CMP Student Manual - the UCLA Department of Pathology ...

September 1, 2012
Dear New and Continuing Graduate Students:
On behalf of the faculty and staff in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, I
want to welcome you to the start of the 2012-2013 academic year. We are particularly pleased that
you have chosen to initiate your studies in the Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate
Program. We wish all of you great success in your research.
This is the 13th edition of a manual that has been prepared to provide information about the
department and degree requirements of the Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program.
We hope that you will find it of value and would welcome your suggestions for future editions.
No assembly of forms and short descriptions can explain everything or anticipate every situation,
so you should be aware that there are numerous additional sources of information. For example,
the Graduate Division's informative on-line site (www.gdnet.ucla.edu) has up to date details
regarding degree requirements and campus regulations.
We also want you to feel free to contact members of the department for assistance. Obviously,
your research mentor will be a key source of guidance on most matters that arise. Members of
your doctoral committee are another valuable resource. The department also has a dedicated staff
able to help you with the multiple administrative issues that are part of any large organization.
Finally, you should convey thoughts about the program and ideas for constructive change to your
graduate student representatives.
As Graduate Program Director, I am happy to meet with you personally, and I hope you will feel
free to contact me. I can be reached by phone at 310-206-9535 or by e-mail at
kdorshki@mednet.ucla.edu. My office is located in 11-232 Factor Building.
Again, welcome to the department. We wish you continued success and hope your stay here will
be enjoyable and profitable from both an educational and a personal perspective.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Dorshkind, Ph.D.
Professor and Vice Chair (Research)
Director, Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program
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I.
OVERVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
PATHOLOGY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Organization of the Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program
Faculty Roster
Student Roster
Important Phone Numbers
3

THE DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
The Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pathology (CMP) is an integral part of the
research enterprise of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and offers a
program of study leading to the Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Pathology. All participating
graduate program faculty are members of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
The missions of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine are patient care,
residency/fellowship instruction, medical and dental school education, research, and graduate
education.
History
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UCLA was formed in the summer of
1951, and Dr. Sydney Madden served as chair for the first twenty years. Subsequently, Drs. Julien
Van Lancker and Pasquale Cancilla served as chair for about ten years each. During these periods,
multiple research programs matured and the Experimental Pathology Ph.D. program was
established. Dr. Jonathan Braun became interim chair in 1994 and permanent chair in 1995. The
graduate program name was changed from “Experimental Pathology” to “Cellular and Molecular
Pathology” in 2002.
Organization
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is organized into several divisions focused
on i) Clinical Services, ii) Research Services, iii) Resident and Fellowship Education, iv) Research,
and v) Integrative Anatomy (Figure 1). The heads of each of these units are members of the
Pathology Executive Committee, chaired by Dr. Braun, which serves as a forum for decision
making and communication to faculty and staff.
Clinical Services: The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine provides morphologic
and analytical diagnostic services through its Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology
laboratories located in Westwood and at additional UCLA affiliated hospitals in the greater Los
Angeles area.
Research Services: The Immunogenetics laboratory, which provides clinical histocompatibility
testing, is a cornerstone of this division. In addition, several key core laboratories support basic
and translational research studies. For example, the recently established Clinical Microarray Core
(CMC) is a high-throughput genomic facility with a focus on complex genetic testing for the
characterization of widely prevalent diseases. The CMC offers Affymetrix GeneChip-based
molecular diagnostic, prognostic, and other personalized testing by gene expression profiling,
high-throughput genotyping, copy number variation assay, and other genetic analyses.
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Resident and Fellowship Education: The Department offers an outstanding program of clinical
education in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. Residents experience both areas of pathology early
in their training and obtain hands-on experience that is augmented by conferences, problemsolving
sessions, and didactic presentations. The Department also offers fellowship training in
Neuropathology, Dermatopathology, GI/Liver Pathology, Transfusion Medicine,
Hematopathology, Cytopathology, Molecular Pathology, Cardio-Pulmonary Pathology,
Women’s Health, Clinical Microbiology, and Surgical Pathology.
Training of residents and fellows in general does not overlap with the graduate program.
However, fellows have the opportunity to pursue the Ph.D. degree in Cellular and Molecular
Pathology through the UCLA STAR program, described in Section III.
Research: The responsibilities of the research division include administration of space,
disbursement of equipment funds, and review of requests for bridge funding. The CMP Graduate
Program is a component within the research division.
