PROCEDURES AND POLICIES FOR DOCTORAL PROGRAM GRADUATE STUDENTS
August 11, 2011
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
VIRGINIA/VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
I.
Guidance of Graduate Students
A. Graduate Operations Committee: Interpretation of these rules rests with the Graduate
Operations Committee and requires a unanimous vote of the Committee to waive or modify
a requirement for a specific student. To avoid any potential problems or conflicts, this
committee (i.e., names of the chairman and two other members) is announced at the
beginning of each academic year. In addition to the rules and regulations set forth herein,
all students must comply with the degree requirements of the Graduate Council as
published in the MCV/VCU Graduate Bulletin.
B. Initial Guidance: The Graduate Operations Committee will act as advisor for all entering
graduate students. The committee, after consideration of the results of the placement
examinations and in consultation with the student, will select a plan of study for the first
semester of graduate work. The committee will follow closely the progress of each student
and provide counseling only until they have chosen a research advisor.
C. Selection of Research Advisor: Each first-year student (full time and part time) will be
required to arrange an interview with each graduate faculty member to discuss research
projects as soon as possible during their first semester. After completion of the interviews,
the student will submit his/her preferences for a research advisor (Appendix i) to the
Chairman, Department of Medicinal Chemistry no later than November 1st (April 1st for
students entering in the Spring semester).
D. The Graduate Faculty of the Department will meet and review the student's selections and
attempt to accommodate the student's choice(s). The Graduate Faculty will consider many
factors including the student's preferences, availability of space and funds in the advisor's
laboratory, and the number of students currently being directed by the potential advisor.
E. Course Plan: The research advisor, in consultation with the student, will complete a
Course Plan for the doctoral degree, taking into account the background, interests, and
objectives of the student. This is typically done by the end of the first year.
F. Student's Graduate Committee: Students must consult with their research advisor to select
and appoint a graduate committee as soon as possible. In addition to the research advisor,
the Committee will consist of two graduate faculty members from within the department,
and one each from two other departments.
The graduate student is responsible for
providing the Graduate Operations Committee with a list of the student's graduate
committee members and the proposed and approved Course Plan. Student graduate
committees are encouraged to meet as often as is necessary to review the student’s
progress.
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G. Students will come to an exam site with only the items they need to complete the exam, as
approved by the instructor. Other personal belongings such as bookbags, electronic (cell
phone, calculator, iPOD, etc.) and remote sensing devices should not be brought into the
exam room. Alternatively, these items should be placed by the student on the floor in a box
provided by the examiner in a designated area of the classroom. These items are to remain
in this state until the exam is complete and turned in, i.e., they are not to be retrieved during
breaks, etc. Any reference material available in the examination room is off-limits unless
the examiner specifically and explicitly permits access to it. Consequences for violation of
this policy are at the discretion of the instructor or examiner and may minimum be a grade
of zero for the assignment, and may lead to dismissal from the program.
H. Any breach of the above will be considered a violation of the honor policy, which relies on
the the participation of all concerned parties, including student peers. See the link below
for
VCU
Honor
Council
policies:
http://www.students.vcu.edu/judicialaffairs/students/hs_reporting_violations.html
II.
Graduate Coursework
A.
The doctoral candidate is required to complete all of the courses designated as Core
Courses (Appendix ii) in addition to those courses deemed necessary by the student's
Graduate Committee. See Appendix iii for a sample Course Plan. The biostatistics
(BIOS 543) is normally the only core courses for which waivers can be granted under
special conditions (see section XI).
B.
Overall grade requirements: Graduate students must meet all grading and course
requirements as described in the "Virginia Commonwealth University Graduate
Bulletin". In addition, graduate students in Medicinal Chemistry are required to comply
with the following rules and procedures for overall grade requirements.
C.
1.
A student is required to maintain a cumulative 3.0 grade point average. A
student whose cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0 at any time will
automatically be put on probation or, in some cases, may be subject to
termination from the program. A first year student placed on probation after the
first semester normally has one semester in which to bring the cumulative grade
point average up to the minimum acceptable standard of 3.0. Such a first year
student going on probation will normally not lose funding for their second
semester. Any first-year student who does not achieve this GPA standard in the
semester of probation, i.e., by the end of their second semester, will be subject to
loss of stipend, if applicable, or termination from the program. Second-year or
third-year students will lose support if placed on probation.
2.
A grade of "D" in any course will necessitate approval of the Director of the
Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program for the student to continue in the
program. If approval is granted, the student must repeat that course and receive
a grade of "B" or better. Both grades will be used in determining the cumulative
grade point average.
