Program Overview
MSBS in Cancer Biology
The Cell and Cancer Biology (CCB) track within the Biomedical Science Program at the University of Toledo fosters young scientists to become independent investigators with a focus on Cell and Cancer Biology. This program aims to equip students with the knowledge of the molecular and genetic basis of cancer disease and the skills to develop improved therapies for human cancer.
Overview
Students in the Cell and Cancer Biology track develop critical and logical thinking and laboratory skills to approach cancer research questions. The program graduates move on to become successful scientists and leaders in academic, government, and industrial settings. The CCB program offers a Masters degree in Cancer Biology, and students may also pursue the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree or a combined MD/PhD degree.
Faculty Research Interests
The CCB program faculty research interests and areas of expertise include:
- Aging and cancer
- Autophagy and cancer metabolism
- Cancer cell motility and chemotaxis
- Cancer dormancy, progression, and metastasis
- Chromatin remodeling and epigenetic regulation
- DNA damage and repair
- Drug discovery and delivery
- Therapy/drug resistance
- Tumor microenvironment
- Molecular genetics of cancer risk
- Signal transduction
Admissions Requirements
To be admitted to the MSBS in Cancer Biology program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- An earned degree: Baccalaureate (e.g., B.S., B.A.) granted by an accredited college or university
- GPA: A 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or higher from the institution granting the baccalaureate or graduate degree
- Coursework: Prior coursework should have some relevance to graduate studies in cell and cancer biology, including courses in biology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, physiology, statistics, genetics, etc.
- Letters of recommendation: Three or more letters of recommendation are required
- Statement of purpose: Applicants are required to provide a Statement of Purpose
- Resume/CV: Applicants are required to submit a resume/curriculum vitae
- TOEFL (or IELTS) is required for all international students, with some exceptions
Course List
The program requires a minimum of 42 total credits, with a minimum of 20 didactic coursework and a minimum of 10 credits of thesis research. The course list includes:
- BMSP 6330: Current Problems and Research Approaches in Proteins
- BMSP 6340: Curr Prob Res App Genes/Genom
- BMSP 6360: Current Problems and Research Approaches in Cell Membranes
- BMSP 6380: Methods in Biomedical Sciences
- BMSP 6390: Mentored Research
- BMSP 6470: System Pathophysiology
- BMSP 6350: Cell Biology & Signaling
- CABP 6730: Research in Cancer Biology
- BMSP 5320: Statistical Methods I
- INDI 6020: On Being a Scientist
- CABP 6270: Advanced Cancer Biology
- CABP 6560: Readings in Cancer Biology
- CABP 6990: Thesis Research in Cancer Biol
Plan of Study
The plan of study includes a first-year core curriculum, laboratory rotations, and a dissertation research project. Students complete three rotations and join a Cell and Cancer Biology laboratory in the spring semester of their first year.
Learning Outcomes
The program learning outcomes include:
- Identify and summarize the general structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs
- Describe the common molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms that maintain the normal function, development, and plasticity of cells, tissues, and organs
- Comprehend and critically evaluate relevant basic science and clinical literature
- Design and conduct applicable biomedical sciences experiments
- Organize, interpret, and summarize results of applicable biomedical sciences experiments
- Demonstrate ethical and responsible conduct in research and all other scholarly activities
- Basic knowledge of molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms important in maintaining the bodys homeostasis
- Basic knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of oncogenic transformation from initiation of cells through tumor metastasis
- Basic knowledge of the pathophysiology of prominent types of cancer
- Basic knowledge of basic statistical methods used in the design and interpretation of research projects
- Basic knowledge of the principles and legal responsibilities that govern responsible conduct of research
- The ability to perform laboratory procedures necessary for the completion of the students thesis research project
- The ability to design and complete a research project
- The ability to perform research productively as an individual or member of a research team
- The ability to communicate research findings effectively, both orally and in writing
- The ability to retrieve, manage, and utilize biomedical information for solving problems
- Ethical, responsible, and reliable behavior in all aspects of their professional lives
- Honesty and integrity in all interactions with colleagues, research subjects, and others
- Professionalism in dress and grooming in compliance with health and safety rules
- Respect and adherence to all laws and regulations governing the biomedical research use of animals and patient materials.