The Vice-Chair for Research heads a Research Committee that makes decisions regarding major
equipment purchases and reviews requests for space and bridge funding. The CMP Graduate
Program Director is a member of the Research Committee, thus ensuring that the interests of the
CMP Graduate Program are integrated into the division’s decision making process. Also, as noted
above, the Vice-Chair for Research is a member of the Department Executive Committee and
represents graduate program issues at that level.
Integrative Anatomy: This division focuses on curriculum development and instruction in the
schools of medicine and dentistry and operates independent of the CMP Graduate Program.
Administrative Services
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine has a large administrative structure to
support its clinical and academic missions. The following units are of direct relevance to the CMP
Graduate Program:
Contracts and Grants Administration: This unit includes several fund managers, each of whom
manages the grants and contracts portfolios of individual research faculty members. The fund
managers in this office interact with departmental personnel officers and the CMP student affairs
officers to facilitate the appointment of CMP graduate students to research and training grants and
to deal with any financial issues that arise.
Information Services: This unit is responsible for supporting the Departmental network
infrastructure, the Departmental WEB site, and the clinical laboratory computer system.
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Facilities Management: This unit is responsible for coordinating space planning, laboratory moves,
construction, renovation, and equipment maintenance. The value of this Department-based unit
can not be overemphasized, because research investigators no longer have to take valuable time to
find out who to call to solve a physical plant or equipment maintenance problem.
Location of Research Laboratories
Faculty research laboratories are located in the main CHS complex (the 1P and 1-3 areas), the
Brain Research Institute/Neuropsychiatric Institute, the Rehabilitation Center, the Factor
Building, the Macdonald Medical Research Lab, and the Terasaki Life Sciences Building. In
addition, the financial management group and personnel operations are located in the Bank of
America building in Westwood Village.
7

ORGANIZATION OF THE CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY
GRADUATE PROGRAM
As described above, the head of the CMP Graduate Program is the Graduate Advisor, who reports
to the Vice-Chair for Research. For the 2012-2013 academic year, Dr. Kenneth Dorshkind serves
as both. The CMP Student Affairs Officer (SAO) provides administrative support to the Graduate
Advisor and graduate students. The Graduate Advisor and the SAO are the primary contacts for
students enrolled in the program, and both are available to provide advice and assistance.
The majority of student issues involve routine clarification or interpretation of graduate division
or CMP Graduate Program requirements. However, policy issues often arise that do not fall
within these confines. In this case, the Graduate Advisor first consults with members of the
Graduate Program Executive Committee, formed by the Graduate Advisor, the Vice-Chair for
Research, and one to two additional CMP faculty members. The 2012-2013 members of the CMP
Graduate Executive Committee, chaired by Dr. Dorshkind, are Drs. Steven Bensinger, Gay
Crooks, Samuel French, and Tomas Ganz.
Figure 2. Organization of the
CMP Graduate Program.
However, for matters that involve reformulation of program policy or course requirements, the
entire CMP program faculty meets to discuss the matter. It is also important to emphasize that
student input is solicited whenever changes are made to the program. In this regard, the CMP
graduate students elect two representatives each year, and these individuals routinely meet with
the Graduate Advisor and attend CMP graduate faculty meetings.
Graduate Student Representatives
Two graduate student representatives are selected by the graduate students each year. These
individuals meet with the graduate students on a regular basis and convey general student concerns
and issues to the Graduate Advisor.
