods for the analysis of RNA including:
a) Northern blots
b) Primer extension
c) S1 nuclease, RNAse protection
d) RT-PCR as in # 5 above.
9. Preparation of proteins in heterologous expression systems including vectors, hosts, epitope
tags and fusion partners.
10. General methods of subcellular fractionation.
11. Bioinformatics including familiarity with the use of web-based programs for database
searches (e.g., BLAST).
12. An understanding of the basics of molecular genetic analysis in one or more model
organisms appropriate to their area of research. These models could include bacteriophage,
viruses, E. coli, Yeast, Dictyostelium, C. elegans, Drosophila, Mouse, Mammalian cells in culture,
etc. This should include the theory and practical aspects of generating and analyzing mutants,
DNA transfer and recombination within that system.
21
PhD Thesis Defense
Timeline: When student and supervisor think student is ready to defend.
Maximum length of PhD program is 6 years (see http://www.grad.ubc.ca/faculty-staff/policiesprocedures/duration-program for more information)
The Final Oral Examination Guide for Doctoral Candidates can be found at:
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/final-doctoral-exam/final-doctoralexamination-guide
The student and supervisor work together to ensure the following key items are met before the
deadlines.
The Examination Committee
Proposing an External Examiner
Proposing the University Examiners
Examination Chair
Submitting the Thesis
Setting the Date for the Final Doctoral Examination
The Final Doctoral Examination Programme
The Final Doctoral Oral Examination
Post-Examination Details
Deadlines:
6 months before the completion of the thesis:
Appoint an External Examiner - student’s supervisor submits External Examiner form to
Graduate Advisor.
8 weeks before the oral exam: submit thesis to Graduate Studies (for External Examiners not in
North America).
8 weeks before the oral exam: submit thesis to Graduate Studies (for External Examiners in
North America).
Appoint a University Examiner: student’s supervisor submits University Examiner Form to
Graduate Advisor.
8 weeks before the oral exam: submit the Examination Program; date and time of oral exam
confirmed.
22
After a successful defense (MSc and PhD)
Please visit http://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/final-dissertation-thesis-submission to
ensure you have filled out all appropriate forms for thesis submission. Also visit
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/final-dissertation-thesis-submission/submissionrequirements for current Graduate Studies information about submitting your thesis.
When you submit your thesis to Graduate Studies you will be given a thesis receipt. Please
bring a copy of the receipt to the Graduate Coordinator for a passing grade on your thesis. (549
or 649)
You are also required to print 2 copies of your thesis for binding. The Graduate Coordinator will
provide you with paper to print your thesis. It is your responsibility to print and organize your
thesis. If you require assistance please contact the Graduate Coordinator. The 2 copies will be
bound and the research supervisor and the grad student will receive a copy. The department
will pay for the cost of the binding. If you will not be able to pick up your thesis from the
Graduate Coordinator after binding please provide an address were it can be mailed.
23
Stipends and Scholarships
All students in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology are financially supported at a
guaranteed minimum level. Students with scholarships greater than $15,000/year are eligible
for a total compensation package of $24,000 total per annum paid by their supervisor. Students
receiving scholarship(s) totaling $24,000/year or greater are not guaranteed additional funds
from their supervisors.
If you will not be receiving a scholarship, then you will receive a yearly compensation package
totaling $20,000 plus tuition as a Master’s student and 21,000 plus tuition as a PhD student
payable on the 15th and the last day of each month. You will be required to pick-up your first
pay cheque from Financial services (3rd floor, GSAB, 2075 Wesbrook Mall) in person.
Remember to bring ID with you.
For direct deposit fill out http://www.finance.ubc.ca/payroll/forms/dirdeposit.pdf and bring to
Financial Services.
If you’ve been awarded a scholarship, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator for
information on how your scholarship will be paid to you.
Tuition Support:
PhD students in our Department receive a Faculty of Science Tuition Award
that covers their tuition for 4 years. A PhD student in their 5th year receives a
tuition supplement in the amount of their tuition plus their minimum stipend
of $21,000.00 paid by their supervisor.
Master students receive a tuition supplement in the amount of their tuition
plus a stipend of $20,000.00 paid by their supervisor. All students pay student
fees from their stipend. The Faculty of Science Tuition Award covers the first 4
years of your PhD program.
If you are awarded a second scholarship that covers your tuition you will not
be awarded the GSI tuition award for that period.
International Partial Tuition Scholarship
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/international-partial-tuition-scholarship
International students are eligible for an International Partial Tuition Scholarship to assist with
their tuition fees if they are registered full-time in Graduate Studies and are assessed tuition
fees of $7,344 or more per year. Students are eligible as long as they are not a recipient of
external scholarships or external funding that pays their tuition. The University reserves the
right to change the value of this scholarship without notice.
