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. Bhagaban Mallik  promotional image

ACB Seminar Series - Dr. Bhagaban Mallik

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

Dr. Bhagaban Mallik, an Assistant Research Scientist in the Frank Lab, will present a seminar titled "Differential Roles of Intracellular Calcium and Metabolic Energy in Phasic MN-Is and Tonic MN-Ib Motor Neurons."

Biochemistry Seminar: "Illuminating the Biochemical Activity Architecture of the Cell" promotional image

Biochemistry Seminar: "Illuminating the Biochemical Activity Architecture of the Cell"

Thursday, October 1, 2026 10:30am to 11:20am
Medical Education Research Facility

"Illuminating the Biochemical Activity Architecture of the Cell"

Presented by

Jin Zhang, Ph.D.
Professor of Pharmacology
University of California San Diego

DeGowin Blood Drive @ Stead Family Children's Hospital promotional image

DeGowin Blood Drive @ Stead Family Children's Hospital

Thursday, October 1, 2026 11:00am to 3:00pm
University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital
The DeGowin Blood Center is hosting a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 1st 2026, at the Stead Family Children's Hospital. 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!