8

CMP FACULTY ROSTER
Linda Baum, M.D., Ph.D. -- Glycans in cell-cell interactions and immune
function
Email: lbaum@mednet.ucla.edu
Steven Bensinger, V.M.D., Ph.D. -- Metabolic regulation of immune
function
Email: sbensinger@mednet.ucla.edu
Judith Berliner, Ph.D. -- Lipid regulation of monocyte endothelial
interactions - implications for atherosclerosis
Email: jberliner@mednet.ucla.edu
Jonathan Braun, M.D., Ph.D. -- Mucosal immunology, immunologic
imaging, and inflammatory bowel disease
Email: jbraun@mednet.ucla.edu
Alistair Cochran, M.D. -- Melanocytic tumors and the interactions of
immunological, molecular and genetic factors that determine whether
metastatic spread occurs and favorable or unfavorable outcome for
individual patients
Email: acochran@mednet.ucla.edu
Gay Crooks, M.D. -- Human hematopoiesis and thymus development
Email: gcrooks@mednet.ucla.edu
David Dawson, M.D., Ph.D. -- Epigenetics and growth signaling in
pancreatic carcinogenesis
Email: ddawson@mednet.ucla.edu
Kenneth Dorshkind, Ph.D. -- Lymphocyte development
from embryogenesis through senescence
Email: kdorshki@mednet.ucla.edu
Thomas Drake, M.D. -- Integrating genetics and gene expression to study
complex disease pathogenesis
Email: tdrake@mednet.ucla.edu
Steven Dubinett, M.D. -- Inflammation in lung cancer progression and
response to therapy
Email: sdubinett@mednet.ucla.edu
Office: 4-730 MRL
Phone: 6-5985
Office: 36-120 CHS
Phone: 5-9885
Office: 4-760 MRL
Phone: 5-2436
Office: 13-222 CHS
Phone: 4-7953
Office: 13-145C CHS
Phone: 5-2743
Office: 3014 TLSB
Phone: 6-0205
Office: 14-118 CHS
Phone: 7-2799
Office: 11-232 Factor
Phone: 6-9535
Office: AL-124 CHS
Phone: 5-6975
Office: 37-131 CHS
Phone: 7-2725
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Rita Effros, Ph.D. -- Immunodeficiency of HIV & aging;
Osteoimmunology: the link between T cells and bone
Email: reffros@mednet.ucla.edu
Michael Fishbein, M.D. -- Formation and progression of lung cancer
Email: mfishbein@mednet.ucla.edu
Samuel French, M.D., Ph.D. -- Hepatitis C Viral Mediated
Hepatocarcinogenesis
Email: sfrench@mednet.ucla.edu
Tomas Ganz, M.D., Ph.D. -- Innate immunity in host defense and iron
metabolism
Email: tganz@mednet.ucla.edu
Ben Glasgow, M.D. -- Pathogenesis of ocular disease
Email: bglasgow@mednet.ucla.edu
Wayne Grody, M.D., Ph.D. -- Molecular Genetics of Metabolic and
Heritable Neoplastic Diseases
Email: wgrody@mednet.ucla.edu
Oliver Hankinson, Ph.D. -- Chemical carcinogenesis, role of hypoxia in
tumor growth
Email: ohank@mednet.ucla.edu
Jiaoti Huang, M.D., Ph.D. -- Molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer
Email: jiaotihuang@mednet.ucla.edu
Kathleen Kelly, Ph.D. -- Reproductive mucosal immune trafficking,
inflammation and pathogenesis of STDs
Email: kkelly@mednet.ucla.edu
Jerzy Kupiec-Weglinski, M.D. -- Liver and pancreas transplantation
Email: jkupiec@mednet.ucla.edu
Siavash Kurdistani, M.D., Ph.D. -- Cancer Epigenetics
Email: skurdistani@mednet.ucla.edu
Benhur Lee, M.D. -- Viral Attachment and Entry, HIV and Emerging
Viruses, Glycobiology
Email: bleebhl@ucla.edu
Office: 13-344 CHS
Phone: 5-0748
Office: 13-145H CHS
Phone: 5-9731
Office: 14-118 CHS
Phone: 7-2795
Office: 37-055 CHS
Phone: 5-6112
Office: B-279 JSEI
Phone: 5-6998
Office: 1P-249 CHS
Phone: 5-5648
Office: 13-244 Factor
Phone: 5-2936
Office: 13-229 CHS
Phone: 7-2264
Office: 1P-245 CHS
Phone: 6-5562
Office: 77-120 CHS
Phone: 5-4196
Office: 377B BSRB
Phone: 4-5194
Office: 251A BSRB
Phone: 4-2132
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Xin Liu, M.D., Ph.D. -- Molecular biology of cognition
Email: xliu@mednet.ucla.edu
Michael Phelps, Ph.D. -- Molecular Imaging with PET and the biology of
disease
Email: mphelps@mednet.ucla.edu
Dinesh Rao, M.D., Ph.D. -- Understanding the role of microRNAs in
hematopoietic development and cancer
