8 6 4 10 2 0 5 -2 -10 0 Y -5 0 -5 X 5 -10 10 ACADEMIC INFORMATION MANUAL 2017 – 2018 Edition DEPARTMENT OF BIOSTATISTICS GILLINGS SCHOOL OF GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 3101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB# 7420 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7420 www.sph.unc.edu/bios DEPARTMENT OF BIOSTATISTICS ACADEMIC INFORMATION MANUAL 2017-2018 EDITION TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE # Welcome from the Chair 3 Biostatistics Overview 4 Mission and Vision Statement 4 Key Personnel 5 Department/Faculty Meetings 6 Orientation and Advising 7 Guideline for Awarding Tuition Remission 9 BSPH Degree 11 MPH Degree 15 MS Degree 19 DrPH Degree 23 PhD Degree 32 Supporting Programs 41 Examinations 42 Honor Code – Working Independently 48 Master's Papers (MS/MPH Students Only) 49 Guidelines for Dissertation 51 (PhD/DrPH or MS student who opts to write a thesis) Policies for Changing Degree Programs 56 Graduate Teaching Assistants 58 Departmental Library and Publications 64 Biostatistics Courses 65 Faculty Interests 71 Program Competencies 75 Lists of Important Web Sites 96 Calendars Fall 2017/Spring 2018 and UNC Academic Calendars Department Checklist/Curvita UNC Graduate School Handbook Graduate School Forms UNC Graduate School and Student Life Residency Cost to attend and funding University Registrar Departmental Committees and Members 2017-18 Graduation Information and Deadlines Published: 11/9/2017 2:44 PM: EDITION 2017‐18 Page 2 Welcome from the Chair Scientists in nearly all disciplines collect quantifiable data. We biostatisticians, working with our scientist colleagues, develop methods to optimally collect and analyze the data from the many types of studies conducted in the health sciences. The field of biostatistics is thus at the cutting edge of all new developments in the health sciences. The Department of Biostatistics at the University of North Carolina is proud to be one of the leading academic research departments of biostatistics in the world. For over sixty years, our department has been at the forefront of biostatistical and public health training and research. The graduate and undergraduate training in our department is rigorous, challenging, and state-of-the art. Our students take difficult and interesting courses in statistical theory and applications. At the same time, most of our students participate actively in the methodological and collaborative research that our faculty is conducting. Graduates of our program are prepared to be leaders in biostatistics, and a roster of over 1000 successful alumni illustrates this. Our graduates are faculty members at leading universities around the world, directors of units at the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, and are leaders of research units in the pharmaceutical industry. Essentially all of our graduate students receive at least partial financial support. This comes from our training grants in research in environmental biostatistics, research in statistical genomics and cancer, biostatistics and mental health neuroimaging and genomics and big data in knowledge, as well as from many research projects of our faculty. Faculty research projects currently funding graduate students include studies of cardiovascular health in the growing Latino population, new methods of producing and reading mammograms, treatments of HIV/AIDS, cancer, statistical genomics, environmental health, precision medicine, Big Data, clinical trials, translational medicine, and many others too numerous to list here. As you can see from this partial list of research projects, our faculty is very actively involved in important and timely research. At the same time, they are excellent teachers and several of our faculty members have won teaching awards given by the Gillings School of Global Public Health and the University. Our faculty also value and enjoy working with students one-on-one on research projects, and many of our students co-author several peer-reviewed publications before they graduate. I personally look forward to getting to know you better in the coming years and wish you the best of success. Michael R. Kosorok, Ph.D. Chair of Biostatistics Published: 11/9/2017 2:44 PM: EDITION 2017‐18 Page 3 Department overview The Department of Biostatistics in the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health stands as one of the best departments of its kind in the world. The Department was established in 1949 with the goals to advance statistical science and, ultimately by its application, to improve human health. To achieve these goals, the Department of Biostatistics offers training and research programs to develop and apply innovative statistical methods to problems of human health and disease, including basic biomedical sciences. Mission Statement Our mission is to forge dramatic advances in health science research that benefit human health in North Carolina, the US, and globally through the development of profound and paradigm-shifting innovations in biostatistical methodology and the thoughtful implementation of biostatistical practice to solve public health problems. We bring about positive, sustainable changes in health by: A. Supporting excellence in biostatistical practice by conducting theory and methods research of clear relevance to practice B. Promoting sound application of new and existing statistical methods C. Improving biostatistical education at the undergraduate and graduate levels D. Working with undergraduate colleges to promote biostatistics as a discipline for graduate studies and a professional career E. Anticipating and meeting the learning needs of our students F. Using the tools of our discipline to enhance human welfare through collaboration in research with colleagues in the biological and health sciences G. Seeking opportunities to advance the biostatistics