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

College of Pharmacy PSET Seminar Series: Filiz Korkmaz, PhD promotional image

College of Pharmacy PSET Seminar Series: Filiz Korkmaz, PhD

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 11:30am
College of Pharmacy Building

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics (PSET) in the College of Pharmacy will host a seminar presented by: 

Filiz Korkmaz, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
University of Iowa

All are welcome to attend. No pre-registration required.

BMB Research Workshop promotional image

BMB Research Workshop

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 12:30pm to 1:20pm
Medical Education Research Facility

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology holds research workshops featuring internal speakers on Tuesdays, 12:30-1:20pm. For Spring 2026, these will occur in 2117 MERF. Presentation titles are not publicly available due to the use of unpublished research. Individuals interested in attending workshops or being added to the email list should contact the office at biochem@uiowa.edu.

Jan. 20: open

Jan. 27: open

Feb. 3: open

Feb. 10: open

Feb. 17: Tyler Woodward, PhD Candidate, 4th Year...

ACB Seminar Series - Joy James & Dr. Emma Thornell  promotional image

ACB Seminar Series - Joy James & Dr. Emma Thornell

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Bowen Science Building

Joy James, a Cell and Developmental Biology Student in the Stephens Lab, will present a seminar titled “Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Mediate Early Β-cell Dysfunction In Type 1 Diabetes."

Dr. Emma Thornell, a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, will present a seminar titled “Sustainable Science: Integrating Sustainability and Innovation in Biomedical Research."