Email: drao@mednet.ucla.edu
Jianyu Rao, M.D. -- Cancer molecular signatures, biomarker and
prevention
Email: jrao@mednet.ucla.edu
Elaine Reed, Ph.D. -- Immunogenetics and transplant immunology
Email: ereed@mednet.ucla.edu
Jonathan Said, M.D. -- Lymphoma and urologic cancer biology and
therapy
Email: jsaid@mednet.ucla.edu
Robert Schiestl, Ph.D. -- Gene-Environment-Nutrition interactions in
predisposition to cancer
Email: rschiestl@mednet.ucla.edu
Ram Raj Singh, M.D. -- Autoimmune diseases: T, NKT and dendritic cells;
Immune tolerance; Biomarkers
Email: rrsingh@mednet.ucla.edu
Michael Teitell, M.D., Ph.D. -- Cancer mechanisms and nanosystems
Email: mteitell@mednet.ucla.edu
James Tidball, Ph.D. -- Pathophysiological mechanisms in muscular
dystrophy
Email: jtidball@physci.ucla.edu
Peter Tontonoz, M.D., Ph.D. -- Nuclear hormone receptor family in
metabolism and inflammation
Email: ptontonoz@mednet.ucla.edu
Harry Vinters, M.D., Ph.D. -- Pathogenesis of degenerative, vascular and
malformative diseases of the nervous system
Email: hvinters@mednet.ucla.edu
Office: 23-263 CHS
Phone: 4-5880
Office: 23-138 CHS
Phone: 5-6539
Office: 12-272 Factor
Phone: 5-1675
Office: 10-952 Factor
Phone: 4-1567
Office: 15-20 Rehab
Phone: 4-4943
Office: 13-226 CHS
Phone: 5-1149
Office: 71-295 CHS
Phone: 7-2087
Office: 32-59 Rehab
Phone: 5-5410
Office: 4-762 MRL
Phone: 6-6754
Office: 5833 LSB
Phone: 6-3395
Office: 4-726 MRL
Phone: 6-4546
Office: 18-170B NPI
Phone: 5-6191
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Anna Wu, Ph.D. -- Engineered antibodies for cancer targeting and
imaging
Email: awu@mednet.ucla.edu
Office: 4335 CNSI
Phone: 4-5088
12

CMP STUDENT ROSTER 2012-2013
STUDENT MENTOR CONTACT
ARENSMAN, Michael
2011 (ACCESS)
CHIN, Julia
2012 (ACCESS)
CHOU, Jennifer
2009 (ACCESS)
CONTRERAS, Jorge
2011 (ACCESS)
DOCK, Jeffrey
2008 (ACCESS)
GRANT, Jeanette
2009 (ACCESS)
HONG, Jason
2012 (ACCESS)
JACOBS, Jonathan
2001 (STAR)
KIM, Airie
2009 (STAR)
KIM, William
2009 (ACCESS)
KOHN, Lisa
2009 (MSTP)
RODRIGUEZ, Nicole
2006 (ACCESS)
RODRIGUEZ –
MALAVE, Norma
2011 (ACCESS)
RONG, Xin
2010 (ACCESS)
SALEHI, Sahar
2012 (ACCESS)
SEET, Christopher
2012 (STAR)
TRAN, Cynthia
2011 (ACCESS)
DAWSON, David
CROOKS, Gay
EFFROS, Rita
RAO, Dinesh
EFFROS, Rita
DUBINETT, Steven
TEITELL, Michael
BRAUN, Jonathan
GANZ, Tomas
CROOKS, Gay
CROOKS, Gay
DUBINETT, Steven
RAO, Dinesh
TONTONOZ, Peter
REED, Elaine
CROOKS, Gay
SINGH, Ram Raj
marensman@ucla.edu
Lab: 8-240 Factor, x50618
ccjmy@ucla.edu
Lab: 3009A TLSB, x53535
jenpchou@ucla.edu
Lab : 18-111 CHS, x58786
jcontreras06@gmail.com
Lab: 11-544 Factor, x52548
jdock@ucla.edu
Lab: 18-111 CHS, x58786
jlgrant@mednet.ucla.edu
Lab: 10-240 Factor, x69596
j.s.hong@ucla.edu
Lab: 4-567 MRL, x66821
jjacobs@mednet.ucla.edu
Lab: 4-525 MRL, x51469
airiekim@mednet.ucla.edu
Lab: 52-164 CHS, x57499
tbsound@ucla.edu
Lab: 3009A TLSB, x53535
lakohn@ucla.edu
Lab: 3009A TLSB, x53535
nlrodriguez@mednet.ucla.edu
Lab: 10-240 Factor, x69596
normairodriguez@gmail.com
Lab: 11-544 Factor, x52548
rongxin1215@gmail.com
Lab: 6-629 MRL, x54622
saharsalehi@ucla.edu
Lab: A5-38 Rehab, x44945
cseet@mednet.ucla.edu
Lab: 3009A TLSB, x53535
cindy.t.tran@ucla.edu
Lab: 35-40 Rehab, x63608
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WALSH, Nicole
2008 (ACCESS)
WANG, Jiexin
2011 (ACCESS)
TEITELL, Michael
TONTONOZ, Peter
nwalsh@mednet.ucla.edu
Lab: 4-567 MRL, x66821
jiexinwang@mednet.ucla.edu
Lab: 6-629 MRL, x54622
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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
CONTACT POSITION PHONE OFFICE
Dr. Kenneth
Dorshkind
Graduate Program
Director
6-9535 11-232 Factor
Christina Kim
Graduate Program
Student Affairs
Manager
5-8119 1P-166 CHS
Doug Smoot
Graduate Program
Student Affairs
Officer
6-1770 1P-171 CHS
Judy Mossman
Personnel and
Payroll
4-1355 Suite 730, BofA Bldg.
