11000 Institute for Biomedical Sciences

11010 General Information

11010.10 Office of the Director

Petit Science Center, Suite 716
404-413-3578
biomedical.gsu.edu

Jian-Dong Li, Director of the Institute
Cynthia Nau Cornelissen, Associate Director of the Institute & Director of Graduate Programs

11010.20 About the Institute for Biomedical Sciences

The Institute for Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) was established in January 2014 as part of Georgia State University’s strategic plan that recommended enhanced contributions to the sciences, health, and medical education. The Institute is dedicated to advancing fundamental and innovative biomedical research that improves human health, as well as educating and training future generations of leading biomedical scientists that are poised to enter the workforce and support cutting-edge discoveries. The launch of the Institute represents the most recent progress toward establishing Georgia State University as a premier urban research university.

Mission: The Institute for Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) is a leading multidisciplinary research and education (degree-granting) institute dedicated to advancing fundamental and innovative biomedical research that improves human health as well as educating and training future generations of leading biomedical scientists and health (non-M.D.) professionals.

Background: Despite tremendous advances in biological and medical research, significant gaps still exist between basic laboratory research and its clinical applications. Now more than ever there is an urgent need for bridging basic research to clinical management strategies. To meet this significant challenge and promote translational research from bench to bedside, the interface between the biomedical science disciplines has emerged as one of the most exciting interdisciplinary research fields in science. To significantly and rapidly accelerate Georgia State University as a recognized leader in this area, the Institute was established to expand contributions and efforts to research and education in these areas. The Institute’s key assets include the University’s existing strengths in inflammation, immunity and infection, microbial pathogenesis, molecular and translational medicine, translational immunology, oncology, and therapeutics and diagnostics, which align with the its strategic priorities, Georgia’s commitment to be the nation’s hub for biomedical research and federal/non-federal funding priorities. Moreover, the institute provides a world-class interdisciplinary training environment for the preparation of technically skilled students that are capable of filling the diverse workforce needs in the biomedical sciences.

Philosophy (Success Through Synergy): The institute is not only building a strong research presence in biomedical sciences, but also fosters a unique environment to promote synergistic and interdisciplinary collaboration with units internal to the University, other Georgia and non-Georgia research institutions, major medical centers, private sector (e.g., biopharmaceutical, biotech) companies, and organizations/ foundations to develop world-class multidisciplinary research and education programs.

Goals:

1. Pursue excellence in fundamental and innovative research in the basic biomedical sciences.
2. Advance diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive measures for major diseases, with an initial emphasis on inflammatory, immunological, infectious, metabolic and cardiovascular, and neoplastic diseases.
3. Accelerate translation and commercialization outcomes by collaborating and interacting with partner institutions, hospitals and biopharmaceuticals.
4. Provide an environment for preparing students to meet future challenges and workforce needs in biomedical research and health professions.

11010.30 Faculty

Faculty: Benoit Chassiang, Cynthia Nau Cornelissen, Robert Cox, Patricia Denning, Timothy Denning, Lanying Du, Andrew Gewirtz, Leszek Ignatowicz, Sang-Moo Kang, Chunying Li, Jian-Dong Li, Didier Merlin, Richard Plemper, Ping Song, Baozhong Wang, Zhonglin Xie and Ming-Hui Zou

Research Faculty & Instructors: Anne Cebula, Pallavi Garg, Ki-Hye Kim, Kensei Komatsu, Michael Kuczma, Adani Pujada, Chong-Hyun Shin, Tshidi Tsibane, Chunhua Yang, JeongJoong Yoon, Xiaoxu Zheng, Wandi Zhu, Jun Zou

11010.40 Research Centers

Areas of Research Focus

The institute promotes interdisciplinary research that drives advances in biomedical sciences through synergistic collaboration, ultimately leading to better patient care. The focus is on understanding the mechanistic basis for a variety of important human diseases, such as inflammatory, immunologic, infectious, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, and developing innovative approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Areas of research focus for the institute are:

• Immunology (molecular and cellular immunology, inflammation, immunity, chemical immunology, tumor immunology, systems and computational immunology)
• Translational Immunology
• Microbiology (molecular and cellular microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, microbiota, translational microbiology, systems and computational microbiology)
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Infectious Diseases
• Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases
• Molecular, Cellular and Translational Medicine
• Translational Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
• Translational Diagnostics and Therapeutics
• Vaccinology

Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection

The mission of the Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection is to better understand the molecular basis of inflammatory diseases and further develop novel therapeutic strategies. Inflammation is one of the body’s primary defense mechanisms in response to infection or injury. Still, when it is uncontrolled, it causes inflammatory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, otitis media and cancer.

Center for Microbial Pathogenesis

The Center for Microbial Pathogenesis is focused on studying such viruses as influenza virus, hepatitis C, dengue, Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, cytomegalovirus, and several other negative-stranded RNA viruses. Studies are directed at understanding how the innate immune system of the infected host is counteracted by components of these viruses and how the interferon signaling system works on a molecular level. Researchers use this knowledge to develop new vaccines against these viruses and work to identify small molecular weight compounds for use as antivirals.

Center for Translational Antiviral Research

The Center for Translational Antiviral Research is focused on developing drugs to treat infections by RNA viruses of high pandemic potential, such as coronaviruses and influenza viruses. Current studies are directed at developing affordable, orally available antiviral therapeutics that improve our preparedness against newly evolving viral pathogens.

Center for Translational Immunology

The Center for Translational Immunology is focused on translating basic science immunological discoveries into improvements in the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. Current studies are directed at understanding the function of T cells in autoimmune diseases.

11010.50 Graduate Degrees Offered

The Institute for Biomedical Sciences currently offers the following graduate programs:

• Master of Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Biomedical Science and Enterprise
• Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Biomedical Sciences

Please visit the Institute for Biomedical Sciences Academics website at biomedical.gsu.edu/admissions for updates on our degree offerings.

11010.60 Academic Resources and Services

IBMS Office of Academic Assistance
Courtland North, 4th Floor
106 Courtland Street SE
404-413-3650
biomedgrad@gsu.edu

Contact:
T’Keyah Johnson, Assistant Director for Graduate Programs

The Office of Academic Assistance (OAA) provides prospective and current students with comprehensive student support services to ensure academic success.

Advising and Academic Assistance

For students enrolled in the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) program with a concentration in Biomedical Science and Enterprise, academic advisement is provided using a two-pronged approach. The Assistant Director for Graduate Programs in the OAA provides guidance on administrative matters such as program of study advisement, degree petition process, thesis/capstone registration, graduation, and referral to other on-campus student support services. The Director of Graduate Programs provides guidance on academic and career-related matters such as determining which course electives make sense for future career goals, exploring research interests and opportunities, developing professional networks, and serving on thesis or capstone committees.

MIS students are not assigned a faculty advisor but are instead encouraged to develop multiple mentoring relationships with institute faculty as well as faculty in the College of Law and Robinson College of Business.

Doctoral students are matched with a faculty advisor upon admission and will also form a doctoral advisory committee following the completion of qualifying exams. Students are also encouraged to develop multiple mentoring relationships with other institute faculty, the Doctoral Program Director, and even the OAA Assistant Director for Graduate Programs as they navigate through doctoral program administrative matters.

11010.70 Student Organizations

Translational Biomedical Sciences Student Association (TBSA)

The Translational Biomedical Sciences Student Association (TBSA) is the graduate student organization for the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University. TBSA seeks to connect individuals interested in translational biomedical sciences to promote education, discussion, and community among trainees interested in academia, industry, business, or the legal/regulatory aspects involved in translating biological/biotech advances from the bench to the bedside. Throughout the academic year, TBSA will organize social events, professional development opportunities, networking and public service events for students, faculty, and staff.