Grade requirements for courses offered by the department: The doctoral candidate
must achieve a 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average in courses taken in the
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Department of Medicinal Chemistry to graduate. The semester hours used in this
computation will not include courses graded on a S/U or P/F basis.
III.
IV.
Dissertation
A.
The student must conduct a substantial original investigation under the advisor's
supervision and prepare a dissertation reporting the results of this research, analyzing
its significance in relation to existing scientific knowledge.
B.
The dissertation must conform to the format specified in the University Thesis and
Dissertation Manual. References should conform to American Chemical Society format,
preferably as described in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Instructions for Authors.
Special Note: Although with some documented ACS formats the references exclude
titles of cited articles and inclusive page numbers for some journals, this information is
required by University guidelines. Students should consult the most recent version of
the VCU School of Graduate Studies Thesis and Dissertation Manual
(http://www.library.vcu.edu/help/etd/).
C.
The graduate student is responsible for the generation of bound, hard copies of their
dissertation. The Department will pay for two copies (one for the department library and
one for the student’s advisor).
Non-Course Examinations
A.
Qualifying Examinations. Each student entering the program, full time or part time, shall
take proficiency examinations based upon prior training in organic and physical
chemistry. Students will have no more than two chances to pass the qualifying
examinations. For students starting with the Fall semester these examinations will be
offered in August (the week prior to the start of the Fall semester) and January (the
week prior to the start of Spring semester). For students starting with the Spring
semester these examinations will be offered in January and May. These examinations
may be standardized ACS tests and will be graded as "P" (passed) or "NP"(not passed).
The student must earn a grade of "P" on the examinations in both areas, and must
complete this requirement before the beginning the second semester of study. Each
time the proficiency examinations are offered, the student MUST take the
examination(s) that have not been passed. Students not successful in completing this
requirement will be terminated from the doctoral program. There will be no official
record on the student's transcript of the performance on the proficiency examination;
however, the results will be kept in the department file as a part of the student’s record.
A student who enters the program without prior completion of a course in physical
chemistry will be required to take an appropriate physical chemistry course during the
first semester of residence. A grade of "A" or "B" in the course will serve to satisfy the
proficiency examination in that area. If an "A" or "B" is not achieved in the course(s),
the proficiency examination requirement must still be satisfied by examination at the end
of the course sequence. Students who have not previously completed a physical
chemistry course and are advised to enroll in one at VCU, must complete the course.
Withdrawal from this course will be treated the same as failure to pass the qualifying
exam and will result in automatic transfer from the PhD to the MS program.
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Part-time students may be allowed to satisfy the examination requirement by the end of
the second semester of study with permission of the Graduate Operations Committee.
B.
Cumulative Examinations. The student seeking the Ph.D. degree must satisfactorily
complete the cumulative examinations in medicinal chemistry. Successful completion of
the requirement requires the passing of four (4) cumulative exams in twelve (12)
consecutive attempts. The examinations will be graded pass "P" or not pass "NP". The
examinations will be offered eight (8) times during the academic year in the following
months: August, September, October, November, January, February, March and April.
The examinations will normally be no more than three hours in length and will start at
9:00 AM usually on the third Saturday of the month. All students will be allowed to take
a five-minute break time in the middle of the exam as a group. Students are not
permitted to return to their desks, laboratories or personal areas during such breaks.
Except under special circumstances defined by the examiner, students will not be
allowed to return to the exam beyond this five-minute break. The names of the
examiners (graduate faculty members) will be announced simultaneously with the
cumulative exam schedule. The topic of the examination will not be announced. The
topics may include material from the current literature, recent seminars, course related
material and subjects which are not covered in a specific course within the department.
The examinations will be prepared by the graduate faculty members of the Department
with the examiner scheduled in a random manner. An individual faculty member may
be the examiner more than once each year. Each examination will be discussed by the
department before it is given, as to its content, answers expected, and method of
grading.
The cumulative examinations may be taken only after successful completion of the
proficiency examinations. Most students are expected to begin the cumulative
examinations in their second semester of residency. An entering student who
completes the proficiency examinations on the first attempt may elect to begin the
cumulative examinations immediately, but should consult with the Graduate Operations
Committee prior to beginning the examinations. A first year student is not required to
pass any of the exams. Attempted examinations that are not passed do not count
against students for the first semester of their first year. However, on passing an
examination, the count of examinations (all subsequent passes and not passes will be
counted as attempts) begins unless the student informs the Chair of the Graduate
Operations Committee in writing before the next scheduled exam that the student does
not wish to officially begin at that point. One (1) examination must be passed by the end
of the first semester, second year. A total of four (4) examinations must be passed by
the end of the second semester of the second year.