Adel Nepomuceno
Personnel, Payroll
and Parking
6-5008 Suite 730, BofA Bldg.
David Islas
Research
Administration
6-9897 Suite 400A, BofA Bldg.
Elisabeth Siauw Purchasing 5-9162 Suite 400A, BofA Bldg.
Noel Lau
Computer
Helpdesk
5-6270
A2-260 CHS
PathHelpDesk@mednet.ucla.edu
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II.
THE CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY GRADUATE PROGRAM
Outline of the Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program
Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program Requirements
Time to Degree Policy
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OUTLINE OF THE CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR
PATHOLOGY GRADUATE PROGRAM
YEAR 1 (ACCESS)
Complete All ACCESS Requirements
Complete First TA Requirement
YEAR 2
(ENTRY INTO THE CMP
GRADUATE PROGRAM)
Complete Pathology M237 (or APPROVED
equivalent course if M237 taken during
ACCESS year)
Nominate Doctoral Committee (by 12/1)
Convene First Committee Meeting - present
initial research objectives and set timeline for
Oral Qualifying Exam (by 6/1)
Complete Course Requirements
Complete Second TA Requirement
YEAR 3
Complete Written and Oral Qualifying Exam
(a.k.a. Second Committee Meeting by 6/1)
Advance to Candidacy
YEAR 4
Convene Third Committee Meeting - present
research update/progress (by 6/1)
Convene Fourth Committee Meeting - discuss
dissertation goals and set timeline for Final
Oral Exam
YEAR 5
Complete Final Oral Exam (by mid-Spring
Quarter; see Graduate Division deadline)
File Dissertation
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CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY
GRADUATE PROGRAM REQUIRMENTS
Only students who have been admitted to UCLA through UCLA ACCESS may enter the CMP
Graduate Program. Students are not admitted directly. Following completion of the year 1
ACCESS core curriculum, students in good standing may enter the CMP Graduate Program
following acceptance into the laboratory of a CMP Graduate Program faculty member. They then
undertake a program of coursework and research that leads to the Ph.D. degree in Cellular and
Molecular Pathology.
A. Coursework and Teaching Requirements:
i. Coursework:
All students are required to complete Pathology M237 “Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease”
(or an approved equivalent course if M237 was taken during year 1 in ACCESS), and one of the
following options:
a. Three 298 seminar courses; at least one must focus on mechanism(s) of disease. The seminar
must be a separate and distinct 2 unit seminar course, not associated with another course.
Additionally, the seminar must require that each student make at least one formal
presentation.
b. Pathology 294 “Basic Concepts in Oncology” and one 298 seminar course. (Note: If
Pathology 294 was taken during year 1 to satisfy an ACCESS course requirement, it cannot
be used to meet this option in the CMP program)
c. Pathology 240 “Transplantation Immunobiology” and one 298 seminar course.
Students are required to be enrolled in at least 12 units each quarter. In addition to formal courses
and seminars, the 12 unit requirement may be met by enrollment in Pathology 596 (Directed
Individual Study or Research) or Pathology 599 (Preparation of Ph.D. Dissertation). Enrollment in
Pathology 599 occurs only after advancement to candidacy.
Additional advanced didactic courses may be substituted for up to two of the 298 seminar courses
if approved by the Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program Director. Students
considering this option should seek approval BEFORE enrolling in such courses, as curriculum
substitutions may not be retroactively approved.
The Academic Calendar and Schedule of Classes may be obtained online at
http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/schedule/schedulehome.aspx.