11020 Graduate Admissions

The Institute for Biomedical Sciences accepts students into the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Translational Biomedical Sciences program and the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (M.I.S) in Biomedical Science and Enterprise program for the Fall semester only. The application deadlines are as follows:

11020.10 General Admissions Information

Retention of Records: All documents and other materials submitted by or for persons in connection with their consideration for admission become the property of this institution and cannot be returned at any time. It is the responsibility of each application to follow the application procedures completely and correctly and to be certain that all materials have been submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions by the application deadline.

If an applicant does not complete enrollment for the semester in which admission is sought, the applicant must reapply. Incomplete application files are retained for a maximum of one year.

Graduate Admissions Committee: The Graduate Admissions Committee for graduate degree programs is composed of 4-6 graduate faculty members from the Institute. The charge of this admissions committee is to review and make admissions decisions on the completed applicant files for a particular graduate program.

Admission decisions are competitive. Each applicant is evaluated individually and among the current group of candidates. In this evaluation, consideration is given to the applicant’s academic record, scores on the entrance exam(s), educational background, educational objectives, research interests and experience, narrative information, work experience, professional activities, and character. These elements together must indicate a favorable prospect of success in graduate study for an offer of admission to be made. In making the decision, the committee must consider at all times the optimum number of students in the program. This could result in the denial or deferral of otherwise qualified applicants. Please see the Georgia State General Admissions statement in 1100 Graduate Admissions  of the Graduate Catalog.

Provisional Status: At the discretion of the Graduate Admissions Committee, some applicants may be admitted to provisional status in the M.I.S. program. Relevant work experience, recommendation letters, and the applicant’s statement of professional and/or academic objectives will weigh heavily in these admission decisions. A student who is admitted in such status must earn a grade of “B” or better in each of the courses specified by the Graduate Admissions Committee and/or complete all other requirements specified by the Graduate Admissions Committee, in order to be admitted to full status. Students who are admitted in provisional status will receive an outline of these requirements as part of their admission decision letter.

Provisional status is not available for doctoral applicants.

11020.20 Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (M.I.S.) in Biomedical Science and Enterprise Application Requirements

For complete application instructions, please view the M.I.S. How to Apply webpage.

The following materials are required for admission to the M.I.S. in Biomedical Science and Enterprise program. All application materials are submitted through the online Graduate Application.

1. Online Graduate Application
2. $50.00 non-refundable application fee
3. Unofficial transcripts from each college and/or university attended (including Georgia State University)
   • Transcripts are required regardless of the length of stay or if the grades are listed on another school’s transcript.
   • Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent at the time of enrollment from a regionally accredited institution.
   • Applicants must be able to provide official transcripts prior to the start of Fall courses
4. Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s intellectual achievement and potential. Academic and/or professional recommendations are strongly encouraged.
5. Personal Statement
6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
7. Proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers. See section 11020.40 International Student Admission for more information.
8. Certificate of Immunization, after acceptance
9. Verification of lawful presence, after acceptance. See section 1110  and 1120  for more information.

11020.30 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Translational Biomedical Sciences Application Requirements

For complete application instructions, please visit the Ph.D. How to Apply page.

The following materials are required for admission to the Ph.D. in Translational Biomedical Sciences program. All application materials are submitted through the online Graduate Application.

1. Online Graduate Application
2. $50.00 non-refundable application fee
3. Unofficial transcripts from each college and/or university attended (including Georgia State University)
   • Transcripts are required regardless of the length of stay or if the grades are listed on another school’s transcript.
   • Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent at the time of enrollment from a regionally accredited institution.
   • Applicants must be able to provide official transcripts prior to the start of Fall courses
4. Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s intellectual achievement and potential. Academic and/or professional recommendations are strongly encouraged.
5. Personal Statement
6. A Resume or Curriculum Vitae
7. Proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers. See section 11020.40 International Student Admission for more information.
8. A Certificate of Immunization, after acceptance
9. Verification of lawful presence, after acceptance. See section 1110  and 1120  for more information.

