Ph.D. in Cancer Biology

Overview

The Sheila and David Fuente Graduate Program in Cancer Biology is a university-wide interdisciplinary training program that draws upon clinical and basic sciences from multiple departments and medical school divisions of the University of Miami.

The scientific focus is broadly cancer research with an emphasis on fundamental cellular processes, their deregulation in cancer, the identification of novel diagnostics and therapeutic targets. In addition to training in technical aspects, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on scientific reasoning as the most important and portable aspect of PhD training.

The cross-disciplinary training includes novel concepts and state-of-the-art techniques of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, proteomics, structural biology, cell biology, pharmacology, and molecular medicine. This training is integrated into the extensive clinical and translational research programs of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC).

Research in Cancer Biology stands out by the scale and rate at which basic science translates into tangible changes in the treatment of patients. At the same time, information flows back rapidly from the clinic to direct the next frontier in basic science and innovation.

To make maximum use of this exciting research environment, scientists need training in the relevant clinical concepts to translate questions and research needs back into their own setting and engages in collaborative efforts. To facilitate this training, cancer biology graduate students receive guidance from both a research mentor and a physician mentor. The research mentor is the dissertation advisor, while the physician mentor provides a clinical perspective in cancer biology including issues of diagnosis, management, and treatment of cancer patients and clinical research.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to biomedical programs should have a bachelor degree in a biological or related discipline (e.g., psychology, chemistry, engineering, physics). Although there are no prerequisite requirements, courses in general biology, cell/molecular biology, calculus, general physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry are encouraged. Applications are generally accepted from September to December for fall entry only. Select applicants will be offered an interview.

COMPETITIVE CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Excellent academic record
• GRE is no longer required.  Competitive GRE exam scores (top 50th percentile) can be submitted through BiomedCAS as additional information.
• Research experience in a laboratory setting
• Publications of abstract and / or papers
• Co-authorship in a peer-reviewed journal is recommended
• Strong letters of recommendation from research scientists who know the candidate well
• Motivation to pursue state-of-the-art biomedical research
   

APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:

• Online Application
• Application Fee
• Official Academic Transcripts
• English Proficiency Exam (non-native speakers)
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume / CV

Full application instructions can be found online. 

Curriculum Requirements

¹

Students in this degree program take PIB 700 two times, at 1 credit each for a total of 2 credits

²

Students in this degree program take CAB 701 four times, at 1 credit each for a total of 4 credits.

³

Students in this degree program take CAB 705 three times, at 1 credit each for a total of 3 credits.

Suggested Plan of Study

Students are encouraged to take pertinent elective courses under guidance of their Dissertation Committee and research mentor.  Electives must be approved by CAB graduate program director.

• Required course credits:  36 cr. [700 level courses (required or elective)]
• Dissertation research: 24 cr.

Mission

The Graduate Program in Cancer Biology offers graduate training leading to a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology. It is the mission of the program to provide our students with 1) an understanding of the central concepts in cancer biology and basic biomedical science coupled with an understanding of clinical aspects of cancer including prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic interventions and 2) the ability to formulate, conduct, analyze and communicate original research within the broad field of cancer biology including fundamental cellular processes and their derangement in cancer etiology / progression; identification and mechanisms of novel cancer therapeutics and preventative agents; and identification of novel therapeutic targets, diagnostic and prognostic markers.

Student Learning Outcomes

• At the end of the program, students will demonstrate an overall knowledge and understanding of the core concepts in cancer biology, including the essential skills to conduct cancer biology research.
• Upon completion of the program, all students will demonstrate critical thinking skills, the capacity to develop hypotheses, the ability to evaluate their hypotheses through appropriate experimental design and analysis paying attention to responsible conduct of research as appropriate.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to write effective scientific reports and to present scientific results orally.