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ii. Teaching Requirement:
Students are required to serve as teaching assistants for two (2) quarters and complete a course in
teaching principles and methods. One quarter of teaching and the methods course are usually
completed during year 2 of study. The ACCESS program office maintains a Teaching Assistant
course list and a sign-up list for teaching preferences. Note that students for whom English is not
the native language must pass the TOP (Test of Oral Proficiency) Exam with a minimum score of
50 before they can be hired as a teaching assistant. A student scoring 45 may serve as a teaching
assistant if concurrently enrolled in an English as a Second Language course specifically aimed at
improving spoken communication (ESL 39A, 39B, 39C, 38 and 108). Additional information
regarding teaching assignments is available from the ACCESS office in 172 Boyer Hall.
The CMP Graduate Program does not encourage teaching beyond 2 quarters, as this can
significantly impede research progress and timely graduation.
B. Nomination of Doctoral Committee
The Doctoral Committee, which conducts the Oral Qualifying Examination and guides the
student in the preparation and defense of the dissertation, should be selected by December 1
following entry into the CMP Graduate Program.
The committee is made up of at least four graduate program faculty. This number includes the
research mentor, who serves as Chair of the Committee, two additional CMP faculty members,
and one eligible faculty member from outside the Department. The Nomination of Doctoral
Committee form may be obtained online at www.gdnet.ucla.edu/forms.asp. The form is
submitted to the Graduate Division for final review and approval.
The Doctoral Committee may be reconstituted if the student wishes to make any changes to the
membership after the initial nomination has been approved by the Graduate Division. A
Reconstitution of Doctoral Committee form may be obtained online at
www.gdnet.ucla.edu/forms.asp. A committee may be reconstituted for a variety of reasons,
including if the student wishes to add additional members or if a member cannot fulfill his/her
responsibilities (sabbatical, transfer, etc.) and must be replaced.
The duties of the doctoral committee extend beyond simply administering the oral examination.
Most importantly, committee members can provide valuable feedback and suggestions regarding
thesis research. Consequently, it is important to choose committee members based on their
familiarity with the research to be conducted.
C. Annual Committee Meetings
Students are required to meet with their doctoral committee at least once a year. During the first
meeting, which is held within 6 months after appointing the committee, students discuss their
interests, outline a possible research project, and set a time for their Oral Qualifying Examination.
19

It is recommended that a 1-2 page outline of potential goals for the project be submitted to the
committee at least one week prior to the meeting.
Students are expected to present research updates during subsequent meetings. The aim of these
meetings is to provide the student with constructive comments that will facilitate their work and
avoid subsequent time-consuming problems. A 1-2 page written summary of research results must
be provided to members one week prior to each committee meeting. These meetings should not
extend beyond 90 minutes. Thus, it is important that the presentation succinctly summarize past
progress and future goals.
At the conclusion of every meeting, each committee member must fill out a Report of Annual
Committee Meeting, which will be turned in to the Graduate Program Student Affairs Office and
included in the student's file.
D. Written and Oral Qualifying Examination
In order to advance to candidacy, students must prepare a written proposal that is orally presented
to the doctoral committee. The Oral Qualifying Examination should be scheduled and completed
by June 1 of year 3.
i. The Written Proposal
Approximately two months prior to the prospective oral exam date, the student should choose the
oral examination topic. It is recommended that a one page proposal that lists the topic and key
aims be submitted to the doctoral committee for approval one month prior to the exam date.
Once the oral exam topic is chosen, the student then prepares the written proposal to be presented
to the doctoral committee.
The written proposal, in the form of an NIH grant application, must be submitted to the
committee one week in advance of the scheduled examination. The student and thesis advisor
should plan for 4-6 weeks for completion of the written proposal and study for the oral
examination. The proposal must include the following sections:
1. Abstract
The question to be addressed and the approaches to be taken should be succinctly described. The
abstract should be ½ page or less.
2. Specific Aims
Provide a short introductory paragraph that delineates the broad, long-term objectives and what
the specific research is intended to accomplish. State the hypotheses to be defended. One page or
less is recommended.
20

3. Background and Significance
Briefly sketch the background leading to the present proposal, critically evaluate existing
knowledge in the field, and identify gaps that the project is intended to fill. State concisely the
importance of the work to a basic biological or clinical issue. Remember that this section must
provide a rationale for the specific aims that have been formulated. Up to three pages is
recommended.
4. Research Design
Describe the research design and the procedures that will be used to address the specific aims.
