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.

A campus visual from the Carver College of Medicine outdoor lawn space.

Ready to apply?

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

Events

Microbiology Graduate Program - PhD Thesis Seminar - Riley McFarlane promotional image

Microbiology Graduate Program - PhD Thesis Seminar - Riley McFarlane

Monday, April 13, 2026 10:00am to 11:00am
Bowen Science Building

Microbiology PhD Thesis Seminar - PhD Candidate - Riley McFarlane
Seminar Title: Stress management: a balancing act performed by Staphylococcus aureus

Women In Micro & Immuno Coffee Hour

Monday, April 13, 2026 11:00am to 12:00pm
Carver Biomedical Research Building

Join us for the Women in Micro & Immuno Coffee Hour. It is the monthly coffee hour on the second Monday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon in 1289 CBRB. Enjoy coffee, pastries and contribute to the discussion!

This is open to ALL — students, staff, postdocs, and faculty interested in promoting women in science.

Speakers change monthly. Contact: jessica-tucker@uiowa.edu for details.

Clinical Science Rounds: Mark Niciu promotional image

Clinical Science Rounds: Mark Niciu

Monday, April 13, 2026 12:30pm to 1:20pm
Psychological and Brain Sciences Building

Dr. Niciu is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. The Niciu Lab is broadly interested in the pathophysiology and experimental therapeutics of major mood disorders, particularly glutamate and subanesthetic-dose ketamine in treatment-resistant major depression. His work is also aimed at furthering the identification, replication, and dissemination of antidepressant response biomarkers.