Comprehensive Examination: All students will follow a uniform format for this examination, which typically comes after 3 to 4 semesters of class work (2 semesters for MD/PhD students). Students will choose a major topic and two minor topics (which may focus on research methodology). Major and minor paper topics must be approved by the Tumor Biology Oversight Committee. For the major topic, a critically written paper on an area of cancer research will be prepared. Examination of major and minor topics will be by a committee of four (4) faculty members, plus the chosen dissertation advisor. The examination will contain an oral component consisting of a presentation and a defense of the papers.

Thesis Proposal: All students in their third year (second year for MD/PhD students) will write and defend a thesis proposal before a committee consisting of their dissertation mentor, three (3) program faculty members, and an outside reader. The Tumor Biology Oversight Committee must approve the Thesis Committee.


Written Dissertation: Upon completion of a thesis project, a written dissertation must be approved by the student's Thesis Committee.

Final Oral Defense: The final stage of graduate training involves an oral presentation of the thesis. In attendance will be the Thesis Committee, program members, and interested Medical Center personnel.

Curriculum

Typical Curriculum for Masters Students
(30 Credits)

Semester 1

Biochemistry and Cellular Sciences I (3)
Modern Methods in Molecular Biology (3)
Current Topics in Cancer Research (1)
Biostatistics (3)
Cancer Research Techniques (3)
Electives (3 - 6)

Semester 2

Molecular Cell Biology (4)
Tumor Biol II: Cellular and Molec Aspects of the Transformed Cell (3)
Ethical Issues in Scientific Research (2)
Current Topics in Cancer Research (1)
Electives (3-6)

Typical Curriculum for Ph.D. Students
(33 credits)

Summer Before Enrollment - Cancer Research Techniques (not for credit) (optional)

Year 1

Semester 1

Biochemical and Cellular Sciences I (3)
Modern Methods in Molecular Biology (3)
Interdisciplinary Research Survey (3)
Biostatistics (3)
Current Topics in Cancer Research (not for credit)
Student Seminar (not for credit)
Techniques (not for credit)
Elective (3 - 6)

Semester 2

Biochemical and Cellular Sciences II (3)
Principles of Biomedical Sciences (3)
Cellular and Molecular Aspects of the Transformed Cell (3)
Ethical Issues in Scientific Research or Cancer Research Survival Skills and Ethics (2)
Preparing a Scientific Paper (2)
Current Topics in Cancer Research (1)
Student Seminar (1)