Include how the data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted. Indicate possible outcomes of
experiments and how these will influence the direction of the studies. Discuss potential difficulties
and limitations. The experimental methods should not include too many details regarding buffers,
concentrations of antibodies, etc., although the committee may ask the student about such details
during the oral presentation. This section should form the major portion of the application and
should be at least four pages in length.
Sections 1-4 should be no more than 10 single-spaced pages in length. Font size should be at least
11 or 12 point with ½ inch margins on all sides. Adherence to these formatting instructions is
mandatory for the submission of the proposal.
5. References
The proposal should be a scholarly document and appropriate references should be cited to
indicate knowledge of key papers in the field and to support statements that have been made. Each
reference must include the title, names of all authors, book or journal, volume number, page
numbers, and year of publication. Select only those references pertinent to the proposal.
References are not included in the page count.
ii. Written Proposal Guidelines
1. The written proposal may be related or unrelated to the general interest of the laboratory.
However, the proposal cannot focus on the student’s proposed dissertation research or a
reformulation of any proposal written by any member of the laboratory.
2. The student may discuss the general choice of topic with the research mentor. However,
once the topic is approved, the student may no longer discuss any aspect of the proposal
with the mentor or any other committee member.
iii. Oral Examination Guidelines
1. The student must be registered during the terms in which the oral examination is taken.
2. The Oral Qualifying Examination may not be held unless a doctoral committee has been
appointed by the Graduate Division.
21

3. The examination is open only to the committee members and the student.
4. All members of the committee must be present during the entire examination.
5. Each member of the committee must sign the Report on the Oral Qualifying Examination
form, indicating his/her presence during the examination, and record a decision of “pass”
or “not pass”. You may obtain this form from the SAO.
6. The student will not be advanced to candidacy if more than one member votes “not
passed”.
7. If a majority of the committee so recommends, the Oral Qualifying Examination may be
repeated once within 6 months.
E. Advancement to Candidacy
Upon successful completion of the written and oral qualifying examination, students will be
advanced to candidacy. Students who fail either the written or oral aspect of this Qualifying Exam
must retake the examination within six months. The student is automatically billed for the
doctoral advancement to candidacy fee ($90.00) at the time advancement occurs.
F. FINAL ORAL EXAMINATION (DEFENSE OF THE DISSERTATION)
A final oral presentation and defense of the student’s Ph.D. dissertation to members of the
doctoral committee is required for completion of the degree. The Ph.D. dissertation should be an
original body of work performed by the Candidate. The purpose of the dissertation is to
demonstrate ability for independent investigation and proficiency in the field. As a general
guideline, it is expected that by the time of graduation, CMP students will have completed significant
work, suitable for the publication of at least one first author paper in a high quality, peer-reviewed
journal. Ultimately, however, it is up to the Doctoral Committee to determine whether the student’s
progress merits award of the Ph.D.
The official UCLA Thesis and Dissertation Formatting and Filing Guide contains established
criteria for uniformity in the format of theses and dissertations. The regulations included in it
supersede any style manual instructions regarding format. It also includes information on filing
dates and procedures, registration of copyright, and guidelines for submission. The guide can be
found at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/degreeinfo.htm
Staff from the UCLA Graduate Division will present information on University regulations
governing manuscript preparation and completion of degree requirements. Students who plan to
file a thesis or dissertation during the quarter are encouraged to attend. Visit the link at
http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/thesismtg.htm for important dates, locations, and
deadlines.
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A final copy of the dissertation should be submitted to the Doctoral Committee no less than one
week before the scheduled doctoral defense date. After the examination, all necessary changes to
the manuscript should be made within two weeks.
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TIME TO DEGREE POLICY
The general expectation is that students will make sufficient progress to earn the Ph.D. degree
within five years from entry into UCLA ACCESS to completion of all CMP Graduate Program
requirements.
Termination of Graduate Study and Appeal
University Policy:
A graduate student may be disqualified from continuing in the graduate program for a variety of
reasons. The most common is failure to maintain the minimum cumulative grade point average
(3.00) required by the Academic Senate to remain in good standing. Other examples include
failure of examinations, lack of timely progress toward the degree, and poor performance in core
courses. Probationary students (those with cumulative grade point averages below 3.00) are
subject to immediate dismissal upon recommendation of their department. University guidelines
governing termination of graduate students, including the appeal procedure, are outlined in the
graduate division publication “Standards and Procedures for Graduate Study at UCLA”. (See:
www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/spfgs.pdf)
Additional CMP Graduate Program Policy:
Failure of the qualifying examination twice leads to disqualification. Failure to convene annual
meetings and complete the required Annual Student Progress Report in a timely fashion will
result in official reevaluation of the student's status, dismissal, or a recommendation for transfer to
another mentor's laboratory. The student may appeal by letter to the Graduate Executive
Committee. Mentors and students are responsible for ensuring that these requirements are
fulfilled. Each stage of the student's progress will be monitored yearly and recorded in the
student's file.