24
John Richard Turner Fellowship
In 2002, the department of Microbiology & Immunology received a bequest from the estate of
John Richard Turner. An endowment was created and the faculty members of the department
agreed that the annual yield would be used for graduate student scholarships. The award
description can be found at UBC Student Services – Awards, Fees, and Finances – List of
Awards, searching for award number 6360. NOTE: In the spring (usually early May), the Faculty
of Graduate Studies Awards Office sends the department an e-mail indicating the amount
available for the Turner award for the upcoming academic year. The amount of the award
reflects the endowment spending rate for the fiscal year as well as market performance over
the past several years.
Turner Award description for 2011:
"Fellowships totaling up to $6,650 have been endowed through a bequest by John Richard
Turner to support genetic research by graduate students in the Department of Microbiology
and Immunology. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Department."
The selection criteria are as follows:
1. The student must be in their second year of graduate school but not beyond their sixth for
the term of the award.
2. The student cannot currently have a scholarship or fellowship (the aim of this award is to
create additional fellowship opportunities for our students).
3. The student must be an author on at least one peer-reviewed research paper as a graduate
student in their current UBC program (i.e. papers from previous MSc degrees are not
considered).
The nomination process:
1. Each research supervisor can nominate one of their current graduate students.
2. The supervisor will provide a 1/2 page rationale supporting the nomination that
a) Describes the student's research accomplishments
b) Lists the student's publications, including the full citation
c) Describes the student's contribution to the publication(s)
The Graduate Advisory Committee will review all nominations and decide upon the winner(s)
and the amount of the award(s).
This award will reduce the supervisor’s contribution to the student’s stipend by the amount of
the award.
Graduate Student Travel Fund
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/graduate-student-travel-fund
Graduate students are eligible for the Graduate Student Travel Fund only once per degree
program. The Travel Fund provides travel support to a maximum of $500 per graduate student
who presents a paper or poster at an official conference or symposium (student workshops are
ineligible) while s/he is enrolled full-time in a graduate degree program.
25
Travel expenses may be reimbursed directly to students or to faculty supervisors if they
advanced funds for their students' travel. Reimbursements will only be made after travel is
completed.
Robert Emmanuel & Mary Day Endowment Travel Award
$6000.00 will be made available every year to support heart, lung and cancer research and
provide travel awards for graduate students who present at a conference related to heart and
lung or cancer research.
Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF)
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/four-year-doctoral-fellowship-4yf
The Four Year Fellowship program started in 2009. The Four Year Fellowship provides PhD
students with a four year $18,000/year scholarship plus tuition. International students are
eligible for the 4YF.
The Four Year Fellowships will be awarded departmentally in the Spring of each year. Please
contact the Graduate Coordinator for more information and eligibility requirements.
General Information about the FYF program is available on the Graduate Studies website:
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/four-year-doctoral-fellowship-4yf
Tri-agency Funding
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/scholarships-awards-funding
Applications for NSERC, CIHR and UGF are completed in the fall of each academic year.
Complete applications are submitted to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The Graduate
Advisory Committee ranks the applicants from within the M&I program and submits the
maximum allowed applicants to Grad Studies for a University wide ranking. Successful
applicants will be notified by the Graduate Coordinator with each ranking step.
NSERC
NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) and NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships (PGS) offer
funding high-calibre graduate students in the natural sciences or engineering. Award types and
funding levels are as follows:
 CGS Master’s students - $17,500 per annum for one year
 PGS Master’s students - $17,300 per annum for one year
 CGS Doctoral students - $35,000 per annum for up to three years
 PGS Doctoral students - $21,000 per annum for up to three years
For further information about eligibility, application procedures, etc., please visit the NSERC
website.
CIHR
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is one of three federal agencies that provide
research funding for university students, postdoctoral fellows and professors. CIHR funds
research in the health sciences.
 CIHR administers several funding programs for graduate students:
26




Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) Master’s - $17,500 per annum for one year
Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) Doctoral - $35,000 per annum for up to three years
Doctoral Research Awards - $22,000 per annum for up to three years
Fellowships -- $40,000 to $50,000 per annum for up to five years
For further information about eligibility, application procedures, etc., please visit the CIHR
website.
