Teaching Assistant
Teaching is an essential aspect of scientific research. An important component of graduate-level education is the acquisition of teaching skills. All UBC Biochemistry PhD graduate students are required to be a teaching assistant (GTA) and to complete a quarter-time (0.25, ~96 hours). Quarter-time positions are 92 hours of work and 4 hours of paid vacation time. See CUPE 2278 Agreement. PhD students must hold a TA position or equivalent at least once during their PhD. Successful completion of the TA’ship will be recorded and evaluated. Students making good research progress may TA additional courses provided there are agreements from their supervisors.
Finding a TA’ship Position
A full list of courses and TA responsibilities available through the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is available here.
The Graduate Program Coordinator (Doris Metcalf) will notify students of available TA’ships in late March or early April. An email will also be sent to incoming PhD students.
Financial Reimbursement
Upon completion of the minimum TA requirement, students can accept additional TA opportunities provided there are agreements from their supervisors.
Evaluation
The performances of TA’s are evaluated by the course coordinator, and the evaluations become a part of the student’s files. Evaluations are available for viewing through the Graduate Program Coordinator.
Invigilating Final Exams
As part of the TA responsibilities, all TA’s will be called upon to invigilate at least one final exam during the exam period of a term in which they are performing TA duties. You may invigilate either the course you are currently a TA for or you may ask to TA an alternate course.
Teaching Workshops
We highly encourage students to sign up for available workshops on how to teach. Below are several links to available opportunities: