Cancer Biology

The Sheila and David Fuente Graduate Program in Cancer Biology is a University-wide interdisciplinary training program that involves faculty from the basic science and clinical departments of the University of Miami. The objective of this program is to provide a unique multidisciplinary training environment for highly qualified individuals that will prepare them for independent research and teaching careers. The overall philosophy of the program is to integrate basic and clinical research. The scientific focus is on the biology of cancer and the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach which incorporates concepts and state-of-the–art techniques from molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, biostatistics, genetics, genomics, immunology, proteomics, structural biology, clinical oncology, and translational research programs at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. An important goal of the program is to provide students with a strong background in basic biomedical research coupled with an understanding of clinical aspects of cancer including diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic intervention. To achieve this goal, the program utilizes a unique program of study that includes lectures from both basic and clinical researchers. In addition, the program has a two-tier mentoring system in which students receive guidance from both a research mentor and a physician mentor. The research mentor is the dissertation advisor, while the physician mentor will provide the student with a clinical perspective in oncology. Through this dual mentorship, students conduct their doctoral research and obtain clinical knowledge in their area of study. The program aims to instill in students the ability to design multidisciplinary research programs in which scientific research is driven by unmet clinical challenges.

Courses in Cancer Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are prerequisites for all CAB courses.  Required courses are Tumor Biology, Student Seminars, Tumor Boards, Special Topics in Cancer Research, Dialogues with Cancer Clinicians, and Logic and Reasoning in Translational Cancer Research. (Students can also choose electives in cancer epidemiology, cellular and molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, and microbiology with permission of the CAB Director. After joining the program and choosing a research mentor, students formulate a proposal and take a qualifying exam. Their subsequent research is guided by an individually tailored dissertation committee, including the research advisor and physician mentor.)

Applicants to biomedical programs should have a bachelor degree in a biological or related discipline (e.g., psychology, chemistry, engineering, physics). Although there are no prerequisite requirements, courses in general biology, cell/molecular biology, calculus, general physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry are encouraged. Applications are generally accepted from September to December for fall entry only. Select applicants will be offered an interview.

COMPETITIVE CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Excellent academic record
• Competitive GRE exam scores
• Research experience in a laboratory setting
• Publications of abstract and / or papers
• Co-authorship in a peer-reviewed journal is recommended
• Strong letters of recommendation from research scientists who know the candidate well
• Motivation to pursue state-of-the-art biomedical research

APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:

• Online Application
• Application Fee
• Official Academic Transcripts
• GRE General Test
• English Proficiency Exam (non-native speakers)
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume / CV

Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• Flexible study schedule
• Experienced teachers
• Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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