The Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary program leads to a Ph.D. degree in Cancer Biology. The Program allows students to focus their training in several related disciplines which have in common research faculty studying various aspects of cancer biology. A MS is not offered. Please note: Prospective students should apply through the Arizona Biological & Biomedical Sciences (ABBS) program. Cancer Biology does not accept direct applicants; all students enter through the ABBS program.
Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs
The Graduate College sponsors several Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDPs) in addition to the many interdisciplinary possibilities available through regular graduate degree programs. GIDPs transcend departmental boundaries by facilitating cutting edge teaching and research at the nexus of traditional disciplines. The high value placed on interdisciplinary research and education is indicative of The University of Arizona's enthusiasm and commitment to fostering innovation and creativity among its faculty and students.
Graduate College/GIDP
University of Arizona - Main - Tucson
3 letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
GRE is not required
English Proficiency: https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/requirements/international-applicants#english-proficiency
Financial aid is available through Graduate Research Assistantships, fellowships and donated funds. All students admitted to the ABBS program are supported financially. After 3 rotations a research advisor will be determined and this advisor will provide the financial support.
Domestic Applicants:
International Applicants:
International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.
4832
ETS Major Field Code(s) for this program: 0206
NRC Taxon(a) for this program: Cell and Developmental Biology, Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health
63
Minumum credits: 36 credits of coursework, 18 credits of dissertation, 9 credits of minor coursework
Core coursework: Core courses must be completed and awarded a Grade of A or B during the first two years in the program.
See Other Requirements for Successful Completion of the Program below for more details.
Language requirements: None
Other requirements: Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program satisfactory academic progress guidelines
Year One (ABBS Program through mid-March):
Complete first year core courses, no less than a B grade
Rotate through at 3-4 laboratories to identify a research lab, complete lab rotation evaluation
Attend final oral defense of fellow students
Participate in student research meetings
By July 1 of first year:
Identify research advisor and lab
Select minor
Complete annual evaluation for meeting with Progress Committee
Year Two:
Complete second year core courses, no less than a B grade
January 1 identify research project area and, with mentor, select potential supervisory committee members
By March 1 contact committee members and plan first committee meeting, plan for preliminary exam
Years 3-5:
Pass comprehensive exam by September 15 of third year
Complete dissertation research and publish results in at least one peer-reviewed journal
Limit of 7 years for completion of degree
Core Courses:
Must be completed in the first two years (or with permission of Chair)
Grade of B or better
63 total credits requred: 36 coursework credits (22 of which must be graded units) and 18 dissertation credits, plus 9 credits of minor area coursework
BIOS 576A: Biostatistics
CBIO 552: Cancer Biology
CBIO 553: Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology
IMB 521: Scientific Grantsmanship
CBIO 561: Clinical Experience
CBIO 596H: Cancer Biology Seminar (taken each semester)
CBIO 595C: Cancer Biology Colloquium (taken every fall)
PHCL 595B: Scientific Writing Strategies, Skills and Ethics OR MCB 695E: Science, Society and Ethics
Annual Evaluation
Provide annual report to Progress Committee at meeting at the end of Spring semester
Comprehensive exam:
Please see handbook for most up-to-date information on comprehensive exam requirements
Milestones
Core courses complete by end of fourth semester
Research laboratory identified by July 1 of first year
Comprehensive exam no later than September 15 of third year
Final oral defense no later than seven years from start of program
Students may choose from any elective coursework at the university approved by their PI.
Commonly selected electives include:
CBIO 515: Mechanisms of Human Disease
CBIO 524: Contrast Agents, Molecular Imaging and Kinetics
CBIO 530: Proteins and Nucleic Acids as Drug Targets
CBIO 531: Nutrition and Cancer
CBIO 550: Drug Disposition and Metabolism
CBIO 595A: Oncogenes and Signal Transduction
CBIO 602A: General and Systems Toxicology
CBIO 610: Molecular and Cellular Toxicology
CBIO 630A: Cell Communication and Signal Transduction, Part I
CBIO 630B: Cell Communication and Signal Transduction, Part II
CMM 579: Art of Scientific Discovery
CMM 695D: Human Genetic Disease Colloquium
PCOL 601A: Epigenetics in Development and Disease
PHSC 670: Principles in Drug Discovery, Design, Development
No additional requirements
A minor in Cancer Biology requires 9 units. A review of the minor plan with the Program Chair is highly encouraged before classes are taken.
Cancer Biology students may major in any graduate-level program with the approval of their PI, including Cancer Biology.
Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.
Program-level Information | |
---|---|
Application Acceptance Rate | 75% |
Avg. Time-to-degree (years) | 5.41 |
Department-level Information | |
Enrollment Percent Male | 36.36% |
Enrollment Percent Female | 63.64% |
Enrollment Percent International | 9.09% |
Enrollment Percent URM | 13.64% |