The Cancer Biology Specialization is a focus area within the Cell and Molecular Biology graduate program that includes over two dozen faculty members from six departments in three colleges who share a strong interest and a broad expertise in molecular and clinical aspects of the development and treatment of cancer. The basic science and translational research activities of the focus area are closely linked with the clinical research and clinical trials programs of the Robert H. and Mary G. Flint Animal Cancer Center.
Clinical cancer treatment of pet animals is a major strength of the cancer biology curriculum. The Cancer Biology Specialization combines nationally recognized research training, focused on cutting edge approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment, with innovative clinical trials. Students who choose the Cancer Biology Specialization 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.
Students interested in this graduate program should refer to the Cell and Molecular Biology website for further details.
Effective Fall 2021
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.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
BC 563 | Molecular Genetics | 4 |
BC 565 | Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | 4 |
CM 510 | Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology | 1 |
CM 792 | Cell and Molecular Biology Seminar 1, 2 | 4-10 |
CM 793 | Seminar 1, 2 | 4-10 |
GRAD 550 | STEM Communication | 1 |
MIP 611 | Advanced Microbiological Research Methods | 4 |
Select a minimum of five credits from the following: | 5 | |
Cancer Biology | ||
Cancer Genetics | ||
Environmental Carcinogenesis | ||
Cancer Biology Clinical Practicum | ||
Independent Study and Dissertation (select a minimum of 6 credits from the following): | 6 | |
Independent Study 2 | ||
Dissertation 2 | ||
Electives must contain at least one course from each section list: 2 | 39 | |
Ethics Electives (See list below) | 1-3 | |
Statistics Electives (See list below) | 3-4 | |
Topics Electives (See list below) | 2 | |
Writing Electives (See list below) | 1-3 | |
Master's Degree Credit (a maximum of 30 credits may be accepted from a master's degree) | 30 | |
Program Total Credits: | 72 |
Ethics Electives
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Select at least one course from the following: | ||
BC 601 | Responsible Conduct in Biochemistry | 1 |
CM 601 | Responsible Conduct of Research in CMB | 1 |
CM 666/PHIL 666 | Science and Ethics | 3 |
GRAD 544 | Ethical Conduct of Research | 1 |
MIP 654 | Research Policies and Regulations | 1 |
NSCI 575/GRAD 575 | Ethical Issues in Big Data Research | 1 |
Statistics Electives
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Select at least one course from the following: | ||
STAR 511 | Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | 4 |
STAR 512 | Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II | 4 |
STAT 540 | Data Analysis and Regression | 3 |
VS 562 | Applied Data Analysis | 3 |
VS 733 | Advanced Veterinary Epidemiology | 4 |
Topics Electives
Topics Electives provide guided practice in reading, interpreting, and critiquing scientific literature relevant to the field of Cell & Molecular Biology.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Preferred course, to be taken two semesters, 2 credits total: | ||
CM 700 | Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature | 2 |
Courses that could substitute for CM 700 in consultation with advisor: | ||
FSHN 650A | Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals | 2 |
FSHN 650B | Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Energy | 2 |
FSHN 650C | Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Genomic, Proteomics, and Metabolomics | 2 |
MIP 700 | Topics in Microbiology | 1 |
Writing Electives
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Select at least one course from the following: | ||
BC 701 | Grant Proposal Writing and Reviewing | 1 |
BZ 544 | Presenting Research in Biology | 2 |
CM 644/E 644 | Creative Science Writing | 3 |
HES 700 | Professional Skills in Bioenergetics | 3 |
MIP 643 | Grant Writing for Microbiology/Pathology | 1 |
MIP 666 | Writing Scientific Manuscripts | 3 |
NB 771 | Writing, Submitting, and Reviewing Grants | 1 |
A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
CM 792 and CM 793 must be taken each year in spring or fall semester.
- 2
Students must complete at least one credit from each CM 795 and CM 799, and select enough independent study, dissertation, seminar, and other elective course credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 72 credits, with approval of graduate advisory committee.