Information for Current Students
***For a list of courses offered click here!!!***
Click to jump to:
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Welcome new students!
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Some basic information
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Degree Requirements
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Clinical Ethics Option
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Internship Opportunities
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Advising
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Registration for courses
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Grading
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Tuition
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Other University Policies
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Other Program Policies
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MBE Travel Fund (and other $$ opportunities)
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Graduation
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After Graduation
Welcome New Students
Congratulations on being admitted to the UPenn Master of Bioethics program. You are joining an outstanding group of students and alumni. Your experience will combine excellent academic instruction, expansive networking, and hands-on research and consulting opportunities. We are thrilled you will be joining us.
The "Nitty Gritty":
Upon acknowledgment of your acceptance, you will receive an information packet that includes a matriculation form, an interests survey (to help us pair you with an appropriate advisor), and some general information about how to get your PennCard (which allows you access to all of Penn's onsite resources), information about your PennKey (your name and password that allows you access to all of Penn's online resources), and information about how to get your Penn email address.
After you register for your first course, the University computer system triggers your bill to be sent. With that initial mailing you receive your temporary PennKey password and instructions on how to activate your PennKey.
Once you get your Penn email account, notify Robin Hartley and you will be added to our BIOEGRAD listserve. This is a listserve for all active MBE students and is how most program announcements are made. You will begin to see emails about lectures of interest, research opportunities, and announcements of deadlines, events, and course information.
Upon matriculation you will also be given a mailbox here in our office. Professors may use these to return papers, and hard copies of announcements and invitations to Center events are placed here.
Sometime before or soon after you begin taking classes, you should check in with Robin Hartley to receive your "black key." This allows you access to the office and the classrooms. In the back half of the Center for Bioethics office are restrooms, a student lounge with very comfy couches, a kitchen with free coffee and tea, and a photocopier for student use. There is a student workroom outside of classroom 320 that has 2 computers and a printer for student use.
Before classes start or shortly thereafter, everyone should make an appointment with Dr. Nora Jones to discuss the curriculum and other logistics. Everyone who has not already met the Director of the Program, Dr. Autumn Fiester, should also make an appointment with her to introduce yourselves.
Degree Requirements
Curriculum for MBE students: (Information for Dual Degree Students here)
There are 9 courses required for the degree:
- Proseminar: Introduction to Bioethics (BIOE 601). Offered every Fall. This course serves as a broad introduction to the field of bioethics. The course focuses on three of the most important areas in bioethics: Genetics & Reproduction, Human Experimentation, and End-of-Life. Each module covers essential bioethics concepts, relevant legal cases, and classical readings of that theme. Each module includes one guest lecture from our distinguished bioethics faculty.
- Conceptual Foundations (BIOE 602). Offered every Spring. This course examines the various theoretical approaches to bioethics and critically assesses their underpinnings. Topics include an examination of various versions of deontological theories, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, principalism, casuistry, feminist ethics, narrative theory, and pragmatism.
- Six electives (see Course Listings for upcoming and past years' electives)
- Final Project (BIOE 996). Working alone or on a project happening at the Center, the student will plan and conduct a research project that results in a 20-25 page paper of publishable quality. Each student will work with a project advisor to plan his or her project. The project advisor will advise as needed and assign a grade to the final paper. An alternative to BIOE 996 is the clinical ethics option, described below.
Clinical Ethics Certificate Option:
As an option for our students interested in pursuing clinical ethics in-depth, we have partnered with The Bioethics Program of Union Graduate College and Mount Sinai School of Medicine to offer a clinical ethics certificate program. This program offers a combination of online and on-site instruction exclusively focused on clinical ethics. With this option, selected students will receive their MBE from the UPenn School of Medicine and a "Certificate in Clinical Bioethics" from the Union-Mount Sinai Bioethics Program.
This joint program consists of 7 courses taken at UPenn in the Master of Bioethics program, 2 on-line courses offered through the Union-Mount Sinai Bioethics Program, and separate week-long, on-site intensive courses, one on the Mount Sinai campus in New York City, the other primarily on the Union campus.
Courses taken at Penn include: BIOE 601: Introduction to Bioethics, BIOE 602: Conceptual Foundations, BIOE 540: Mediation, and 4 electives of the student's choice. Union/Mount Sinai courses will be:
- BIE 590: Clinical Ethics.
Online, Winter. Dr. Rhodes.
- This course deals with the practical applications of clinical ethics, including clinical ethics consulting and its recording and documentation, the work of ethics committees and IRBs, and other practical ethics of clinical ethics.
- BIE 610: On-Line Practicum, Spring. Dr. Orr
- A supervised practical experience in clinical ethics designed to teach skill in clinical ethics consultation.
- BIE 620: On-Site Practicum. Spring. First week in June at Mount Sinai
- A supervised practical experience in clinical ethics designed to teach skills in clinical ethics consultation. Prerequisite: BIE 590
- BIE 650: Capstone. Spring. Second week in June at Union Graduate College
- Capstone is a week long assessment during which the students demonstrate their mastery of all skills taught. Students will present their master’s project. (Certificate candidates will present a clinical ethics case they have developed.
