Curriculum & Requirements - Cancer Biology

PHD PROGRAMS

PhD in Biomedical Sciences

The Cancer Biology curriculum trains you in approaches aimed at translational research advances to patient care, including advanced coursework in both basic and clinical cancer biology. You will study cancer gene signaling pathways, development and differentiation, invasion and metastasis, and focus on diseases such as breast or prostate cancer, leukemia, and melanoma. Despite the progress made in elucidating mechanisms that underlie human cancer, we are still seeking further understanding of the fundamentals. This curriculum aims to do just that.

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Meet the Co-Directors

Martin J Walsh, PhD

PROFESSOR | Pharmacological Sciences

PROFESSOR | Pediatrics

PROFESSOR | Genetics and Genomic Sciences

Walsh’s research focuses on prostate, colon and breast cancer, using both patient-based genomic, epigenomic and transcriptomic data analysis and mouse genetics approaches, to investigate the underlying epigenetic and chromatin-biological mechanisms that alter the transcriptional and post-transcriptional controls leading changes in cell fates driving oncogenesis.

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James J Manfredi, PhD

PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences

PROFESSOR | Cell, Developmental & Regenerative Biology

Dr. Manfredi’s research focuses on the molecular biology of the tumor suppressor p53 and how the p53 pathway can be used to enhance cancer therapy.

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Curriculum and Courses

Year One Fall courses include:

Biomedical Science
One of: Biostatistics, Applied Biostatistics, or Introduction to Biostatistics
Responsible Conduct of Research
Lab Rotation

Year One Spring courses include:

Biomedical Science
Rigor and Reproducibility
Lab Rotation
Independent Research
Advanced Topics: Tumor Biology
Journal Club: Cancer Biology
Seminar Series: Oncological Sciences
Cancer Biology Works-in-Process

Year Two Spring courses include:

Independent Research
Advanced Topics: Cancer Biology
Journal Club: Cancer Biology
Seminar Series: Oncological Sciences
Cancer Biology Works-in-Progress
Optional: Practical Cancer Genomics, plus any other electives within the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Consult your multidisciplinary training area director.

Our Cancer Biology training area program requirements include:

Completion of Biomedical Sciences I and II, and two courses specific to cancer biology (Advanced Topics in Tumor Biology, Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology), as well as all graduate school curriculum requirements.
Completion of at least two rotations, then choosing a mentor who will guide you through the preparation of your dissertation and your thesis defense.
Participation in the cancer biology seminar series, which brings leading cancer researchers to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to present research. You will attend the seminar and meet as a student group with the speakers.
Participation in the Cancer Journal Club during all your years of training. The Cancer Journal Club provides a forum for you to present your ongoing work to other students and postdoctoral fellows.