Cancer and Developmental Biology Curriculum

Students in the Cancer and Developmental Biology Track must complete the required curriculum described below. In addition, students may take elective courses, but are encouraged to complete the electives during the fall semester of the second year. Students also participate in a seminar course each semester beginning with the spring semester of the first year.

Required Curriculum

Cell Biology (3)
Molecular Biology (3)
Biochemistry (3)
Cellular Signaling (3)
Special Topics, related to Career Development (1)
Molecular Biology of Cancer (3)
Special Topics, Pathobiology of Cancer (1)
Ethics (1)
Statistics (1-3, to be determined)

Electives

Students may take one additional elective course up to 3 hours at any time in any track before the end of Spring, Year 2. As preparation of the qualifying exam written materials will be time-intensive, it is recommended that any optional elective be completed by Fall of Year 2.

Laboratory Rotations

Students will have three 6-week laboratory rotation periods beginning in September of the first year. After two rotations, students may choose a mentor or continue through the third rotation.

Admission-to-Candidacy Exam

The admission to candidacy exam will consist of a 6-page written proposal in current NRSA format for oral defense. The exam must be completed by May 15 of the second year.

Sample curriculum

Year 1

Fall Semester

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry

Spring Semester

Cell Signaling
Science as a Profession
Cancer Track Seminar
3 Laboratory Rotations
July: Choose a Mentor

Year 2

Fall Semester

Ethics
Molecular Biology of Cancer
Pathobiology of Cancer
Cancer Seminar
Dissertation Research
September: Form Faculty Committee

Spring Semester

Statistics
Dissertation Research
Cancer Seminar
February: Exam topic approval
April: Written proposal due
May 15th: All admission to candidacy exams must be complete
June 30th: Deadline for revisions, additional requirements or 2nd chance defense

Year 2

Fall Semester

Dissertation Research
Cancer Seminar

Year 3 and Beyond

Dissertation Research
Cancer Seminar

Year 4 and Beyond

Students will defend their dissertation before their faculty committee in order to complete the requirements for the Ph.D. degree.

Quick Links

Contact Us