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

ACB Seminar Series - Dr. Huiping Zhou  promotional image

ACB Seminar Series - Dr. Huiping Zhou

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Bowen Science Building

Dr. Huiping Zhou, a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology from Virginia Commonwealth University will visit the Anatomy and Cell Biology Department to present a seminar titled "Bile Acids in MASLD."

DeGowin Blood Drive @ UI Medical Center North Liberty  promotional image

DeGowin Blood Drive @ UI Medical Center North Liberty

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 10:00am to 2:00pm
UI Medical Center North Liberty
The DeGowin Blood Center is hosting a blood drive from XX a.m. to XX p.m. on DAY, DATE at LOCATION. Help the University of Iowa climb the Abbott & Big Ten We Give Blood Drive leaderboard and received a special-edition t-shirt from Abbott, while supplies last!

Iowa ReSpectacle Back to School Donation Drive promotional image

Iowa ReSpectacle Back to School Donation Drive

Wednesday, September 23 to Friday, September 25, 2026 (all day)
Medical Education Research Facility
Donate used glasses to be recycled and redistributed across the globe during the back-to-school season! Drop-off locations are available from Aug. 24 to Sept. 25 across the University of Iowa campuses and clinics.