The Capstone course can be substituted with: - BIE 520 Health Care Policy. Winter, On-Line. Dr. Strosberg
- This course provides an understanding of the public policy making process and the political and regulatory environment in which health care organizations function. It also provides an understanding of managerial processes, politics, and structure of the health care organizations where ethical policies and practices are implemented and carried out on an ongoing basis. Policies for consideration include resource allocation, end-of-life decision-making, accountability and performance measurement, and conflict-of-interest.
Tuition costs will differ for those students completing the Clinical Ethics certificate program. Students will pay normal MBE tuition for the 7 courses taken at UPenn. The 4 courses with Union/Mount Sinai will cost approximately $10,000 in tuition and fees paid directly to Union/Mount Sinai. Additional living and/or transportation costs will be incurred during the two-week on-site experience.
Students interested in the joint program should discuss their plans with Dr. Autumn Fiester or Dr. Nora Jones. Three to four students will be accepted into the joint program each year.
Internship Opportunities
The MBE program is pleased to be able to offer internship opportunities with four Washington, DC area institutions: The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law; The National Research Center for Women & Families; PhRMA, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Science and Regulatory Affairs Division; and the Center for Ethics at Washington Hospital Center.
Advising
There are many people who can and will help you, both logistically and intellectually, as you move through the program.
Dr. Autumn Fiester, the Director of Graduate Studies, has overall responsibility for the graduate program, including the shape and staffing for the curriculum, general MBE policies, outreach to other schools within the University, and the admissions process. She makes decisions regarding transfer credit, applicable MBE courses, and requirements for joint degrees. Dr. Fiester is available by email, fiester@mail.med.upenn.edu, and by appointment (call 215.573.0246 to schedule).
Dr. Nora Jones, Assistant Director of Graduate Studies, is your first source of information about the program's policies and procedures. She also advises students on course selection, fulfilling degree requirements, and navigating the University systems. Dr. Jones is available by email, noralj@mail.med.upenn.edu, and by appointment (call 215.573.4042 to schedule).
All students are assigned an initial faculty advisor from among the faculty. He or she will help you design a program that meets your individual needs and career goals. It is recommended that you be in regular contact with your advisor as you progress through the program.
Registration for Courses
For a list of courses, past, present, and upcoming, click here.
Registration start and end dates will be posted online and sent out via the listserve. Most students will be able to register online through PIT (Penn-In-Touch). Some of our courses are 'Permit only' courses. What this means is that we restrict access to our own MBE students. If you encounter a 'needs permission' message when you try to register through PIT, email Dr. Nora Jones and she will issue you a permit.
DMD/MBE and MD/MBE students do not have access to PIT and they must email Robin Hartley directly with their course requests and the MBE office will handle their registration.
JD/MBE students are in a special situation in that the Law School handles its registration like a lottery. Students put in requests and must wait until very late to find out which courses they've been registered in. JD/MBE students should email Robin Harley their MBE course requests as soon as they know them so that the MBE office can unofficially hold spaces for them. Once they learn their JD schedule, students should again contact Robin Hartley so that MBE registration can be completed.
Adding/Dropping
Add and Drop periods will be posted on home page calendar. Generally, the Add period ends 2 weeks into the semester; this is also the last day to drop a class with no financial penalty. The formal Drop period is generally the fourth week of the semester. Dropping a course between week 2 and 4 results in a 50% financial penalty. After 4 weeks you will need to petition the Assistant Director for a withdrawal. Normally, permission is granted and a W (withdrawal) is recorded on your transcript. Students who withdraw have full financial obligation, except in documented cases of illness, military service, or other extraordinary circumstances when they may petition for a 50% refund.
Special Note for International Students
Any international student here on an F-1 or J-1 visa must register for courses for each semseter they are here. What this means is that you cannot carry an incomplete in your last semester - i.e., if you are registered for 3 courses in the Spring, and you have an incomlete in one of them with plans to finish the incomplete over the summer and graduate in August, this is not allowed. The Office of International Programs (OIP) will see that you have not yet graduated, have an active I-20, but no registration. This raises red flags with the OIP, and if not addressed, leads to red flags with the Department of Homeland Security. Any international student with any questions or concerns about their registration and timely completion of the degree should contact Dr. Nora Jones.
Grading
Students must earn at least a B in Proseminar: Introduction to Bioethics and in Conceptual Foundations and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain a student in good standing in the program.
An incomplete grade must be resolved within 1 year of the course. If an incomplete is not completed, the course will have to be taken again (and paid for again). Students who receive 2 incomplete's may not register for the subsequent term without permission from the Director of Graduate Studies.
Tuition, Fees, and Bills
Current tuition rates are ~$4800/course. This includes a general University fee and the technical fee.
Bursar bills are e-mailed (no more snail mail) by the Office of Student Financial Services usually within 4-6 weeks after the registration has been processed. This makes it very important that you have a Penn email address!!! You can access your bill using the Penn Portal. Billing questions should be addressed to Student Financial Services, 215.898.1988.