Each student will be given a notice of “pass” or “not pass” for each exam by the
department faculty. Once so notified, the student may examine the paper, make a copy
if desired, but must return the original exam immediately. Once the student begins
taking cumulative examinations, they must attempt each successive examination until
four (4) written exams have been successfully passed. Missed examinations will be
recorded as a "NP" cumulative examination.
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If the student does not satisfy the cumulative examination requirements in the time
frame outlined, the student will be terminated from the doctoral program. The student
may remain eligible for a Master's degree.
The Guidance of Graduate Students #G and #H are all applied to the cumulative
exams.
C.
Oral Comprehensive Examination/Defense of Original Research Proposal. After
successful completion of the four (4) written cumulative examinations, the student is
eligible to take the oral comprehensive examination. Students should consult the
Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate program Process Handbook for details pertaining to
scheduling the defense.
The oral comprehensive examination must be taken by the student by the end of the
Fall semester of their third year (December). This examination will be conducted by
the student's graduate committee and will focus on a written original research proposal
(see below); however, the examination is not restricted to questions concerning the
research proposal and will include questions on other topics. The student will be
responsible for scheduling the examination. Failure to complete this requirement on
time will result in the automatic imposition of academic probation unless
evidence of substantial extenuating circumstances is provided to the Graduate
Operations Committee prior to the deadline. The terms and limitations imposed by
probationary status are described in the University Graduate Bulletin. In addition to
university sanctions, probationary status will lead to termination of financial
support.
Before scheduling the oral exam: 1) No later than October of the third year, the
student must meet with and obtain written approval from the departmental
members of the student’s Graduate Committee that satisfactory progress is being
made in laboratory research; 2) No later than November of the third year, a brief
abstract describing the original research proposal topic (this abstract may be further
refined prior to submission of the completed written proposal) must be circulated to, and
approved by, the graduate faculty in order to determine that there is no significant
overlap with research currently taking place within the department (see procedures
below); 3) With the approval of the topic, the student can prepare the written proposal
as described below. It is important that during preparation of the proposal the student
continues to make satisfactory progress in the laboratory. Upon successful completion
of the cumulative examinations, the student will be required to present an original
research proposal to the Medicinal Chemistry graduate faculty. This proposal must be
orally defended during the second semester of the third year or the first semester of the
fourth year. At least thirty (30) days prior to scheduling the defense of the
research proposal, the student must meet with and obtain written approval from
the departmental members of the students Graduate Committee that satisfactory
progress is being made in laboratory research. Included with the request to take the
exam must be a brief abstract describing the student's original research proposal (this
abstract may be further refined prior to submission of the completed written proposal)
such that the department graduate faculty can determine that there is no significant
overlap with research currently taking place within the department. It is important that
during preparation of the proposal the student is continuing to make satisfactory
progress in the laboratory.
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At the oral comprehensive examination, the student will be asked to present and defend
the original research proposal. Attendance at the presentation will be limited to the
degree candidate, graduate faculty, an appointed representative of the Dean’s Office
and invited experts. While it is presumed that a major portion of the questions in
the examination will pertain to some facet of the proposal, questions will in no
way be restricted to such areas and will include questions on other topics. The
proposal defense is a major part of the non-course examination requirements. If
necessary, i.e., as required by the student’s graduate committee, the proposal may
need to be rewritten or a new proposal written and accepted. It should be readily
apparent to the student that the idea, library work and some of the writing of the
proposal must be done prior to the request for presenting the proposal. Therefore, from
the start of the students' graduate studies a set of ideas appropriate for a research
proposal should be collected. Using research ideas developed while preparing a
seminar has been a successful strategy for some students. Due to the considerable
amount of time spent by the student and faculty on this proposal, the student is
encouraged to write a research proposal that would be of interest in a first academic or
industrial employment after graduation.
Research Proposal. The research proposal is a research problem and solution that has
been developed by the student according to the following rules:
1.
The proposal is to be a significant research problem in the field of Medicinal
Chemistry of a scope commensurate with a Ph.D. dissertation problem.
2.
The proposal shall not be related directly to the research of any faculty member
or student in the department.
3.
The literature must be searched thoroughly to assure that the proposal is original
and has not been reported previously.
4.
Since the proposal and oral defense are considered examinations, the proposal
shall not be discussed with any faculty member, postdoctoral personnel, or other
students prior to the oral presentation. Any questions pertaining to the proposal
should be directed to the chairman of the Graduate Program DIrector only.