27
Student funding chart year 1
Student
Total
Net after
support
tuition and
fees
MSC
24,350
19,000
(no award)
PhD
25,350
20,000
(no award)
MSC
26,350
21,000
(award)
PhD
28,350
23,000
(award)
Student funding chart year 2
Student
Total
Net after
support
tuition and
fees
MSC
25,350
20,000
(no award)
PhD
26,350
21,000
(no award)
MSc
27,350
22,000
(award)
PhD
31,021
25,671
(award)






28
Supervisor
contribution
Tuition
Waiver
Scholarship
-
24,350
-
-
21,000
-
4,350
8,850
17,500
3,000
4,350
Supervisor
Tuition
contribution Waiver
Scholarship 1.0 TAship
19,893
16,329
21,000
5,457
4,350
4,393
4,350
5,457
17,500
5,457
21,000
5,671
Tuition and fee supplements are guaranteed for 3 years for Master students and 5 years
for PhD students. Students not performing experiments are not guaranteed funding.
New awards below $15,000.00 per year will contribute to the base stipend.
When a major PhD award ends a supervisor may choose to continue to maintain the
stipend up to the same level. The supervisor will communicate this to the Graduate
Program Coordinator
Students receiving a stipend may work an additional 12 hours maximum per week for
pay (guidelines set up by CIHR/NSERC awards).
Our MSc and PhD students are required to complete a 1.0 TA position or equivalent. TA
positions held to meet program requirements contribute toward the base stipend and
supplement with an additional $1,000.00 paid to the student for a 1.0 TA position.
Students making good research progress may TA additional courses. Students must
consult with their thesis supervisor before accepting a TA position.
Teaching Assistant (TA) Duties and Expectations
An important component of a graduate-level education is the acquisition of teaching skills. All
Microbiology & Immunology graduate students are required to be a teaching assistant (TA)
The Graduate Program Coordinator assigns TAships in July. An e-mail will be sent to all current
graduate students with a list of all courses and the number of TA’s required. If you are
interested in TAing a particular course, or have a preference between first and second term, or
have any questions regarding TAing, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.
Students who are doing their mandatory TAship receive an additional financial bonus.
The performances of TA’s are evaluated, and the evaluations become a part of the student’s
files. Evaluations are available for viewing through the Graduate Program Coordinator.
In the event a student performs unsatisfactorily based on their evaluations, at the discretion of
the Graduate Advisory Committee, they may be required to attend and complete a TAG
workshop before any further TA assignments will be offered to them. Such a student may also
be required to TA for their research supervisor for all subsequent TA assignments.
INVIGILATING FINAL EXAMS. For many of the larger undergraduate courses, the number of
invigilators needed exceeds the number of TAs assigned to the course. Therefore, as part of
their TA responsibilities, all TAs will be called upon to invigilate two final exams during the
exam period of a term in which they are performing TA duties. One or both of these exams
may be for a course other than the one in which TA duties were performed during the term.
Profile of a good Teaching Assistant
PUNCTUAL: Please show up at the correct time and place and allow for any necessary time
required for setting up and/or cleaning up.
PREPARED: Please read necessary material before your class. Know the purpose and
understand why things are done. This will give you confidence when responding to students’
inquiries.
RESPONSIBLE & RELIABLE: Complete your marking on time. Be consistent and mature enough
to work independently.
INDEPENDENT: Know when to ask questions and when to ask for help. You are not out there
on your own – there are people here to help you.
PROFESSIONAL: Conduct yourself with an appropriate level of informality. Alternatively, a
domineering TA can threaten the instructor-student relationship.
COMMITMENT: The time commitment of a TA position is ~12 hours/week. An effort is made to
adapt the work load so that it does not exceed this amount on average. Some weeks may be
relatively light; others may require extra hours for exam marking, notebook evaluations, etc.
TAing can sometimes be a feast or famine job, so it is important to plan your time well. You will
normally be given plenty of notice of heavy workloads. If you feel that you are required to put
in far more time than this, consult the course Instructor, or Graduate Advisor.
ENTHUSIASTIC: Stimulate students’ interest in the material. This will create a dynamic
atmosphere in the classroom.
MAINTAIN CONTROL: Keep a close watch on your students and be aware of the appropriate
allocation of time on tasks.
29
EVALUATION: TAing is a big responsibility, and is recognized as such by the department. You
will be evaluated and the evaluation will go into your department file.
TAG (Teaching & Academic Growth) Programs
Question:
How can you develop your teaching skills in a supportive environment?
Answer:
Sign up for a TAG workshop
The UBC Centre for Teaching and Academic Growth offers a range of programs, services and
resources. They include:
Professional Development and Instructional Advancement (PDIA) for Graduate Students
All workshops are peer-based and participatory and are run on a small-group paradigm to
ensure a low facilitator-to-participant ratio. Therefore, space is limited and attendance of an
entire workshop from beginning to end is mandatory. Facilitators are trained graduate students
who work to create a supportive atmosphere, where you can explore a wide range of topics
related to teaching and learning.
