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.

Required Courses
BC 563Molecular Genetics4
BC 565Molecular Regulation of Cell Function4
CM 510Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology1
CM 792Cell and Molecular Biology Seminar 1, 24-10
CM 793Seminar 1, 24-10
GRAD 550STEM Communication1
MIP 611Advanced Microbiological Research Methods4
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: 239
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

Select at least one course from the following:
BC 601Responsible Conduct in Biochemistry1
CM 601Responsible Conduct of Research in CMB1
CM 666/PHIL 666Science and Ethics3
GRAD 544Ethical Conduct of Research1
MIP 654Research Policies and Regulations1
NSCI 575/GRAD 575Ethical Issues in Big Data Research1

Statistics Electives

Select at least one course from the following:
STAR 511Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I4
STAR 512Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II4
STAT 540Data Analysis and Regression3
VS 562Applied Data Analysis3
VS 733Advanced Veterinary Epidemiology4

Topics Electives

Topics Electives provide guided practice in reading, interpreting, and critiquing scientific literature relevant to the field of Cell & Molecular Biology.

Preferred course, to be taken two semesters, 2 credits total:
CM 700Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature2
Courses that could substitute for CM 700 in consultation with advisor:
FSHN 650ARecent Developments in Human Nutrition: Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals2
FSHN 650BRecent Developments in Human Nutrition: Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Energy2
FSHN 650CRecent Developments in Human Nutrition: Genomic, Proteomics, and Metabolomics2
MIP 700Topics in Microbiology1

Writing Electives

Select at least one course from the following:
BC 701Grant Proposal Writing and Reviewing1
BZ 544Presenting Research in Biology2
CM 644/E 644Creative Science Writing3
HES 700Professional Skills in Bioenergetics3
MIP 643Grant Writing for Microbiology/Pathology1
MIP 666Writing Scientific Manuscripts3
NB 771Writing, Submitting, and Reviewing Grants1

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.