Cancer Biology and Genomics (PhD)

The PhD program in Cancer Biology and Genomics (CBG) focuses on training investigators in strategies to understand the mechanisms of cancer development and progression which includes cell biological and genomic approaches. The ultimate objective is to translate basic findings into diagnostics, treatments and ultimate cures. The program applies a multidisciplinary approach toward these goals, with the full realization that cancers in different organs represent different diseases. However all cancers relate to uncontrolled cell proliferation with many cancers having a strong genetic predisposition. Consequently, major features of this program include the breadth of medically related interests and training and faculty characterized by wide and varied skills in many cancer-related research areas. To facilitate the application of multidisciplinary approaches to make cancer a disease of the past, close and regular contact between participating faculty of different disciplines and students is a major theme of this PhD program.

Cancer Biology and Genomics students are required to take CBG 580 and CBG 504 and must complete a total of 4 units from the following: INTD 549, INTD 685, MPTX 500, PM 512, PM 517a, PM 517b, PM 533*, PM 534*, PM 570*, PM 579, PM 599, TRGN 510 , TRGN 514 , TRGN 515  or other courses approved by the academic adviser. In the second year, students are required to register for CBG 580 in the fall and spring semesters. In the third and subsequent years, students should register for INTD 600 every fall and spring semester. In addition, students are required to complete at least 4 units of CBG 794a Doctoral Dissertation,  CBG 794b Doctoral Dissertation.

PhD students must supplement course work by registering for CBG 790 Research during the fall, spring, and summer semesters as needed to complete the minimum 60 units required for the PhD program.

As part of the requirements for the PhD degree in Cancer Biology and Genomics, students must adhere to the unit/course requirements, guidance committee and dissertation committee guidelines and must complete the qualifying examination, annual research appraisal, and dissertation and oral defense as outlined in the sections following the descriptions of the PhD programs.