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

Changing Medicine, Changing Lives: A Celebration of Our People promotional image

Changing Medicine, Changing Lives: A Celebration of Our People

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 5:30pm
Hancher Auditorium
UI Health Care's inaugural awards celebration

Internal Medicine Grand Rounds 5/28/2026

Thursday, May 28, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
General Hospital

CPC: TBA
Jennifer Houser, MD and Hira Shaikh, MBBS

Skills for Educators Workshop: Medical Improv

Friday, May 29, 2026 8:30am to 11:30am
University of Iowa Health Care University Campus
This interactive workshop will explore how improvisational theatre principles can enhance clinical communication skills.