5.
The proposal shall be written following the format and instructions of an NIH
grant application. The NIH grant application (PHS Form 398) and appropriate
instructions and guidance may be obtained on-line at www.nih.gov. Page limits,
font size, and margins described in the instructions must be strictly observed.
However, due to the relatively restrictive page limit, methodological detail that
would disrupt the flow of the proposal body, e.g., synthetic schemes, algorithm
derivations, etc., should be included in an appendix that will not exceed 10
pages. This is in lieu of previous publications that would document the
investigators methodology. The proposal should describe a program of at least
two years in duration.
6.
Research Proposal Abstract. Once permission has been granted by the
student’s committee (the student’s research progress has been determined to be
satisfactory), the student must submit an Abstract of Research Plan (NIH
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application form page 2) to the department graduate faculty of the department no
later than one (1) month prior to oral comprehensive examination. The abstract
will be evaluated by the faculty at a department meeting. It is the responsibility of
the student’s advisor to introduce the issue at a regularly scheduled department
meeting, and the Chair of the Graduate Operations Committee will notify the
student within five working days of that meeting if it is acceptable. If the topic of
the research proposal is not approved, the student’s committee will establish a
suitable due date for a new abstract. At the same time the abstract is submitted,
request is made to present the oral defense and a tentative date arranged. If
necessary, the abstract included with the written research proposal can be a
modified version of the original abstract. It is expected that the defense date will
be no longer than one (1) months after abstract approval.
V.
7.
Research Proposal Distribution. At least two weeks prior to the oral examination,
the student will copy and distribute their original research proposal as follows: a)
one copy to each graduate faculty member of the department; b) one copy to
each member of his/her Graduate Committee (or substitute) from outside the
department.
8.
Proposal Defense. Passing the oral defense and acceptance of the written
proposal by the student’s graduate committee are independent processes.
C.
Research Progress Committee Meetings. The student is responsible for arranging
meetings of their graduate committee regularly during their graduate career. At each
meeting the student will make a brief presentation of research progress to date. One of
these will be held prior to submitting the research proposal abstract. This meeting must
take place no later than October of the third year. The committee will determine if
sufficient research progress has been made to permit the student to proceed with an
original research proposal. Another meeting should be held before the student
commences the writing of the dissertation.
D.
Final Oral Examination. The student must obtain written approval from their advisor
prior to the distribution of the dissertation to committee members. After approval of the
complete dissertation by the research advisor and Graduate Committee, the student will
take a final oral examination. The exam is limited to the subject of the candidate's
dissertation and related matters.
Seminars and Internal and External Scientific Meetings
A.
Department Seminar. Students are required to attend all departmental seminars.
Attendance may be monitored with sign-in sheets and/or signed critiques. The faculty
may set an attendance standard with consequences for students failing to attend and
participate in these seminars. Generally, each student will be asked to present one
formal seminar for each of the first two years. Assignment of topic and format will be
determined according to the syllabus for the Research Seminar course (MEDC 690). A
student whose presentation is unsatisfactory may be asked to give a repeat seminar the
following semester. The opportunity to repeat a seminar is decided by the Seminar
Committee and is not guaranteed. A third seminar will be given on the students'
research prior to leaving. Students should not register for seminar during an academic
year when a seminar is not presented. Students can register and earn a maximum of 6
7
credits in seminar (typically, 1 credit each semester of the first year, 1 credit each
semester of the second year, and 1 credit each semester of the final year). A student
cannot register for more than 1 credit of seminar per semester. The final research
seminar must be given 15 business days prior to the last day of the current semester.
VI.
B.
Poster Presentation. The student must prepare and present a poster session before
completion of the degree requirements. The poster presentation may be on any topic,
including the students' research. The poster may be presented at the department,
school, university, state, or national level. The student’s advisor should inform the
Graduate Operations Committee in writing when this requirement has been met.
C.
Each student should attend appropriate seminars in the basic sciences that are given in
other departments on campus. General questions concerning these and the abovementioned departmental seminars may appear on cumulative examinations. The
student is strongly encouraged to attend ACS, VAS, and other professional society
meetings, and to travel to other institutions to hear outstanding speakers in scientific
fields whenever the opportunity is presented. The department will make every attempt
to defray expenses for students to attend one (1) state, regional or national meeting in
which their research results will be presented.
General Progress in Study and Research
A.
It is deemed feasible for a well-prepared, full-time student commencing graduate
studies with a Bachelor's degree to complete the Ph. D. requirements within four years.
