Oct 06, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2024-2025 
    
USC Catalogue 2024-2025

Cancer Biology and Genomics (PhD)


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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. Starting from the second year and onwards, students must enroll in CBG 574  and CBG 580  during the fall and spring semesters until they graduate. 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.

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