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. Andrea Page-McCaw promotional image

ACB Seminar Series - Dr. Andrea Page-McCaw

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Bowen Science Building

Dr. Andrea Page-McCaw, Professor and Chair of the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology at Vanderbilt University, will present a seminar titled "From Cell Damage to Cell Fusion: An Unexpected Pathway in Tissue Repair."

Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Workshop, Alexandria Miller promotional image

Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Workshop, Alexandria Miller

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Bowen Science Building
Molecular Medicine Interdisciplinary Program Thesis Defense Seminar: Miriam McDonough promotional image

Molecular Medicine Interdisciplinary Program Thesis Defense Seminar: Miriam McDonough

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 2:00pm
Medical Laboratories

Miriam McDonough is a PhD candidate in the Biomedical Science (Molecular Medicine) Interdisciplinary Graduate Program. Their research has been conducted in Jon Resch's laboratory.

If you are not able to attend in person, please consider showing your support by attending via Zoom. Please email britt-hokanson@uiowa.edu for the Zoom link.