The internationally-recognized Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) for Teaching Assistants is the
core of the PDIA program. Innovative new programs to meet the needs of the university
teaching community continue to evolve, particularly the needs of Graduate Students at UBC.
Programs specifically for graduate students:
Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW)
Presentation Skills Workshop (PSW)
Peer Coaching
Leading Discussions Workshop (LDW)
Teaching with Technology Workshop (TW2)
Graduate Student Presentation Skills Workshop (PSW)
This two-day interactive workshop enables you to increase your confidence and try new
approaches in any presentation setting such as:
-Present your research at a conference
-Present a seminar to the department
-Defend your thesis,
-Participate with confidence in a job interview.
During the workshop you will deliver 2 short presentations and receive constructive feedback
from your peers and the facilitator. You will also give one or more impromptu presentations
following instruction on structuring and preparing for extemporaneous speaking.
All PSWs run for two days, from 8:30am-5:00pm each day.
Location:
The Centre for Teaching and Academic Growth,
Basement of the David Lam Building,
6326 Agricultural Road
Instructional Skills Workshops (ISWs)
Three-day Instructional Skills Workshops (ISWs) are designed for graduate students and
teaching assistants interested in developing and enhancing their instructional skills. It caters to
individuals new at teaching as well as those who wish to refresh and enhance their skills.
Participants benefit from practicing skills and sharing ideas in a cooperative environment. By
participating, you will work closely with peers and trained facilitators (who are themselves UBC
30
graduate students and teaching assistants from across campus). In this supportive atmosphere
you will have a chance to begin to develop new teaching skills, to enhance existing skills, and/or
to try new and challenging ideas. The workshop consists of teaching practice, theory
application, and topical sessions specifically relevant to Teaching Assistants and Graduate
Students at UBC. We take a learner-centered approach that may have you looking at your
students in a whole new light!
During the workshop you will teach 3 short lessons and receive constructive feedback from
your peers and the facilitator. Possible additional sessions discuss learning styles, the use of
instructional aids, asking questions and other topics participants are interested in. After
completing this workshop you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion, and will receive an
entry on your transcript indicating that you have participated in the ISW. You will also leave
this session able to:
Write a useful, practical lesson plan.
Conduct an interactive classroom session.
Use learning objectives to organize your teaching and to help your students consider what they
are expected to learn.
Peer Coaching for Graduate Students
The peer coaching service is designed to provide one-on-one teaching support, encouragement,
and feedback to graduate students with teaching concerns, questions or challenges. Peer
coaches are graduate students who facilitate various workshops in our Graduate Student
Program, who have participated in additional one-on-one facilitation training. Peer coaches will
meet with you to determine your needs generally or with regard to specific teaching tasks.
Options available as parts of this service include:
-Videotaping and feedback session - see yourself teaching as your students see you.
-Instructional Feedback - have your peer coach provide you with experienced, informed
feedback and/or gather anonymous candid feedback from your students.
-Provision of appropriate resource material and additional references.
The service is confidential, and addresses individual needs. If you are interested in meeting with
a peer coach, please email or give us a call at 822-0262.
There are three ways you can register for these programs:
Register at the web site:

http://www.tag.ubc.ca/
e-mail:

catherine.bennington@ubc.ca
(please include all information requested on the Registration Form)
Mail or bring the Registration Form to the UBC Centre for Teaching and

Academic Growth, Basement of David Lam Building, 6326 Agricultural Road,
Vancouver, BC. V6T 1Z2.
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FORMS
The forms provided are to be submitted to the Grad Coordinator after each committee
meeting. Forms for Graduate Studies are available on the Grad Studies website at
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/forms/?=SDT
NOTE: Students who wish to add/drop/audit a course should use the Change of Registration
form (http://www.grad.ubc.ca/forms/students/ChangeRegistration.pdf)
32
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Initial Project Summary
Academic program (courses)
Name of Student:
Student Number:
Supervisor:
Date:
The student should e-mail this form to Mike Gold (mgold@interchange.ubc.ca)
and to Darlene Birkenhead (micbgrad@interchange.ubc.ca) by 5 PM on Sept. 23, 2013
Title of research project:
Summary of initial research project:
Courses (including those that will be audited):
Student’s Signature
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Supervisor’s Signature
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Progress Report
Progress Reports are due once a year, one week prior to committee meetings. Please copy
and distribute to each of your committee members, and give a copy to the Graduate Program
Coordinator for your file.