Employees of the University of Pennsylvania or the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania should check with their department of Human Resources to see if they are eligible for tuition remission.
Other University Policies
Code of Academic Integrity
The standing of an educational institution and the value of a degree from that institution are dependent upon the integrity of study and research carried on at that institution and on the academic honesty of its students, faculty, and staff. The full text of the University's Code of Academic Integrity can be found here.
Confidentiality of Student Records
Personally identifiable information can only be disclosed to people outside the University with the written consent of the student or alumnus in question. Details of the University Confidentiality policy can be found here.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran in the administration of its educational policies, programs, activities, admissions policies and procedures, scholarship and loan programs, employment, recreational athletic or other University administered programs. Questions or concerns regarding the University's equal opportunity and affirmative action programs, or accommodations for people with disabilities can contact the Director of Affirmative Action, 215.898.6993.
The Penn Book - University Policies from A (Academic Integrity) to V (Vending Policy)
The Penn Book, the ultimate source for Penn's policies and procedures, can be found here.
Other Program Policies
Transfer Credit
MBE students may receive transfer credit for one graduate course taken prior to their matriculation, if that course was not earned as part of another degree program. Transfer credit is recorded without grades on the Penn transcript, and the grade is not computed in the cumulative GPA. Students interested in transferring a credit into the MBE program should talk to the Assistant Director.
Taking Courses in Other University Departments
MBE students may take 1 course outside the Center for Bioethics, and must contact the Director for approval. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Dual degree students are not permitted to take courses outside the MBE program that are not offered by their home school. For example, a JD/MBE student may not take a Wharton Health Care Management course.
MBE Travel Fund
The MBE Travel Fund is the result of a 2007 Bioethics Alumni Society Initiative. The Fund is designed to provide small travel grants to current MBE students who are presenting papers at professional bioethics-related conferences. The money is to be used towards expenses associated with attending the conference.
For the 2009/2010 academic year, The MBE Travel Fund may award up to $200 travel grants to up to 3 students.
For more information about the fund, who is eligible to apply, etc, please click here.
To download the MBE Travel Fund Application, please click here.
Other $$ Opportunities
Unfortunately, the Center for Bioethics does not have additional scholarship or grant opportunties. There are, however, some resources available to you as graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania:
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http://www.gsc.upenn.edu/navgrant/resources.php
Graduate Student Center -
http://www.gapsa.upenn.edu/engage/funding
Graduate and Professional Student Assembly -
http://www.med.upenn.edu/mdresearchopps/yearout.shtml
Research and Fellowship Opportunities for Penn Med Students
Graduation
At the beginning of each semester, the registrar's office sends the program that semester's graduation information and application form. Upon receipt, Dr. Jones will email the BIOEGRAD listserve asking everyone who is planning on graduating that semester to fill out their application. While the MBE office strives to keep up with the details of all of our students and to know which students are eligible for that semester's graduation, we ask that each student keep their own records and proactively manage their path to graduation. Graduation application deadlines are university-set, and not amenable by the MBE office.
Upon receipt of the graduation application, the MBE office will review each applicant's record to determine completion of requirements and will notify students of outstanding incomplete's or other issues that must be resolved for graduation to happen. A diploma will be issued only when the student is found to have satisfied all the relevant requirements and has paid all outstanding University bills and fees.
Information for university-wide ceremonies is available online. December graduates are welcome to participate in the following May commencement (they will have already received their diplomas). August graduates may participate in the preceding May commencement; however, their names will not appear in the May commencement program until the following year.
The Center for Bioethics holds its own graduation ceremony each May. This is an intimate event for graduates (from the December prior, the current May, and the upcoming August graduation dates) and their families. Graduation robes are not required. It is a dinner with speeches by Dr's Caplan and Fiester, with individual presentations of 'diploma' (official diplomas are not mailed for another few weeks). Details of this event will be announced through BIOEGRAD and other means as the date approaches.
We are currently collecting applications for August 2009 graduation. Please download this application and this letter explaining graduation policies. Applications must be returned to Dr. Nora Jones by June 8 to avoid being charged a late fee.
What happens after graduation?
Upon graduation, each MBE alumni will be moved from the BIOEGRAD listserve to the BIOEALUM listserve. This is a resource that will keep you informed of research and job opportunities, social events with the Center, lectures and symposia of interest, and other information pertinent to alumni. Our office is always open to you. Alumni can contact us for networking or publishing assistance, and alumni can always take courses with us.
To ensure that we keep in touch with you, we recommend that you use Penn's free lifetime email forwarding service. You'll first need to sign up for the free Penn Alumni Online Community. With email forwarding, you will be given an email address, janedoe@alumni.upenn.edu for example, that will automatically forward to the email account you have on record with the Online Community.
We also encourage all of our alumni, if they haven't done so already, to link in to our MBE LinkedIn community. Contact Dr. Nora Jones for more details.