Top doctoral candidates may be required to interview with the Graduate Admissions Committee to evaluate the applicant’s understanding of what it means to be a researcher, passion for research, commitment to complete the degree and potential to excel in a translational biomedical sciences-related career path.

11020.40 International Student Admission

It is the policy of Georgia State University to encourage the enrollment of students from other countries. The University subscribes to the principles of international education and to the basic concept that only through education and understanding can mutual respect, appreciation and tolerance of others be accomplished. The recognition of the values of cultural exchange is inherent in our philosophy of education and is predicated on an awareness of the need to foster better cooperation, friendship, and understanding among the peoples of the world. In this regard, we welcome international students to our campus because we believe in a cultural exchange program that will be beneficial to our own student body, to the international students involved and to metropolitan Atlanta.

English Proficiency: In addition to meeting all other applicable requirements for admission, non-native English speakers of English must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. Proof of English proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the following:

1. Proof of baccalaureate or graduate degree completion inside (from an accredited institution) or outside the U.S. where English is the language of instruction - see list of countries here
2. TOEFL scores (paper or Internet-based)
3. IELTS scores
4. Completion of a University System of Georgia approved ESL program

Scores must not be more than two years old, on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Official scores must be reported from the Educational Testing Service to the institute prior to the application deadline. TOEFL information can be found at www.ets.org/toefl. IELTS information can be found at www.ielts.org/. Additional information on University System of Georgia approved ESL programs can be found at www.usg.edu/international_education/esl_programs.

Financial Resources: Applicants who have been accepted and plan to attend Georgia State University on an F-1 or J-1 visa must submit a Financial Statement showing the financial support necessary for the cost associated with the first year of study. This verification does not need to be submitted with your application but will be required before you can enroll if you are accepted.

Course Load: An international student with a student visa is required to carry a full course of study in the fall and spring semesters. An international student cannot be admitted as a non-degree student. A full course of study for graduate students at Georgia State University is at least 9 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters and at least 6 credit hours in the summer semester.

For additional information pertaining to international applicants and students at Georgia State University, please refer to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services.

11020.50 Transient Student Admission

For complete application instructions, visit the How to Apply page.

A student enrolled in a graduate program at another institution may seek admission as a transient (or visiting) student in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences. Approval of transient status is granted on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.

The application deadlines are as follows:

To be admitted to the Institute as a transient student, applicants must submit:

1. Online Graduate Application
2. $50 non-refundable application fee
3. Transient Letter
   • This letter, from your home institution, must state that you are in good academic standing and that you have permission to attend Georgia State University. It should also contain a list of the courses you are required/planning to take.
4. List of courses the applicant intends to take at Georgia State
5. Certificate of Immunization, after acceptance
6. Verification of lawful presence may be required if accepted. See section 1110  and 1120  for more information.

All requested documents should be uploaded to the online application. Please do not submit an incomplete application. It will not be reviewed.

Admission to transient status is normally for one semester only. A transient student who wishes to enroll for a subsequent semester at Georgia State University must submit an Application for Reentry to the institute Office of Academic Assistance (additional details available in section 11020.70 Reentry Student Admission) in order to continue as a transient student at the University.

Transient students who are not in good academic standing or who are ineligible to return to their home institution will not be admitted to transient status. No guarantee is made that a transient student will be able to secure the courses desired. The reporting of grades earned to the student’s institution is the responsibility of the student.

Students who wish to change from transient-status enrollment to graduate degree-seeking status must go through the full admissions process as outlined in sections 11020.20 and 11020.30.

11020.60 Non-Degree Student Admission

The Institute for Biomedical Sciences accepts non-degree students based on course availability. Admission to non-degree status is granted on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed. Non-degree applicants can and usually include members of the workforce who wish to further develop or upgrade their biomedical science knowledge and skills.

Application deadlines are as follows:

For complete application instructions, visit the How to Apply page.