SECTION 1: IDENTIFICATION
Name:
Supervisor:
Registration Date:
Program:
Date of Comprehensive Examination:
Date of Last Committee Meeting:
Committee Members:
Date of Meeting:
Time of Meeting:
SECTION 2: STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
A. Description of Biological Phenomenon and General Aims
B. Specific Approach
SECTION 3: RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
A. General objectives
1.
2. …
B. Specific objectives for the last six months
1.
2. …
SECTION 4: SUMMARY OF RESULTS
1.
2. …
SECTION 5: SUMMARY OF FUTURE EXPERIMENTS
1.
2. …
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Room:
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Graduate Thesis Committee Report
Name of Student
Student Number
Date of Committee Meeting:
Members of the Thesis Committee Present:
Supervisor:
Absent:
Summary of Meeting:
Recommendations of the committee:
Action items:
Progress satisfactory (circle one): Yes
No
Next committee meeting to be scheduled in: _________months (max 12).
Student’s Signature
35
Supervisor’s Signature
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Comprehensive Exam Planning Report
Name of Student
Student Number
Date:
Members of the Thesis Committee Present:
Examiner
Absent:
Topics
1.
2.
Name of examiner
3.
1.
2.
Name of examiner
3.
1.
2.
Name of examiner
3.
Please use the back of this form if you require more space.
REMINDER:
A written thesis proposal must be submitted to the examination committee,
and the Graduate Program Coordinator at least TWO WEEKS prior to the
comprehensive date.
Title of Thesis Proposal:
Date:
Topics
Yes
approved:
Graduate advisor’s signature:
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Time:
No: Reason
Location:
Chair
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Report on Comprehensive Oral Examination
Name of Student
Student Number
Date of examination:
Examining Committee Members:
Name of Chair:
Research Supervisor Present:
__________________________________
Chair’s signature
EVALUATION:
 Research Proposal:

Oral Presentation:
DECISION:
 Research Proposal:
 Pass
 Fail
 Conditional Pass Date of re-examination:
 Oral Presentation:
 Pass
 Fail
 Conditional Pass Date to submit rewritten proposal:
Student’s Signature
37
Supervisor’s Signature
Directions for completing Report on Comprehensive Exam Form
In case of conditional pass of the oral part of the exam
The chair will explain the deficiency, and set a date or deadline for the reexam (agreed upon by the committee members). The student, supervisor
and chair will sign the report and the chair will be responsible for delivering
the form to the graduate secretary for distribution. At the re-exam, if the
defense is successful, the supervisor, chair and student will sign the sections
below, and the chair will give this form to graduate secretary.
Chair
Supervisor
Student
Date: __________________________
In case of conditional pass of the written proposal
The chair will explain the deficiency and what needs to be done to correct
the problem. A deadline for submitting the revised proposal will be set
(agreed upon by the committee members). The student, supervisor and
chair will sign the report and the chair will be responsible for delivering the
form to the graduate secretary. Everyone involved will get a copy of the
form after the exam. It will be the student’s responsibility to (a) provide
each of their examiners, as well as the chair and graduate secretary, with a
copy of their revised proposal by the date specified, (b) obtain signatures at
the bottom of this form from each examiner after they have given their
approval, © give the form with the examiners’ signatures to the chair. The
chair will sign this form and give it to the graduate secretary.
Examiner’s name
Signature
Examiner’s name
Signature
Examiner’s name
Signature
Supervisor’s signature
Student’s signature
Chair’s signature
Date
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THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
MSc Thesis Defense Report Form
Name of Student:
Student Number:
Date of MSc Thesis Defense:
Members of the Thesis Committee
Supervisor:
Committee Members:
External Examiner:
Summary of Defense:
Evaluation from the Committee:
Pass
Fail
Student’s Signature
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Outstanding
Supervisor’s Signature
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
PhD Thesis Supervisory Committee Approval to
Send Thesis to External Examiner
To:
Doctoral Exams Coordinator
Faculty of Graduate Studies
UBC
Student:
Student #
Thesis Title:
I have read the above named thesis and approve it for submission to the External Examiner
Name
Signature
Supervisor:
Co-Supervisor:
(if applicable)
Committee:
This is to confirm that this thesis has been read by the PhD candidate’s Supervisory Committee
and that all departmental requirements have been met. The student is currently registered
with fees paid in full. Please send this thesis to the External Examiner by courier and charge
account CNMJ 641300. Thank you for your assistance.
Department Head
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Date
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Permission to Write Thesis Committee Meeting
Name of Student:
Student Number:
Date of Committee Meeting:
Members of the Thesis Committee Present:
Supervisor:
Absent:
Summary of Meeting:
Recommendations of the Committee:
Student’s Signature
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Supervisor’s Signature