If the student demonstrates acceptable performance of assigned duties and satisfactory
progress toward the degree each year, the graduate stipend/tuition will usually be
available for 48 months. The department provides TA support only for the first three
years of eligibility, which commences once the student has entered the Ph. D. program.
Following this, it is the advisor’s responsibility to obtain and provide this support.
Students will not normally be given graduate stipends/tuition for longer than their first
four years. If possible all or nearly all of the required course work should be completed
during the first two years; the effort of the third year should be concentrated upon
research while completing any remaining course work and defending the research
proposal; the fourth year should be devoted to research and to preparation of the
dissertation.
B.
In order to complete the program in four years, it is necessary that a good start be made
on the research for the dissertation during the first year, that research be pursued
intensively during the summer following the first academic year, and that research be
pursued steadily even while course work is in progress.
C.
At the minimum, the graduate student is expected to put in a full day's work on campus:
time should be devoted either to teaching assistant duties or to academic activities (e.g.
study, research, classes, seminars) in the library, classroom or in the laboratory. The
students are encouraged to make efficient use of their time by combining study with
laboratory research.
D.
The student is allowed two weeks of vacation in addition to traditional national holidays
(e.g. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day) subject to their advisor’s approval.
8
Undergraduate holidays and vacation periods do not apply to graduate students. The
students must sign out for vacation so the department is aware of their absence.
VII.
E.
Student progress will be evaluated each year (typically in June) as mandated by the
School of Pharmacy. The student’s advisor, together with the student, is required to
complete an evaluation form prior to departmental discussion. Each student requires
annual department approval to continue in the program.
F.
The student should always check with the research advisor before taking any days off.
When a student will be absent due to illness or other special circumstances, they must
notify their research advisor and the departmental secretary.
G.
A student may not have outside employment except with the express permission of their
advisor and the chairman of the department.
H.
Part time students. All course and research requirements must be completed within
eight (8) years as specified in the University Graduate Bulletin.
1.
Qualifying Examinations. Part time students may be given additional time to
complete the qualifying examinations (see Section IV.C).
2.
Cumulative Examinations. Part time students may be allowed to begin taking
cumulative examinations one semester later than usual relative to the date of
matriculation.
3.
Oral Comprehensive Examination/Defense of Original Research Proposal. See
Section IV.C.
4.
Final Oral Examination. See Section IV.D
5.
Seminars. Part time students may be allowed to delay the first and second
seminars by up to one year.
Laboratory Safety
When in doubt ask!
(If you are not sure about the safety requirements for a laboratory procedure, ask your
supervisor to refer you to the appropriate reference, such as the Material Safety Data Sheet.)
A.
All new students are expected to take the laboratory safety course (MICR 512), offered
by the University, during their first semester or as soon thereafter as scheduling permits.
In addition all students must complete the Office of Environmental Health and Safety
course at http://www.vcu.edu/oehs/chemical/training/trainingmodules.pdf.
B.
Each student should be familiar with the regulations and practices given in the VCU
Safety Manual and the Medicinal Chemistry Department Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Copies are available in the Department library. Students should also be familiar with
the material in the Department Safety Folders, located in each laboratory.
9
VIII.
C.
All new students, before they start laboratory work, must sign the Department of
Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory Safety Acknowledgment Form (copy attached). (By
signing this form, you indicate you understand your responsibilities in maintaining a safe
laboratory environment.)
D.
Students entering the Medicinal Chemistry graduate program are expected to have had
proper training, during their undergraduate years, in standard laboratory safety
practices. During their participation in the Medicinal Chemistry graduate program, each
student should periodically review the safety practices and the regulations listed above.
Honor Code
Every student is expected to abide by the rules of the VCU/MCV Honor Council.
IX.
Teaching Experience
Full-time students are expected to gain teaching experience in lecture and laboratory as part of
their graduate education. Written evaluations of student’s teaching performances will be
solicited on a regular basis. These evaluations will become a part of the student’s permanent
record as well as being a component in the annual evaluation of student progress. Part time
students are expected to gain similar experience prior to or during their final year of residency.
X.
XI.
Termination
A.
A student will normally complete all of the degree requirements while in residence at the
University. In order to leave for any reason before completion of all requirements, the
student must have approval of 1) the student's Graduate Committee, and 2) the
department faculty as a whole. Should approval be granted, the uncompleted
requirements are expected to be completed within one year following the student's date
of departure. Normally, approval to leave early will not be granted.
B.
