Tumor Biology

Over the past two decades, there has been a revolution in the study of cancer biology. Advances in molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology have contributed to our understanding of malignant transformation, cancer prevention, and cancer therapy. The Interdisciplinary Program in Tumor Biology provides doctoral and masters students with an excellent environment and interdisciplinary training for a career in cancer biology research.

Our program brings together about 60 faculty members from Basic Science and Clinical Departments, as well as the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center (a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, combining excellence in basic and clinical cancer research, as well as research in cancer prevention and control). A combination of formal courses, seminars and ongoing collaborative research projects bring together faculty and trainees in a unified doctoral program committed to providing quality education in cancer biology, prevention and therapy.

The primary consideration for acceptance into the Tumor Biology Training Program is the student's potential for highest quality research and academic scholarship, evaluated by both formal criteria and a personal interview.

Summer prior to first Fall semester

• TBIO 985 - Tumor Biology Lab Rotation I (0)
• TBIO 712 - Tumor Biology Student Seminar (0)

YEAR 1

Fall Semester

• BCHB 501 - Biochemical and Cellular Sciences I (4)
• BCHB 528 - Modern Methods in Molecular Biology (3)
• TBIO 508 - Cellular & Molecular Aspects of the Transformed Cell (4)
• TBIO 546 - Resources for Cancer Research (0)
• TBIO 986 - Tumor Biology Lab Rotation II (0)
• TBIO 703 - Current Topics in Cancer Research (0)
• TBIO 711 - Tumor Biology Student Seminar (0)
• Electives (0-3)

Spring Semester

• TBIO 562 - Survival Skills & Ethics in Scientific Research (2)
• CBIO 539 - Molecular Cell Biology (4)
• TBIO 520 - Cancer Prevention, Control & Epidemiology (3)
• TBIO 536 - Cancer Pharmacology I & II (4)
• TBIO 987 - Tumor Biology Lab Rotation III (0)
• TBIO 704 - Current Topics in Cancer Research (0)
• TBIO 712 - Tumor Biology Student Seminar (0)
• Electives (0-3)

Summer After First Year

• Continuing Training Program or Comprehensive Exam

YEAR 2

Fall Semester

• TBIO 599 - Practical Data Analysis & Experimental Design (3)
• TBIO 591 - Signal Transduction Journal Club (1)
• TBIO 703 - Current Topics in Cancer Research (0)
• TBIO 711 - Tumor Biology Student Seminar (0)
• TBIO 999-03 Thesis Research Cancer Biology (0)

Spring Semester

• TBIO 588 - Preparing a Scientific Paper (2)
• TBIO 704 - Current Topics in Cancer Research (0)
• TBIO 712 - Tumor Biology Student Seminar (0)
• TBIO 999-03 Thesis Research Cancer Biology (0)

Summer After Second Year - Guided Research Training & Thesis Proposal

YEAR 3+ UNTIL GRADUATION 

• TBIO 703/704 - Current Topics in Cancer Research (0)
• TBIO 711/712 - Tumor Biology Student Seminar (0)
• TBIO 999-01 - Thesis Research (0)

LAB ROTATIONS 

• TBIO 997 - Lab Rotation I (0 credits) 
• TBIO 556 - Lab Rotation II (0 credits) 
• TBIO 557 - Lab Rotation III (0 credits) 

• Application Form
• Application Fee
• Personal Statement (Include your reasons for choosing tumor biology research as a career and your past research experience, if any)
• Official Transcript(s)
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Score
• TOFEL (international student applicants only)
• WES  (international student applicants only)

EVERY APPLICANT MUST SEND ALL HARD-COPY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS TO THE  Office of Biomedical Graduate Education

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.

Enroll in the course