Ph.D. Requirements
The Cancer Biology Program conforms to the general GSBS requirements requiring 54 credit hours minimum to include one credit hour of the Ethical Dimensions of the Biomedical Sciences (GS210051), 12 credit hours of Tutorial Research Experience (GS000514), four required GSBS area requirement courses and a minimum of one year of registration for research which includes Research in Biomedical Sciences (GS000520) and Dissertation for Doctor of Philosophy (GS000920).
GSBS Areas
Quantitative
- GS010014 Biomedical Statistics
or - GS030102 Current Methods in Molecular Research (two semesters required)
Molecular
- GS030014 Metabolic Biochemistry
- GS030024 Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Cellular
- GS040133 Cancer Cell Signaling
Systems
- GS03 Basic Concepts of Tumor Biology (UT-Science Park, Smithville, TX)
Alternative Courses
In the event that students can demonstrate previous undergraduate academic experience in one or more of the areas, they may petition to substitute one of the following alternative courses to satisfy an area requirement.
Molecular
- GS040123 Eukaryotic Gene Expression
- GS040113 Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis
Cellular
- GS110023 Molecular and Cellular Approaches to Human Genetics
- GS120063 Histology
- GS120134 Introduction to Histology (UT-Science Park, Smithville, TX)
- GS140103 Advanced Neurobiology: Cellular and Molecular
Seminar Courses
Six credit hours required. Students can take one course multiple times with the cumulative time counting toward the six-hour requirement.
GS040173: Current Concepts of Human Cancers
GS040181: The Molecular Basis of Programmed Cell Death
GS040212: Mechanisms in Cancer Therapeutics
GS040612: Selected Topics in Molecular Virology: Gene Therapy and Transgenics
GS040711: Seminar in Virology and Gene Therapy
GS040721: Seminar in Tumor Suppressor Genes
GS040731: Seminar in Developmental Biology
GS040741: Seminar in Applied Oncology Research
GS040751: Seminar in Regulatory Biology
GS040761: Current Topics in Oncogene Research
GS040771: Current Topics in Tumor Progression
GS040791: Current Topics in Programmed Cell Death
GS040801: Current Topics in Genes and Development
GS040812: Seminars in Molecular Mechanisms of Human Cancer
GS040061: Seminar in Cancer Cell Signaling
Research Requirements
Students typically complete three laboratory tutorial research experiences (GS000514) within their first year of study. The choice of tutorial laboratories is determined by each student. Following these, a student chooses a laboratory in which to undertake thesis research. During this time, an Advisory Committee composed of the student's advisor and four additional faculty members will assist the student in directing his or her research.
Candidacy Examination
All GSBS students must petition to take the oral candidacy examination within three years of admission to the Ph.D. degree program. This examination is designed to ascertain both the student's preparation for investigation of a specific research problem, and the extent of knowledge in pertinent and related areas of biomedical science. It is administered by the student's Candidacy Examination Committee, and the results of this examination are communicated to both the Executive Committee of the Cancer Biology Program and the GSBS.
Teaching Experience
There is no formal teaching requirement for students in the Cancer Biology Program. Recently, the GSBS has initiated a Teaching Assistant Program where students are selected to assist in certain core courses. The teaching experience will vary from course to course, but it can include formal classroom teaching. Additional opportunities for teaching may be obtained through arrangement with individual course instructors.