Prior to departure the student must turn in all notebooks, chemical and biological
samples, keys, etc., to his research advisor. Appendix vii is the checkout form to be
completed prior to leaving.
Other Policies, Waivers
The biostatistics core course requirement (BIOS 543) may be waived on satisfactory
completion by three credits of QSAR (e.g. MEDC 630), or molecular modeling in courses
(MEDC 541 plus MEDC 670) offered by the department.
XII. For any requirements on which the department guidelines are silent, The School guidelines will
apply.
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Appendix i
SELECTION OF RESEARCH ADVISOR
Each new student will be required to arrange an interview with each graduate faculty member in the
department to discuss research projects. After completion of the interviews, the student will submit his/her
preferences for a research advisor to the Chairman, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, no later than
November 1st. The Graduate Faculty of the Department will meet and review the student's selections and
attempt to accommodate the student's choice. Many factors must be considered including the student's
preferences, availability of space in the advisor's laboratory, and the number of students currently being
directed by the potential advisor.
____________________________
Students Name
____________________________
Dr. Umesh Desai
_____
Date
____________________________
Dr. Malgorzata Dukat
_____
Date
____________________________
Dr. Richard A. Glennon
_____
Date
____________________________
Dr. Glen E. Kellogg
_____
Date
____________________________
Dr. Yan Zhang
_____
Date
____________________________
Dr. Martin K. Safo
_____
Date
11
____________________________
Dr. Keith Ellis
_____
Date
____________________________
Dr. John C. Hackett
_____
Date
____________________________
Dr. Bradford E. Windle
_____
Date
____________________________
Dr. Richard Young
_____
Date
____________________________
Dr. Shijun Zhang
_____
Date
____________________________
Dr. Rong Huang
_____
Date
____________________________
Dr. Richard B. Westkaemper
_____
Date
Research Advisor Preferences
1st choice_____________________
2nd choice_________________________
********************************************************************
After discussing research projects with each of the above faculty, I will work with
Dr. _________________________, who agrees to serve as my research advisor.
_____________________________
Student's signature
_____
Date
_____________________________
Chairman,
Department of Medicinal Chemistry
_____
Date
____________________________ ____
Advisor's signature
Date
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Appendix ii
Courses
I.
Core Courses
Intro Pharmaceutical Sciences
PSCI 607 and 608
Spec Topics Medicinal Chemistry
MEDC 591
Advanced Medicinal Chemistry I (Intro)
MEDC 601
Research Techniques
MEDC 526
Seminar
MEDC 690
Survey of Molecular Modeling Methods
MEDC 541
or
Atomic and Molecular Structure
CHEM 510
Advanced Organic Chemistry I (mechanisms)
CHEM 504
Laboratory Safety
IBMS 600
Scientific Integrity (or equivalent)
MICR 510
Statistical Methods I
BIOS 543
or
Advanced Med Chem I and QSAR
MEDC 601 and MEDC 603
or
Survey of Molecular Modeling Methods and Advanced Molecular Modeling
MEDC 541 and MEDC 670
II.
Electives (selected examples)
Biochemistry
Advanced Medicinal Chemistry II (CNS)
Advanced Medicinal Chemistry III (enzyme inhibition)
Theoretical Methods of Drug Design (QSAR)
Regioselective Drug Metabolism
Asymmetric Synthesis
Heterocyclic Chemistry
Advanced Molecular Modeling
Pharmacology
Spectroscopic Methods
Advanced Organic Chemistry II (carbonyl chemistry)
Organic Synthesis (natural products)
Applied Molecular Modeling
BIOC 503 or 504
MEDC 610
MEDC 620
MEDC 630
MEDC 643
MEDC 644
MEDC 645
MEDC 670
PHTX 603 and 604
CHEM 506/606
CHEM 604
CHEM 607
CHEM 691
The following 1 credit modules will be offered on an announcement basis by the Department of
Medicinal Chemistry. These courses will be arranged so more than one course may be taken in the
same semester. Not all modules will be offered every semester. The following list is representative of
courses that will be offered. A memorandum describing the modules that will be offered for the
coming semester will be distributed prior to the beginning of the semester.
Heterocyclic Chemistry
Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Peptides
CNS Techniques
Asymmetric Synthesis
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X-ray Crystallography
Consult the Graduate Bulletin for additional electives.
14
III. Prerequisites
General Chemistry (one year)
Organic Chemistry (one year)
Physical Chemistry* (one year)
Organic Qualitative Analysis and (one semester)
Organic Chemistry and Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory* (one semester)
*It is highly recommended that a course on Organic Qualitative Analysis be completed prior to starting
graduate study in the department. However, if one of these prerequisite courses has not been
completed, the student may take this course during the first year of graduate study.