To apply for non-degree status, applicants must complete and submit the following:

1. Online Graduate Application
2. $50 non-refundable application fee.
3. Unofficial transcripts from each college/university attended
   • Transcripts are required regardless of the length of stay or if the grades are listed on another school’s transcript.
   • Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent at the time of enrollment from a regionally accredited institution.
   • Applicants must be able to provide official transcripts prior to the start of Fall courses
4. A resume or curriculum vitae
5. List of courses the applicant intends to take at Georgia State
6. Certificate of Immunization, after acceptance
7. Verification of lawful presence may be required if accepted. See section 1110  and 1120  for more information. All requested documents should be uploaded to the online application. Please do not submit an incomplete application. It will not be reviewed.

11020.70 Re-entry Student Admission

A re-entry student is a student who has been enrolled at Georgia State University and who:

1. Has not maintained an enrollment totaling 6 hours (or more) of degree-applicable courses over three consecutive semesters (including summer) until degree completion; or
2. Attended any semester as a transient student and wishes to attend an additional semester as a transient student.

Re-entry is approved by application and is not guaranteed. The application deadlines are as follows:

For complete application instructions, visit the How to Apply page.

To apply for reentry, applicants must complete and submit the following:

1. Online Application for Graduate Study
2. $25 non-refundable application fee.
3. Unofficial transcripts for any coursework completed since you were last enrolled at Georgia State University, if applicable
4. Certificate of Immunization, after acceptance
5. Verification of lawful presence may be required if accepted. See section 1110  and 1120  for more information.

All requested documents should be uploaded to the online application. Please do not submit an incomplete application. It will not be reviewed.

Graduate students previously enrolled with the Institute for Biomedical Sciences may only re-enter the same graduate program or status in which they were last enrolled and they may be required to satisfy the degree requirements of the graduate catalog in effect at the time of re-entry. The Office of Academic Assistance will notify the student of their requirements and update their program of study. Students will be required to change to the graduate catalog in effect at the time of reentry when they re-enter the university after a period of two or more consecutive years in which they have earned no academic credit at Georgia State University. Students must be approved for re-entry through the institute, and approval is not guaranteed.

11020.80 Graduate Research Assistantships

Graduate students in the institute are eligible to be considered for funding in the form of a graduate research assistantship (GRA). Students hired as graduate research assistants work with faculty members in the institute on research projects in their area of interest.

Master’s Students

Graduate assistantships for master’s students are merit-based and limited in number. Prospects that submit a completed application for admission into the master’s program will automatically be considered for a graduate assistantship appointment during the admissions process. Notification of an award will be included in the admissions decision letter.

Doctoral Students

Doctoral students in the institute are automatically awarded a graduate research assistantship (GRA) appointment upon admission, pending budgetary approval and verification of legal presence. For first-year students, this appointment typically includes a stipend of at least $30,000 plus a full tuition waiver. Notification of an award will be included in the admissions decision letter.

Second-year students and beyond are also eligible for a GRA. The institute will generally continue to fund students who are demonstrating satisfactory progress in the program at a level of support equal to or greater than what they received during the first year.

11030 Graduate Enrollment

Graduate degree-seeking students in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences are responsible for knowledge of all regulations and procedures of the program and the university. Enrollment in a program constitutes a student’s acknowledgment that they are obligated to comply with all academic and administrative regulations and degree requirements. Students are encouraged to carefully read all regulations related to the M.I.S. in Biomedical Science and Enterprise program.

Summary of Georgia State University Policy on Responsible Conduct Research Training: Georgia State University is committed to promoting research ethics within the University community and modeling integrity across all disciplines and areas of empirical research. As research has become more complex, collaborative, and costly, issues of research ethics similarly have become complex, extensive and important. The federally mandated training of all levels of research students at Georgia State University in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) must prepare them to face these issues in their professional lives. The Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) program at Georgia State University, developed in response to the America Competes Act requirements, is designed to offer students enrolled in undergraduate research, research graduate degree programs, and post-doctoral research programs comprehensive training in the RCR in a manner that is tailored to address the issues faced by students in their respective programs. As part of the commitment and policy, graduate research students and postdoctoral research fellows will be required to complete an online RCR training program provided by the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI).

ursa.research.gsu.edu/ursa/responsible-conduct-in-research/

The institute has devised an RCR education program plan to be in compliance with Georgia State University’s RCR policy and to ensure institute students graduating from our M.I.S. and Ph.D. programs complete the required CITI RCR training program.

