This program's mission is to provide students with:

  • Advanced knowledge in current concepts in molecular, cellular, and genetic processes that contribute to the development and treatment of cancer
  • Specialized training in experimental methodology used to study cancer in a laboratory setting
  • Required shadowing of clinical oncologists to help identify clinically-relevant research questions leading to projects with a potential impact on cancer patients

Learn about our program's curriculum

Curriculum Overview

The Graduate College requires the satisfactory completion of 72 semester hours in order to obtain a Ph.D.

Required Courses

For the first year, students take common courses with other Biomedical Science students.

Cancer is a term that encompasses over 210 different types of malignancies, each with a unique set of biological, etiological, and clinical features. Cancer researchers continue to widen their scope as more is learned, requiring a breadth of knowledge in many areas of research (e.g. cell biology, genetics, immunology, and cell metabolism) to understand the complexities of cancer etiology and treatment.

The Cancer Biology Program provides this knowledge through classroom and research training leading to a PhD degree, and preparing students for a variety of career paths in academic, clinical, and industry environments dealing with the study and/or treatment of cancer.

Students and Research Assistants in Dupuy Lab

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You can learn more about the application process and requirements here.

News

UI receives over $683 million in research funding in 2024

Thursday, August 15, 2024

AACR 2024 Presentations by students and faculty

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Events

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Workshop: Tyler Woodward 5th Semester Seminar

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 12:30pm to 1:20pm
Medical Education Research Facility
Presentation by:  Tyler Woodward PhD Candidate Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Advisor: Todd Washington, PhD Please note: Workshop presentation titles are not provided publicly in order to protect intellectual property.  Please contact biochem@uiowa.edu if you would like more information.

TriNetX Basic Training

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Virtual
This training will provide an in-depth look at TriNetX and show you how to use the tool. We will go through building a study, searching for a specific population, and finally what information you can gather from the specific cohort. We will also discuss next steps on getting data extracted for research. After this training you will have a thorough understanding of how to use TriNetX and what the process is to get data extracted for research studies. Register by clicking the virtual event link...

Microbiology and Immunology Seminar: Anna Seekatz, PhD

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Bowen Science Building
Defining Clostridial Interactions in the Human Gut Anna Seekatz, PhD Assistant Professor, Clemson University