profession. Goal  Our goal is to be a world leader in statistical research and statistical practice for the purposes of improving the public's health, improving biostatistical education, and advancing the biostatistics profession. Published: 11/9/2017 2:44 PM: EDITION 2017‐18 Page 4 ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL Department of Biostatistics Chair – Michael R. Kosorok, [email protected] Vice Chair – Jianwen Cai, [email protected] Director of Undergraduate Admissions – Jane Monaco, [email protected] Director of Graduate Admissions – Chirayath M. Suchindran, [email protected] Director of Undergraduate Studies - Jane Monaco, [email protected] Director of Graduate Studies - Joseph G. Ibrahim, [email protected] Director, Biometric Consulting Laboratory - Gary G. Koch, [email protected] Interim Director, Collaborative Studies Coordinating Center – Ed Davis, [email protected] Co-Directors, Carolina Survey Research Laboratory – Robert Agans, [email protected] and Donglin Zeng, [email protected] Director, Causal Inference Research Lab – Michael Hudgens, [email protected] Director, Center for Innovative Clinical Trials - Joseph G. Ibrahim, [email protected] Business Manager – Evie E. McKee, [email protected] Accounting – GRA Appointments, Terry Link, [email protected] Accounting – Training Grants, Travel Reimbursements, Debbie Quach, [email protected] Human Resources-Vera Bennett, [email protected] Administrative Assistant – Betsy S. Seagroves, [email protected] Network Administrator – Scott Zentz, [email protected] Student Services Managers Surnames beginning A-M: Melissa C. Hobgood, [email protected] Surnames beginning N-Z/Undergraduates: Veronica P. Stallings, [email protected] Grant Directors Jason Fine - Biostatistics & Mental Health Neuroimaging and Genomics Joseph Ibrahim – Biostatics for Research in Genomics and Cancer Michael Kosorok - Big Data to Knowledge Haibo Zhou – Biostatistics for Research in Environmental Health Published: 11/9/2017 2:44 PM: EDITION 2017‐18 Page 5 DEPARTMENT/FACULTY MEETINGS At the beginning of each academic year, the Department Chairs decide the time and days of regular Departmental Meetings. Additional meetings may be called as needed. All faculty members (Instructors and above) are eligible to vote at the regular Departmental Meetings. The Agenda for each meeting is initiated by the Associate/Vice Chair and given to the Chair’s Administrative Assistant for completion. Items to be put on the Agenda should be given to the Administrative Assistant one week before the meeting. The Chair (or an appointed representative) presides over all meetings. In general, Robert's Rules of Order are followed in the conduct of the meetings. A Faculty Meeting may be held when necessary to consider business of such a nature that students should not be present (for example, decisions with respect to Department-wide written examinations). Attendance is restricted to faculty. Minutes are prepared by the Administrative Assistant and given to the Associate/Vice Chair for approval. Copies are distributed via-email along with the agenda in advance of the next meeting. 2017-2018 Department Meetings are scheduled on the following Thursdays, 2:00-3:30 PM August 31 – Faculty Only September 21 October 12 November 16 December 14 January 18 February 15 March 15 April 19 May 17 Published: 11/9/2017 2:44 PM: EDITION 2017‐18 Page 6 ORIENTATION AND ADVISING ORIENTATION At the beginning of the year, the Department Student Service Managers (SSM), with the help of the Directors of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions, organize orientation meetings for all new students. At these meetings, students are introduced to members of the faculty and staff, as well as the Department Chair, Vice Chair, Associate Chair, and the Directors of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions and Studies. Current information about the department, degree requirements, and departmental research activities are also provided. APPOINTMENT OF ACADEMIC ADVISORS The Director of Undergraduate Studies usually advises all undergraduates. The Student Service Manager’s (SSM) office and the Director of Graduate Admissions (DGA) appoint faculty advisors for newly admitted graduate students. The selections are made with consideration of such factors as interests of the students and faculty, any specialized fellowship support, and faculty commitments. Any request for change in advisor assignment should be directed to the (DGA) and/or your (SSM). The academic advisor advises students on departmental matters until replaced by the dissertation advisor for doctoral students or master’s paper advisor for master’s student. DUTIES OF STUDENT SERVICES MANAGERS/REGISTRARS Prior to the entry of new students, the (SSM) sends the advisors information about the backgrounds of their advisees and the degree program to which each advisee has been admitted. Before each registration, the (SSM) also sends the advisee a copy of the course schedule and other relevant registration material. At the start of the fall semester, the advisee is provided with a copy of the latest version of the Academic Information Manual (AIM). Subsequent meetings between the advisor and advisee should be arranged by them directly. Student assignments are as follows: Students with last names that begin with the letters A-M are assigned to Melissa Hobgood. Students with last names that begin with the letters N-Z and undergraduates are assigned to Veronica Stallings. Please see the appropriate (SSM) for all your student needs. If your (SSM) is not available and your request is not urgent, please send an email. If there is urgent need, by all means see either. DUTIES OF ADVISORS The primary responsibilities of the faculty member appointed as advisor for a newly admitted student are to provide initial guidance regarding the academic program of the advisee and to carry out selected academic functions (such as assistance regarding options for practical training or for a research project) related to completion of academic program requirements. Also, for MPH students, a great deal of flexibility in course selection is possible (see section on the MPH degree program). However, after the first semester, primary responsibility should shift to students for updating plans to satisfy their degree programs and for discussing such plans with their advisors. Students are expected to meet with their advisor at the beginning of each semester to discuss course selection and academic progress. Published: 11/9/2017 2:44 PM: EDITION 2017‐18 Page 7 Advisors are specifically expected to confer with their advisees in all selections of courses, and to sign appropriate forms showing their approval of the course plans (as well as any subsequent course additions or drops) of their advisees. In carrying out their responsibilities, advisors need to keep “up-to-date” on the academic and related requirements of the degree programs for which they are advising students, and to monitor the progress of their advisees in meeting these requirements. Every student is responsible for keeping an updated degree checklist. This should be done with their advisor at the beginning and end of each semester. In the final year, the checklist must be verified and signed off by the Director of Graduate Studies. You will also be responsible for completing with your advisor the BIOS Annual Graduate Student Progress & Goals report in your 2nd year or beyond of your graduate students. This must be completed with and signed by your academic advisor or doctoral adviser if you are registered for dissertation. The academic advisor is not committed to continuing as the advisor of the Master's paper or doctoral dissertation. ABSENCE OF ADVISORS Advisors who have to be away during registration, or for any length of time during the year, should make arrangements, in consultation with the Registrar, for another faculty member to meet with their advisees when they need faculty assistance. If such arrangements are not made, changes in a student's program may be made at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies and the Registrar. Published: 11/9/2017 2:44 PM: EDITION 2017‐18 Page 8 Department of Biostatistics Guidelines for Awarding Tuition Remissions *Students who receive a stipend through UNC as a Graduate Research Assistant and earn the minimum amount as set by the Graduate School become eligible for tuition support (Tuition Remission). The following criteria will be used by the Department of Biostatistics (and followed by the Chair, Directors of Graduate Admissions and Studies, and by the Department Registrar) for making decisions about Tuition Remission awards. All such awards are, of course, subject to the availability of funds, which are allocated by the Graduate School. When possible, approximately five Tuition Remissions may be awarded to new students, and the remaining available Tuition Remissions will be awarded to eligible returning students. Each award to a new student will be for one academic year (fall and spring). Returning student Tuition Remission eligibility is determined on a semester basis and is contingent upon: (a) full time student status; (b) high quality performance in course work; (c) high quality performance in GRA activities; (d) compliance with guidelines set by the Graduate School. Enrollment Requirements Doctoral Students: Full enrollment is required (9 hours or more) during the first two years of graduate study. Thereafter, once all other degree requirements have been satisfied, students must enroll for at least 3 hours of BIOS 994. Credit hours of courses that are not required for your degree will not be counted towards tuition remission. Master's Students: Full enrollment is required (9 hours or more) during the first three semesters of graduate study. Thereafter, once all other degree requirements have been satisfied, students must enroll for at least 3 hours of 992. All students must remain appropriately enrolled for the entire semester to be eligible for, and to retain tuition remission or an in-state tuition award for the relevant semester. Dropping below the minimum enrollment requirement during the semester will result in the loss of tuition remission, and the financial responsibility rests on the student. Duration of Support 1. Students in terminal masters' programs are eligible for tuition remission and/or in-state tuition awards from the designated tuition fund for four semesters; 2. Doctoral students (or students in masters then doctoral sequence programs) are eligible for tuition remission and/or in-state tuition awards from the designated tuition fund for up to ten semesters. However, the maximum semesters of eligibility may depend on the availability of funds from the Graduate School. 3. A student who completes a degree in one UNC academic program, then enrolls in another UNC academic program or changes academic programs without receiving a degree, is only eligible for the maximum semesters of eligibility as noted above during their enrollment at the university, or no more than ten semesters Published: 11/9/2017 2:44 PM: EDITION 2017‐18 Page 9 4. Students taking courses that are required for their degree will be eligible to receive remission to cover those credit hours. Courses of interest or courses recommended outside of Biostatistics that are not required for degree completion will not be covered by tuition remission and are the financial responsibility of the student. Criteria indicating lack of excellent academic progress include poor academic performance (e.g., as indicated by the grade of F or L in any course) and/or the inability to maintain full time student status (except in certain circumstance such as a major illness or personal hardship). Published: 11/9/2017 2:44 PM: EDITION 2017‐18 Page 10