15
Appendix iii
Sample Course Plan
YEAR 1
Fall Semester
CHEM 303 Physical Chem1
CHEM 504 Adv Org I
MEDC 591 Sp Topics Med Chem
MEDC 690 Seminar
MEDC 697 Research
MICR 510 Scientific Integrity
IBMS 600 Laboratory Safety
PSCI 607 Intro Pharm Sci
total
Spring Semester
3
3
3
1
var
1
1
1
12
MEDC 591 Sp Topics Med Chem
CHEM 506 spectroscopy2 or
MEDC 610 Adv Med Chem II or
MEDC 620 Adv Med Chem III
MEDC 601 Adv Med Chem
MEDC 697 Research
CHEM 604 Adv Org Chem II
PSCI 608 Intro Pharm Sci
MEDC 541 Survey Modeling
MEDC 690 Seminar
total
3
1.5
2
1
var
3
1
1
1
12
Summer Semester
BIOS 543 Statistical Methods I
YEAR 2
Fall Semester
BIOC 503 Biochemistry
MEDC 526 Research Tech3
MEDC 630 QSAR
MEDC 690 Seminar
MEDC 697 Research
MEDC Modules
total
Spring Semester
5
1
2
1
var
1
12
YEAR 3
Fall Semester
MEDC 697 Research
Electives (optional)
total
BIOC 504 Biochemistry
CHEM 607 Nat Products
MEDC 670 Adv Modeling
MEDC 690 Seminar
MEDC 697 Research
total
5
3
3
1
var
12
Spring semester
var
var
12
YEAR 4
Fall Semester
MEDC 690 Seminar
MEDC 697 Research
total
3
MEDC 697 Research
Electives (optional)
total
var
var
12
Spring semester
1
var
12
16
MEDC 690 Seminar
MEDC 697 Research
total
1
var
12
ALL YEARS
Summer Semester
MEDC 697 Research (or MEDC 697 plus BIOS 543).
Notes:
1If
requirement not met by examination
2CHEM-606
Structure Determination alternates with
CHEM-604 Advanced Organic II (Carbonyl Chemistry).
3MEDC 526 Students should work to complete the advisors-designated research techniques by the
end of the Summer semester of the first year. The student should enroll in Research Techniques
(MEDC 526) only when all tasks are completed (Usually Fall semester of the second year).
17
Appendix iv
Schedule of events
Year 1
End of Semester 1 (Fall)
-Pass Qualifying Exams
-Select Advisor (Nov. 1)
-Complete Safety Acknowledgment Form
-Complete Office of Environmental Health and Safety course at
http://www.vcu.edu/oehs/chemical/training/trainingmodules.pdf
Beginning of Semester 2 (Spring)
-Begin Cumulative Exams
End of Semester 2 (Spring)
-Present first seminar
-select graduate committee
Year 2
End of Semester 3 (Fall)
-Present second seminar
-Pass 1 cumulative exam
End of Semester 4 (Spring)
-Pass 4 of 12 cumulative exams
-Spring/Summer - graduate committee meet
Year 3
End of Semester 5 (Fall)
-Abstract of Research Proposal
-Committee meets 60 days prior to proposal
-Complete defense of original research proposal
End of Semester 6 (Spring)
-get ready to present research results in poster or publication form
Year 4
End of semester 7 (Fall)
-Graduate Committee meets
End of Semester 8 (Spring)
-Present Research Seminar
-Graduation
18
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY, MCV/VCU
LABORATORY SAFETY ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM
As a laboratory worker, in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, it is your responsibility to
become familiar with all of the chemical substances that you are using in your work, the proper
precautions required to handle them safely, and first aid procedures unique to those substances
should an accident occur. This should be done prior to working with them. Any questions about
the proper safety precautions involved with your specific chemicals should be directed to your
supervisor.
1. Laboratory workers should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the hazards of any particular
reaction prior to starting the reaction. When using a reagent for the first time, the laboratory
worker is required to read about the reagent in standard reference works, such as "Reagents for
Organic Synthesis" by Feiser and Feiser.
2. Laboratory workers not familiar with a chemical to be used in their laboratory work should review
the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet [MSDS] BEFORE using the chemical. MSDS's are
available in the Departmental library and in the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, Room
B2-001, Sanger Hall.
3. The laboratory worker's eyes should be protected by safety glasses during ALL LABORATORY
OPERATIONS.
