Program Overview

Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology Specialization

The Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology Specialization, is a focus area within the Cell and Molecular Biology graduate program. This program includes over two dozen faculty members from six departments in three colleges who share a strong interest and broad expertise in molecular and clinical aspects of the development and treatment of cancer.

Program Overview

Graduates from this program will have strong foundations in core cell and molecular biology principles, state-of-the-art training in technical laboratory and computational skills, and leadership and communication skills necessary for professional achievement. The Cancer Biology Specialization combines nationally recognized research training, focused on cutting-edge approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment, with innovative clinical trials.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the Ph.D. program with a Cancer Biology Specialization, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate and apply detailed knowledge of the molecular processes by which genetic material is replicated, expressed, and regulated and/or the cellular processes involved in membrane formation, organelle biogenesis, cell communication/shape/motility and how these are linked with growth, aging, and death.
2. Evaluate primary research papers in the field of cell and molecular biology, including discerning the major questions/hypotheses being addressed, critically interpreting the data presented, assessing whether the conclusions are adequately supported by evidence, and relating the findings to the broader context and significance in the field.
3. Apply appropriate, ethical, and technically competent research practices to generate and analyze data and determine statistical and biological relevance.
4. Write publication-quality scientific manuscripts in the field of cell and molecular biology based on research findings.
5. Formulate new hypotheses based on the literature in the field of cell and molecular biology and design appropriate experimental and analytical approaches to test them and refine those approaches/hypotheses based on initial findings.
6. Synthesize detailed knowledge regarding the development, metastasis, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer acquired through their coursework and research.

Program Requirements

• A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program.
• Students must complete all of the requirements of the Cell and Molecular Biology graduate program, including the three laboratory rotations during their first year, plus an additional 5 credits of coursework.
• The program includes required courses, such as Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology, Reproducible Biomedical Research Methods, and Cell and Molecular Biology Seminar.
• Students must also select courses from various electives, including ethics, statistics, topics, writing, and cell and molecular biology electives.

Course List

The following courses are part of the program:

• Required Courses:
  • CM 510: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
  • CM 544/MIP 544: Reproducible Biomedical Research Methods
  • CM 792: Cell and Molecular Biology Seminar
  • CM 793: Seminar
• Select one course from the following:
  • BC 563: Molecular Genetics
  • BC 565: Molecular Regulation of Cell Function
• Select a minimum of five credits from the following:
  • ERHS 510/VS 510: Cancer Biology
  • ERHS 611: Cancer Genetics
  • ERHS 733: Environmental Carcinogenesis
  • VS 718: Cancer Biology Clinical Practicum
• Independent Study and Dissertation:
  • CM 795: Independent Study
  • CM 799: Dissertation
• Ethics Elective:
  • BC 601: Responsible Conduct in Biochemistry
  • GRAD 544: Ethical Conduct of Research
  • MIP 554: Research Policies and Regulations
• Statistics Elective:
  • ERHS 535: R Programming for Research
  • ERHS 537A: R Programming: Research I
  • ERHS 537B: R Programming: Research II
• Topics Elective:
  • CM 700: Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature
• Writing Elective:
  • BC 701: Grant Proposal Writing and Reviewing
  • BZ 544: Presenting Research in Biology
• Cell & Molecular Biology Elective:
  • AB 511: Microbiome of Plant Systems
  • ANEQ 505: Microbiome of Animal Systems

Effective Fall 2024

A maximum of 30 credits at the master's degree level may be accepted toward the Ph.D. A professional post-baccalaureate degree in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmacy may be accepted for a maximum of 30 credits.

Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees

The following steps are required for the Master's and Doctoral degrees:

1. Application for admission
2. Diagnostic examination when required
3. Appointment of advisor
4. Selection of graduate committee
5. Filing of program of study
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD)
7. Report of preliminary examination
8. Changes in committee
9. Application for Graduation
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee
11. Final examination
12. Report of final examination
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only)
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically
15. Graduation