11030.05 Time Limit for Completion of Degree/Graduate Certificates

Before deciding to enroll in a graduate program of this school, students must examine seriously and realistically their abilities to adjust their personal and professional schedules to accommodate the challenge of graduate study.

The maximum time limits set by the Director of Graduate Programs are as follows:

• Five years from the first semester of admission for the M.I.S. program
• Eight years from the first semester of admission for the doctoral program

Students or applicants with questions about the commitment needed to complete the graduate programs should schedule an appointment with the Institute’s Office of Academic Assistance.

11030.10 Catalog Editions

Normally, students will be permitted to graduate under the provisions of the graduate catalog in effect at the time of first enrollment.

Students may choose to graduate under the provisions of a subsequent graduate catalog; that is, they may choose to change their “catalog edition.” Students who choose to do this must meet all provisions of the subsequent graduate catalog. Students are required to change to the current catalog edition when they change programs/statuses or after certain absences from the program, as explained below in section 11030.15.

11030.15 Continuous Enrollment Requirement and Requests to Reenter

Students in graduate degree programs must maintain an enrollment totaling at least six (6) credit hours of degree-applicable courses over any consecutive three (3) semester period (including summers) until degree completion. In other words, the total enrollment of the current term plus the two terms preceding it must add to six (6) hours or more at all times.

The status of all students will be checked by the midpoint of each term for compliance with the Continuous Enrollment Requirement. Any student whose enrollment is out of compliance will receive a continuous enrollment registration hold preventing all current and future registration. Those students will be notified by an e-mail message sent to their official Georgia State University e-mail account.

To resume their programs of study, students with continuous enrollment registration holds must apply for reentry admission by the published deadline (see section 11020.70 Reentry Student Admissions), must be granted re-entry admission and must enroll at a credit hour level sufficient to satisfy the continuous enrollment requirement. For more information on the reentry process, see section 11020.70 or contact the Institute for Biomedical Sciences Office of Academic Assistance (OAA).

Students who do not enroll during the semester for which reentry was originally approved must apply for reentry for subsequent semesters.

All students who wish to reenter one of the graduate-level programs or non-degree status after an absence of one year must meet the degree requirements and academic regulations of the graduate catalog current upon return, along with other reentry provisions that may be in effect.

All students who are approved for reentry will be eligible to retain all Georgia State course credit (and already approved transfer credit, if any) earned previously if their program can be completed within the time limit that was applicable to their program before the absence. The cumulative graduate GPA calculations will include all attempts in all courses at Georgia State University. Time limits would apply.

Students who plan not to register for a particular semester but who intend to continue the program at some later semester should discuss such plans with the Graduate Program Coordinator and Director of Graduate Programs in order to facilitate reentry at a subsequent time. Failure to comply with this request may complicate reentry in the semester preferred. An absence from the program, whether planned or unplanned, does not exempt students from the requirement to complete the program within the appropriate time limit.

11030.20 Enrollment in Approved Courses

Students must enroll in courses that are part of the approved curriculum for the program to which they have been accepted. Students who do otherwise are subject to loss of credit and/or loss of eligibility to continue to register. Failure to register for degree-applicable courses over the course of three consecutive semesters will result in unsatisfactory progress and the rules of Continuous Enrollment Requirement will apply.

11030.25 Course Load

The course load of a graduate student may vary with the circumstances of the individual student each semester. A full-time course of study for graduate students at Georgia State University is nine (9) credit hours in Fall and Spring semesters, and six (6) credit hours in the Summer semester.