4. When performing laboratory work on weekends or after normal work hours, a laboratory worker
should have another person nearby who can assist in case of accidents.
5. Laboratory workers are encouraged to take the laboratory safety course offered by the University.
If, after familiarizing yourself with any potential problems of handling or toxicity of a chemical,
there are any questions, you are to discuss the matter with your supervisor.
Your understanding of the above is signified by signing and returning this document to your
supervisor.
Laboratory Worker's Name_______________________________
Laboratory Worker's Signature____________________________ Date__________
Supervisor's Name______________________________________
Supervisor's Signature___________________________________ Date___________
COPY TO:
office.
Department secretary for students file, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program
19
Appendix vi
Laboratory Safety
1. The student should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the hazards of any particular
reaction prior to starting the reaction. When using a reagent for the first time, the student is
required to read about the reagent in "Reagents for Organic Synthesis" by L.F. Feiser and
M.Feiser.
2. The eyes should be protected by safety glasses during ALL laboratory operations.
3. When doing laboratory work on weekends or after normal school hours, a student should
have another person nearby who can assist in case of accidents.
4. Students are required to take the laboratory safety course offered by the university (MICR
512) and complete the online laboratory safety training:
(www.vcu.edu/oehs/chemical/training/trainingmodules.pdf).
20
Appendix vii
CHECK OUT FORM
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
Name _________________
1.
Date____________
Completion of "Final Defense Procedures- Checklist"
Checklist" If answer YES to #1, skip to #5.
YES
NO
___
___
3. Approval of student's Graduate Committee.
___
___
4. Approval of Department Faculty.
___
___
5. Return of all appropriate chemicals to stockroom
___
___
6. Return of all appropriate glassware and equipment to stockroom.
___
___
___
___
___
___
2. Dissertation - Completion of Rough Draft and approval of Research Advisor
Advisor's Signature ___________________________
7. Bench space and glassware cleaned and ready for new occupancy.
Signature of individuals still occupying the laboratory.
________________________
______________________
________________________
______________________
Advisor's Signature ___________________________
8. All library books returned to library.
9. Return of laboratory key and magnetic card for entering building.
Secretary Signature___________________________
10. Forwarding Address:
______________________________
______________________
Area Code - Phone Number
______________________________
______________________________
11. Completion of all departure forms required by the School of Pharmacy
Administration
___
___
___
___
Administration Signature______________________
12. Completion of all degree requirements including, except for, Question #1.
Department Chairman's Signature ______________________ ________
21
INDEX
abstract ...................................................................................................................4-6,16
Chemical Hygiene Plan ...................................................................................................9
core courses ...............................................................................................................1,12
course work .....................................................................................................................7
course plan ................................................................................................................1,14
cumulative examinations ...................................................................................3-5,7,8,16
days off ...........................................................................................................................8
Department Safety Folders .............................................................................................9
dissertation ..........................................................................................................2,5-7,19
electives ...................................................................................................................12,14
final oral examination ...................................................................................................6,8
grade requirements .........................................................................................................2
Graduate Committee ...................................................................................1,4-6,9,16,19
Graduate Operations Committee...........................................................................1,3-7,9
Honor Code ....................................................................................................................9
illness ..............................................................................................................................8
laboratory safety ...................................................................................................9,17,18
Material Safety Data Sheet ........................................................................................8,17
molecular modeling...................................................................................................10,12
non-course examinations .............................................................................................2,5
oral comprehensive ...................................................................................... ........... 4-6,8
outside employment ........................................................................................................8
part time students ........................................................................................................8,9
placement examinations .................................................................................................1
poster presentation .........................................................................................................7
prerequisites .................................................................................................................13
probation ......................................................................................................................2,4
QSAR ..................................................................................................................10,12,14
qualifying examinations .............................................................................................2,3,8
research .................................................................................................................1,2,4-8
Research Advisor ............................................................................................1,6,8,11,19
research proposal ...................................................................................................4-8,16
research seminar .......................................................................................................7,16
safety course ........................................................................................................9,17-18
safety manual .................................................................................................................9
Safety Acknowledgment Form ..............................................................................9,16,17
sample course plan ....................................................................................................1,14
schedule of events ........................................................................................................16
Seminar Committee ........................................................................................................7
seminars ..................................................................................................3,5,7,8,12,14,16
statistics .....................................................................................................................1,10
stipends ..........................................................................................................................7
summer .................................................................................................................8,14-16
teaching .......................................................................................................................8,9
termination ................................................................................................................2,4,9
vacation ..........................................................................................................................8
22