The Master’s Degree
The Master of Science degree may be awarded only in special cases to students who were
admitted into the doctoral program, have advanced to candidacy, and are unable to complete the
full Ph.D. curriculum. Further details on the M.S. degree in these instances can be obtained from
the Graduate Program Director. The department does not admit students whose sole objective is
the Master’s degree.
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III.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY GRADUATE PROGRAM
REQUIREMENTS FOR MSTP AND STAR STUDENTS
Outline of Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program Requirements for
MSTP and STAR Students
Cellular and Molecular Pathology Program Requirements
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OUTLINE OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY
GRADUATE PROGRAM FOR MSTP AND STAR STUDENTS
Complete Course Requirements
YEAR 1
Nominate Doctoral Committee (by 12/1)
Convene First Committee Meeting - present
PhD proposal and set timeline for Oral
Qualifying Exam (by 6/1)
YEAR 2
Complete Written and Oral Qualifying Exam
(a.k.a. Second Committee meeting by 6/1)
Advance to Candidacy
YEAR 3
Convene Third Committee Meeting - present
research update/progress (by 6/1)
Write Dissertation
YEAR 4
Complete Final Oral Exam (by mid-Spring
Quarter; see Graduate Division deadline)
File Dissertation
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CMP PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR MSTP AND STAR STUDENTS
CMP graduate students who enter into the program through the MSTP or STAR programs
undertake a program of study similar to those who enter via UCLA ACCESS. For example, the
requirement for annual committee meetings, the written and oral examination, and laboratory
research are identical for all students. However, there are two distinctions for MSTP and STAR
students.
The first is that the required coursework differs. MSTP and STAR students must complete two
advanced general didactic courses (4 - 6 units) and one of the following options:
a. two 298 (or equivalent) seminar courses (2 units), or
b. an advanced didactic course in the area of specialization (4-6 units), and one 298 (or
equivalent) seminar course (2 units)
The second major difference is that MSTP and STAR students are not required to serve as
Teaching Assistants.
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IV.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Graduate Student Travel Awards
Other Support for Continuing Students
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GRADUATE STUDENT TRAVEL AWARDS
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Research Committee will review requests
from graduate students for up to $1000 in travel support to attend scientific meetings at which
they are presenting work. Students are eligible to receive up to two Travel Awards during their
graduate program career.
In order to be eligible to receive travel award and other program funding, all program requirements,
including annual committee meetings, completion of the written and oral examination, and
advancement to candidacy, must be completed on schedule.
If you wish to be considered for this travel award, please complete an Application for CMP
Graduate Student Travel Award and have it approved by your faculty research mentor prior to
your trip. Return the completed form to:
Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Research Committee
c/o Doug Smoot, Graduate Program Student Affairs Officer
1P-171 CHS
Mailcode: 173216
The Application for CMP Graduate Student Travel Award as well as the other departmental
forms mentioned in this manual may be downloaded from the CMP Graduate Program website at
http://pathology.ucla.edu/workfiles/CMP/applicationTravelAward.doc.
OTHER SUPPORT FOR CONTINUING STUDENTS
Please visit the Graduate Division website for a comprehensive list of financial support
opportunities: http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/asis/stusup/index.html
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V.
FORMS
Graduate Division Forms
CMP Graduate Program Forms
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GRADUATE DIVISION FORMS
The following Graduate Division forms are available online at
http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/forms.asp.
1. Nomination of Doctoral Committee (including regulations)
2. Reconstitution of Doctoral Committee (including instructions)
3. Filing Fee Application
CMP GRADUATE PROGRAM FORMS
CMP Graduate Program forms are available at http://www.pathology.ucla.edu/cmp-phd under
”Links to CMP Forms” on the Curriculum page.
1. Report of Annual Committee Meeting
2. Annual Student Progress Report
3. Application for CMP Graduate Student Travel Award
4. CMP Graduate Student Final Information Sheet
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