A graduate student may enroll in 1 to 25 credit hours. In determining each semester’s course load, a student must balance other time constraints (work, family, civic, and other responsibilities) with the need to make reasonable and timely progress toward the completion of the program.

11030.30 Policy on Allowing Undergraduates to Take Graduate Courses

The Institute for Biomedical Science’s Director for Undergraduate Education will determine a student’s eligibility for registration in a graduate course. To be eligible, an undergraduate student generally must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher, be within 18 semester hours of graduation, and be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Eligibility does not guarantee permission to take a course. Once a student’s eligibility is determined, permission must be granted by the instructor of the course. Please note, graduate courses taken by an undergraduate student cannot be applied toward the fulfillment of graduate degree requirements unless the student has been formally accepted into an official university dual degree program.

11030.35 Policy on Transfer Credit and Course Substitutions

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit allows an IBMS graduate student to receive graduate degree credit for a course completed at another institution, thereby reducing the number of graduate courses to be taken at Georgia State University.

Transfer of credit for IBMS graduate programs may be approved under the following conditions:

• The course must have been completed at an institution recognized by a regional accrediting body as a degree-granting institution for higher education at the time the course was taken.
• A grade of B or higher must have been received in the course.
• The course must be restricted to graduate students only.
• The content of the course must correspond to that of a Georgia State University course required or permitted in the student’s program.
• The course must fall within the time limit allowed for completion of the current program.

A request for transfer credit form must be completed. The request must indicate the specific course(s) for which transfer credit is sought. A copy of the other institution’s catalog must be submitted to verify that the course was limited to graduate students only. The Office of Academic Assistance must have an official transcript on file showing course completion for the course being requested. Requests for transfer of graduate credit cannot be processed until all necessary information has been received. Transfer credit maximums are as follows:

• Six (6) credit hours for the M.I.S. program
• Twelve (12) credit hours for the Ph.D. program

Course Substitution

A course substitution permits an IBMS graduate student to use coursework completed in a previous degree program or as a non-degree seeking/transient student at Georgia State University to satisfy course requirements in their current program of study.

A course substitution for IBMS graduate programs will be approved under the following conditions:

• A grade of B or higher must have been received in the course.
• The course must be restricted to graduate students at Georgia State University only.
• The content of the course must correspond to that of a course required or permitted in the student’s program of study.

A course substitution form must be completed. The request must indicate the specific course(s) for which substitution is sought and either the specific course it is substituting or the area on your Degree Works academic evaluation that the course should fall into. Requests for a course substitution cannot be processed until all necessary information has been received.

11030.40 Grade Point Average and Course Grade Requirements

All M.I.S. students must complete all core coursework with a grade of B- or better, and any student earning a C+ or below must repeat the core course. No more than six credit hours of grades below a B- will be accepted toward the degree. No final course grade below a C will be accepted towards the degree.

All doctoral students must complete all core coursework with a grade of B- or better, and any student earning a grade of C+ or below must repeat the course. No final course grade below B- will be accepted towards the degree.

Students admitted into a graduate program within the institute must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better to receive their respective degree. Students who fall below the 3.00 cumulative GPA requirement or earn more than two grades of C+ and below for all course attempts will be reviewed for continuation in the M.I.S. or Ph.D. program and may receive a scholastic warning or suspension from their respective graduate program (see 11030.50 Scholastic Warning, Exclusion and Suspension for additional details).

11030.50 Scholastic Warning, Exclusion and Suspension

Graduate students are personally responsible for knowing and maintaining institute and program academic standards. A student whose cumulative grade point average falls below 3.00 at the end of a semester or who fails to maintain the level of academic performance required by the institute or their program will be placed on academic/scholastic warning. The student will be notified of this standing by the Office of Academic Assistance. Students in Warning Status must return to satisfactory academic performance as specified in the warning letter and achieve a 3.00 cumulative grade point average within the next twelve credit hours or two semesters, whichever is longer. In the event that a student is required to retake and successfully pass a course before returning to satisfactory academic status, this time requirement may be extended to accommodate courses offered once per academic year. This extension is not guaranteed and will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Transient students must maintain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average in order to continue in that status. Transient students who do not maintain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average may be subject to scholastic exclusion.

A student may apply for reinstatement after one semester as a suspended student. Application for reinstatement must be made no later than the deadlines outlined for reentry. Please see section 11020.70 Reentry Student Admission for more information.

11030.55 Application for Graduation

All candidates for the M.I.S. in Biomedical Science and Enterprise and Ph.D. in Translational Biomedical Sciences programs must file a formal application for graduation with the University’s Graduation Office at least two semesters in advance of the expected semester of graduation. Deadlines are published on the Georgia State University Registrar’s website. The Graduation Office will inform the Institute when the student files the application. The Institute for Biomedical Sciences will then conduct an audit and inform the student of any remaining requirements - these items will include any graduation clearance requirements. A degree will be awarded only to a student who meets the university academic, residence, and graduation clearance requirements as well as the standards of performance and academic requirements for the graduate degree.

11040 Student Appeals Procedures

The appeals procedure for graduate students in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences will follow different paths, depending on the nature of the student’s appeal. The various types of situations and the appropriate appeals avenues are as follows:

11040.10 Admissions Appeals

At the graduate level, a person who wishes to appeal an admission decision must first discuss the matter with the Director of Graduate Programs within 5 working days of the date of the denial.

If the appeal is not settled there, a written appeal must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Programs within 20 working days of the date of the denial or the date of the denial discussion.

Please see section 1115 Graduate Admissions Appeals  for more information.

11040.20 Petitions for Policy Waivers and Variances, and Appeals, and Student Complaints, Concerns, or Grievances

The petitions for policy waivers and variances and appeals procedures for students will follow different courses depending on the nature of the student’s appeal. Please refer to University Information Section 1050.80 under Polices and Disclosures in this catalog or visit the Georgia State University Enrollment Services website or the Student Code of Conduct online for details.

Petitions for Policy Waivers, Variances and Appeals

Students are normally required to abide by all Institute requirements as outlined in the Graduate Catalog. However, students may request a waiver of specific requirements of the Institute or substitution of courses in a degree program by submitting a petition form including the rationale for the request and relevant documentation.

Petitions should be submitted at least two weeks before the event to which the petition relates. Approval of a petition for policy waiver is not guaranteed.

Student Complaints, Concerns, or Grievances

Similarly, the student complaints, concerns, or grievance procedures for students will follow different courses depending on the nature of the student’s appeal. Please refer to University Information Section 1050.80 under Polices and Disclosures in this catalog or visit the Georgia State University Enrollment Services website.

11040.30 Appeal of Exclusions, Dismissals and Terminations

Terminated, dismissed or excluded graduate students with questions about their status should first discuss their situation with the Director of Graduate Programs. Following this discussion, students who believe they have extenuating circumstances may submit a written appeal of their termination or exclusion. The director will review the information submitted in support of the appeal and the student’s total record. The director will then make a recommendation to the associate dean for academic affairs who will make the decision regarding the acceptance or denial of the appeal. The student will receive a written response from the school normally within 10 work days of the date the appeal is received. (Workdays are counted as Monday through Friday except for university staff holidays.)

Requests for such consideration must be submitted, in writing, to the Director of Graduate Programs within 10 workdays (defined as Monday through Friday except for university holidays). Students should write their appeals completely, but concisely, and include all facts germane to their case. Documentation should be provided, where possible, to substantiate statements made. Specific dates such as the beginning and end of particular problems should be included. Only circumstances described in the written and signed appeal as initially submitted will be accepted from the student; oral appeals are not permitted, nor are requests to submit additional information after the appeal has been reviewed. Appeals must be dated, signed, and include the student’s home address and telephone numbers (work and home).

Having been enrolled in too many courses relative to job requirements or other responsibilities or having continued to enroll while experiencing personal, work, or health-related problems very rarely constitutes such extenuating circumstances.